Too close to the border – v5 #Kharkiv

Too close to the border, to terror,
to the repeating onslaught, daily,
caged by restrictions, rules,
bright lines they always cross,
not allowed to strike the archers,
to thwart their genocide…
 
Too close to the border, to terror,
for warning, defensive actions,
missiles, drones coming,
shattering the stillness,
trapped in safe places,
while their bombs fall…
 
Too close to the border, to terror,
a great city, a vulnerable population,
their continuing fight, their struggle,
forgotten in the fleeting news cycle.
we say we stand with them,
but the bombs continue to fall…
 
Too close to the border, to terror,
a forgotten easy target, repeating,
their only defense is to fight,
to strike the bases, the archers,
too little time for self-defense,
to catch their incoming arrows…
 
----------  
Edited January 11, 2025
Too close to the border – v5
 
Edited November 29, 2024
Too close to the border – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/too-close-to-border-v4.html
Edited September 1, 2024
Too close to the border – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/too-close-to-border-v3.html
After more daily attacks in Kharkiv
Edited August 27, 2024
Streets of Kharkiv run red with blood – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/streets-of-kharkiv-run-red-with-blood-v2.html
after the attacks on Kyiv as well
Edited August 20, 2024
Paralyzed by red-lines – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/paralyzed-by-red-lines-v2.html
About US policy limiting the use of US provided weapons
inside Russia by Ukraine’s military.
Edited August 19, 2024
The dead cry out – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-dead-cry-out-v2.html
Edited August 19, 2024
Neutrality is a myth, a lie
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/neutrality-is-myth-lie.html
Edited August 1, 2024
Resolve personified – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/resolve-personified-v3.html
&
Edited July 20, 2024
A just peace must rise – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/07/a-just-peace-must-rise-v3.html
June 29, 2024
X post by Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
https://x.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1806999435559289050
at @DubrovnikForum in Croatia
Edited June 29, 2024
Listen to the cries of these people – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/06/listen-to-cries-of-these-people-v2.html
Edited June 28, 2024
May the carnage end – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/06/may-carnage-end-v2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, UN, NATO, USA, Germany, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Taras Shevchenko,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #Kharkiv

Whispering to Him

Whispering to Him
God growing within her
praying to the Father
seated on high…
 
Wooing Christ too her,
singing songs to Him,
praying for strength
for the journey to come…
 
Joseph beside her
as her time came closer,
wondering too, pondering,
how His life would unfold…
 
His first two disciples
on the journey before them,
the Christ growing, hidden,
in Mary’s sacred womb…
 
=====================
January 11, 2025
Whispering to Him
 
Based on Luke 1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm 139:13-16
Based on John 8:48-59
Based on Luke 1:39-45
Based on Philippians 2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John 1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation, Mary,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation #Mary

The Great Grave has been opened – v4 #TarasShevchenko

A rising of her children, united, together,
Ukraina’s best sons and daughters,
answering the call of duty, of freedom,
to their love for their homeland…
 
Shevchenko’s prayer has been answered,
The Great Grave has been opened,
spirits of the Kozaks, the Hetman,
descended from mountain slumber…
 
They fight beside you, for glory,
for the restoration with you,
for the freedom of your people,
victory for your homeland, Ukraine…
 
The Great Grave finally opened,
ancient glory that we sing of,
Kobzars and Ukraine’s daughters,
sing their mighty songs…
 
High on the heights, the tombs,
Kozaks rise from their rest,
fighting with these heroes, warriors,
until Ukraine’s victory is won…
 
--------
Edited January 11, 2025
The Great Grave has been opened – v4
 
Edited and posted October 18, 2024
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
The spell has been broken – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v2_27.html
after poem, “The spell has been broken”,
based on the poems, “The Great Grave”,
““To Marko Vovchok”,
about Maria Markovich,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
&
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave being opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-being-opened-v3.html
after poem, “The Great Grave being opened”,
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

My God, my muse, my protector – v3 #TarasShevchenko

Hearing Taras speaking, breathing,
“My God, my muse, my protector”,
seeing God in his writing, infusing,
feeling God has forsaken him, partly,
his wrestling with God in his misery,
but cleaving to God as well, his center,
his beating heart, God as source of his strength…
 
Wicking the Word into his writing, scripture,
ancient law, promises, the closeness of God
speaking warnings, God’s judgment, bringing
these ancient words into his speaking,
his crying out to his people, his brethren,
to not fall into the trap of the ancients, Israel,
to heed the lessons, to trust more fully in our God…
 
An ongoing dialogue, central to his calling,
wisdom within him, imparting, giving,
longing, feeling God gifting him words,
to hear His voice ever more clearly, urgent,
walking right beside him, hearing God’s call,
a separate vision, whispering mission, purpose,
breathing, speaking to him constantly, evermore…
 
-------------
Edited January 11, 2025
My God, my muse, my protector – v3
 
Edited December 8, 2024
My God, my muse, my protector – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/my-god-my-muse-my-protector-v2.html
December 3, 2024
My God, my muse, my protector
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/my-god-my-muse-my-protector.html
Edited November 26, 2024
Listen to the Prophet – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/listen-to-prophet-v3.html
after poem, “Listen to the Prophet”,
based on the poem, “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
November 4, 2024
A song of Mary – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/a-song-of-mary-v2.html
after poem, “A song of Mary”,
based on the poem, “Mary”,
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #TarasShevchenko 
 
----------------
 
My poem, “My god, my muse, my protector” is a way of recognizing Shevchenko’s very personal wrestling with God in his misery, praising God through his gifts, warning his people through scripture, especially with prophetic voices, and recognizing God’s protection through his trials in life. As a poor serf as a child or as an imprisoned poet and artist Shevchenko cleaved to God, he knew the presence of God, he cried out to God. He judged his oppressors, the oppressors of his people through scripture and he chastened his people through scripture as well.
 
His poem about Mary makes us look more deeply at the way we read scripture, and his poems rising from the prophets, or speaking of our blindness before the Spirit, challenge how we approach the word. His dreams, his words, were replete with the poor man’s love of God, the need for God, and the trust in God. And, especially, he spoke to God as his muse and his protector. I know that I feel the same way all the time.

Timeless – v3

Timeless, his voice, his legacy,
his keen eye of witness, courageous,
willing to speak out against power,
to pay its awful price for Ukraine…
 
Timeless, an enduring presence,
his words come to life before us,
transcending time and space, language,
encircling the globe, but alive in Ukraine…
 
Timeless, witness, storyteller, chronicler,
no other voice sufficient, so prescient,
so urgent, so utterly compelling,
the Kobzar of his people, Ukraine…
 
Timeless, watching down upon them
pride in the heroes, the people together,
rising to the challenge of the moment, Ukraine,
resistant, resilient, resolute, united they stand…
 
-------------------
Edited January 11, 2025
Timeless – v3
 
December 3, 2024
Timeless
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/timeless.html
&
Edited November 26, 2024
what a difference – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/what-difference-v3.html
after poem, “what a difference”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited and posted October 16, 2024
It makes no difference to me – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/it-makes-no-difference-to-me-v2_24.html
after poem, “It makes no difference to me”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko
 
My poem here “Timeless” is about Shevchenko’s voice, his legacy. He believed in Ukraine, in her history and her future. He wanted the best for his homeland with every breath. He longed for a brighter future, true freedom, reclaiming history and glory, but even more than in their ancient past. His love speaks to this new generation. They have indwelled his spirit and his belief in their homeland. He would say they are not like those he wrote about. He would see himself in them, knowing the legacy of Ukraine is in good hands. In the same way, his legacy, his words and his spirit, inspire and encourage Ukrainians and their collective fight today, their fight for freedom is exactly what Shevchenko prayed for.

Mary was with Him

Christ’s first disciple,
His mother Mary,
she was with Him
until her death…
 
Mary was with Him
from the visitation
from conception
to her earthly end…
 
Christ’s first disciple
knowing Him fully
fully-man, fully God
from beginning to end…
 
Mary is with Him
high up in heaven
His servant, His disciple,
His mother, His first love…
 
=====================
January 11, 2025
Mary was with Him
 
Based on Luke 1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm 139:13-16
Based on John 8:48-59
Based on Luke 1:39-45
Based on Philippians 2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John 1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation, Mary,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation #Mary

His first disciple

Visited by the angel
overshadowed by the Spirit,
Christ growing within her
her virgin womb…
 
Talking with him
sharing her blood
her love for him
her body, her womb…
 
His first witness
knowing his completely,
the Christ growing within her
her virgin womb…
 
Christ’s first disciple
before the conception
Mary became the servant
of God here with us…
 
=====================
January 11, 2025
His first disciple
 
Based on Luke 1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm 139:13-16
Based on John 8:48-59
Based on Luke 1:39-45
Based on Philippians 2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John 1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation, Mary,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation #Mary

A conversation with Mary

From the beginning,
the moment of conception
God within her
the vessel of her womb…
 
A conversation with Mary
God in mortal flesh
growing within her
the vessel of her womb…
 
As He grew, as she felt Him,
God moving, growing,
what must she whispered
to Christ in her womb…
 
A conversation with Mary,
her child, her Father,
the immortal, her flesh,
with Christ in her womb…
 
The intimacy of pregnancy,
this life growing within her
God almighty, our Savior,
in the vessel of her womb…
 
=====================
January 11, 2025
A conversation with Mary
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation, Mary,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation #Mary

How did He answer

what did she tell him
Christ growing within her
what did Mary share
with almighty God…
 
How did He answer
from within her vessel
in silence speaking
to His mother each day…
 
what did she whisper
what songs did she sing him
what must she have prayed
over the child within her…
 
How did He answer
what promises did He whisper
as He grew in her womb
for those nine months…
 
what must she have felt
knowing that Christ was growing
that God was in her womb
her sweet baby boy…
 
How did He answer
when His flesh was quickened
when she laid Him in the manger
God here with us…
 
=====================
Edited January 11, 2025
How did He answer
 
Edited January 11, 2025
what did she tell him – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/what-did-she-tell-him-v2.html
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
Edited January 9, 2025
The moment Mary conceived – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-moment-mary-conceived-v2.html
Edited January 8, 2025
a tear in the fabric of time – 2 – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-tear-in-fabric-of-time-2-v3.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation, Mary,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation #Mary

what did she tell him – v2

what did she tell him
Christ growing within her
what did Mary share
with almighty God…
 
what did she whisper
what songs did she sing him
what must she have prayed
over the child within her…
 
what must she have felt
knowing that Christ was growing
that God was in her womb
her sweet baby boy…
 
=====================
Edited January 11, 2025
what did she tell him – v2
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
Edited January 9, 2025
The moment Mary conceived – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-moment-mary-conceived-v2.html
Edited January 8, 2025
a tear in the fabric of time – 2 – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-tear-in-fabric-of-time-2-v3.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation, Mary,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation #Mary

what did she tell him

what did she tell him
Christ growing within her
what did Mary share
with almighty God…
 
what did she whisper
what songs did she sing him
what must she have prayed
over the child within her…
 
=====================
January 11, 2025
what did she tell him
 
Edited January 9, 2025
The moment Mary conceived – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-moment-mary-conceived-v2.html
Edited January 8, 2025
a tear in the fabric of time – 2 – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-tear-in-fabric-of-time-2-v3.html
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation, Mary,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation #Mary

From the tomb a Kozak – v4 #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

From the tomb a Kozak, gray and tired,
emerges from his sleep, his slumber,
in the darkness of the night…
 
He sings in sorrow, ancient songs,
for the cruel fate of his people,
their struggles, their internal strife…
 
How he aches for this people,
groaning in the darkness, aching,
returning to the earth at dawn’s first light…
 
Repeating his journey,
his nocturnal trek each night,
high above the heights
a Kozak gray and tired…
 
--------
Edited January 10, 2025
From the tomb a Kozak – v4
 
after poem, “From the tomb a Kozak”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 2”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited November 2, 2024
Fly to me, my darling thoughts – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/fly-to-me-my-darling-thoughts-v2.html
after poem, “Fly to me, my darling thoughts”,
based on the poem, Poems of Exile,
“1847 Songs of Mine, songs of mine…”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 10, 2024
I have been brought to wait
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-have-been-brought-to-wait_24.html
after poem, “I have been brought to wait”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 10”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 10, 2024
In an alien land
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-alien-land_24.html
after poem, “In an alien land”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 4”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited and posted October 16, 2024
what a difference – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/what-difference-v2_24.html 
Written and posted October 10, 2024
what a difference
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/what-difference_24.html
after poem, “what a difference”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited and posted October 16, 2024
It makes no difference to me – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/it-makes-no-difference-to-me-v2_24.html
after poem, “It makes no difference to me”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 9, 2024
alone, all alone
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/alone-all-alone-alone-all-alone-trapped.html
after poem, “alone, all alone”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 1”,
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

Tales of #Ukraina – v4 #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

ancient stories, whispers,
melodies, folk songs,
from the ancient ones,
the homeless orphans,
speaking to us, crying,
over steppes beseeching,
songs for their glory,
tales of Ukraina…
 
sing the Kozak glory,
happy ancient stories,
all that has been gathered
under the watchful poplar,
sharing their wise counsel
history they offer, the Kobzars,
songs of the Hetman, the Kozaks,
all the tales of Ukraina…
 
--------
Edited January 10, 2025
Tales of Ukraina – v4
 
after poem, “Tales of Ukraina”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited and posted October 3, 2024
I sing what thou hast whispered – v2
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-sing-what-thou-hast-whispered-v2.html
after poem, “I sing what thou hast whispered – v2”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
A word of caution – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-word-of-caution-v2.html
after poem, “A word of caution”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
and John 4: 5-30 (woman at the well)
&
Edited October 30, 2024
my black-haired maiden – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-black-haired-maiden-v2.html
after poem, “my black-haired maiden”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
In that battle where they vanquished – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-that-battle-where-they-vanquished-v2.html
after poem, “in that battle where they vanquished”,
based on the poem, “Night of Taras”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
the blue sea, an angry monster – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-blue-sea-angry-monster-v2.html
after poem, “the blue sea, an angry monster”,
based on the poem, “Ivan Pidkova”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
Gone the ancient freedom – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/gone-ancient-freedom-v2.html
after poem, “Gone the ancient freedom”,
based on the poem, “Osnovyanenko”
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

the blue sea, an angry monster – v3 #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

dashed the fortune of the nation,
on the foaming path of conquest,
into the boats they gathered,
from the Dnipro’s great harbors…
 
the blue sea, an angry monster,
waiting, for the seamen, danger,
purposely on their mission, the path,
to gather more power to them…
 
alas, they did not prosper, vainly,
their tombs are high and lofty,
though songs were sung about them,
their glory, at one time in Ukraina…
 
at one time, they knew the path to power,
the ancient seats of the sultan,
their birthplace remembered,
before the roaring seas…
 
--------
Edited January 10, 2025
the blue sea, an angry monster – v3
 
after poem, “the blue sea, an angry monster”,
based on the poem, “Ivan Pidkova”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
Gone the ancient freedom – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/gone-ancient-freedom-v2.html
after poem, “Gone the ancient freedom”,
based on the poem, “Osnovyanenko”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
Do the Kobzars sing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/do-kobzars-sing-v2.html
after poem, “the suffering of Ukraine”,
based on the Dedication to “The Kobzar”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 1, 2024
the suffering of Ukraine
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-suffering-of-ukraine_23.html
after poem, “the suffering of Ukraine”,
based on the Dedication to “The Kobzar”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
All my people are strangers – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/all-my-people-are-strangers-v2.html
after poem, “All my people are strangers”,
based on the poem, “Dumka”,
lament of an orphan girls,
successor to “The Poplar”,
and introduction to “Osnovyanenko”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
after “Perebendya”
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/after-perebendya-v2.html
after poem, “after “Perebendya””,
based on the poem, “Perebendya”,
the last of the Kobzars
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 2, 2024
Do the Kobzars sing
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/do-kobzars-sing_23.html
after poem, “the suffering of Ukraine”,
based on the Dedication to “The Kobzar”,
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

the mother and the martyr – v3 #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

she weeps for her firstborn,
a zealot to his faith, his homeland,
though he has been far from home
she knows his face so well…
 
the mother and the martyr,
their bond is eternal, immortal,
together, joined together,
one life, one heart beating as one…
 
he is faithful to her, his homeland
her cause is his life’s purpose
never has a son sought for justice
more for his mother, his homeland…
 
the mother and the martyr,
joined together, always,
their love a bond between them,
no distance could overcome…
 
--------
Edited January 10, 2025
The mother and the martyr – v3
 
after poem “the mother and the martyr”, based on the poem,
“Neophytes”, by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 29, 2024
The Great Catastrophe – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-great-catastrophe-v2.html
based on sentence and imprisonment of Taras Shevchenko
for ten years, 1847 (age 33) until 1857 (age 43)
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
the ruin of his country
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-ruin-of-his-country.html
after poem “the ruin of his country”, based on the poems,
“The Dream” and “The Great Grave”, by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 29, 2024
A revolutionary, a subversive – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-revolutionary-subversive-v2.html
Written and posted September 30, 2024
A revolutionary, a subversive
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-revolutionary-subversive.html
after poem “A revolutionary, a subversive”, based on the poem,
“The Dream, by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
the aspirations of his people
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-aspirations-of-his-people-he.html
about Taras Shevchenko’s life and poetry
&
Edited October 29, 2024
A voice against injustice – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v2.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/13/24
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

His wish was fulfilled – v4 #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

Shevchenko’s wish was granted, fulfilled,
his eternal prayer was answered,
he was brought back to the Dnipro,
the spirit of Ukraine which lived,
which called to him homeward,
He returned, his body was buried,
in the dark soil, his homeland…
 
Taras Shevchenko is forever
one with Ukraine…
 
He lived away from the poplars,
from the fields and the forests,
he spent many years imprisoned,
part of the diaspora, scattered,
so far from his homeland,
but his prayer was answered,
his wish was granted, fulfilled…
 
Taras Shevchenko is forever
one with Ukraine…
 
-------------
Edited January 10, 2025
His wish was fulfilled – v4
 
after poem “His wish was fulfilled, based on the poem,
“The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 12/25/1845
&
Written and posted September 29, 2024
A voice against injustice
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-voice-against-injustice.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/13/24
&
Edited September 25, 2024
I hear Taras’ whisper to me… - v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/i-hear-taras-whisper-to-me-v2.html
about Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko,
Robert Burns, Mikhail Bulgakov, and Nikolai Gogol…
Robert Frost and Mary Oliver…
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #TarasShevchenko