Poetry Where You Live: 10/12/2025

Friday, October 17, 2025

You saved me for a purpose – v2 #God #Savior #Christ #Spirit #calling #purpose

I submit my will to You,
to Your perfect plan for me,
You saved me for a purpose,
You redeemed my brokenness
You gave me life…

You brought me back to You,
a prodigal loved completely,
You put your arms around me,
You washed me in Your love,
in the precious blood of Jesus…

I give you all I am,
I submit my life to You,
to live into my purpose,
Your broken, empty vessel
to be filled, to be poured…

-----
Edited October 17, 2025
You saved me for a purpose – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/you-saved-me-for-purpose-v2.html
Based on #Ephesians2:4-5
Based on #John3:16
re:generation, Step 3, Trust, Week 1, Day 1
April 12, 2025
I submit my will
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/i-submit-my-will.html
re:generation, Step 3, Trust, Week 1, Day 1

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 my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, regeneration, Ephesians 2,

#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit

Thursday, October 16, 2025

His Testament – v2 #TarasShevchenko #Ukraine #soul #Kobzar #culture #identity #poetry

We breathe in Taras’ prayer,
the Kobzar’s lament, his song,
when he was far from the mighty Dnipro,
his homeland, the black soil, the poplars,
like Samson’s hair, the source of his strength
All that had been taken from him,
most of his life in exile, part of the diaspora,
far from the springs, the waters,
the well of his spirit, Ukraina…

His testament, Zapovit, a wish,
the truth of his longing, his need,
all that he is, eternal, his desire,
his yearning, his living prayer,
to be returned, restored,
His body and his spirit united
with the black soil of his homeland,
returned to the mighty Dnipro,
His beloved Ukraina…

--------
Edited October 16, 2025
His Testament – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/his-testament-v2.html
based on the poem, “The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 12/25/1845
Based on the comment of a defender, on my poem,
“The power of his words – v4”
She wrote, “I would have loved to read the thought of taras,
kobzar, and zapovit”.
I wrote back, “He still speaks to all of you defenders through the
legacy of each other. The thread of his spirit lives in all of you.”
She responded, “That’s true.”
I finished the loop of our conversation with, “That is why I felt him
speaking to me as I read that book a year ago. His spirit
watches by his grave every night, flying over Ukraine.”
I then wrote the poem, “each night he flies”, on the 14^th.
Edited October 14, 2025
Break twain your fetters – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/break-in-twain-your-fetters-v3.html
after poem “Break in twain your fetters”, based on the poem,
“The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
Reimagined October 14, 2025
each night he flies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/each-night-he-flies.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon on mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
based on Shevchenko’s 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
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
Edited October 6, 2025
The spell has been broken – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v5.html
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-has-been-opened-v3.html
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”
Edited October 3, 2025
A voice against injustice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v4.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 October 3, 2025
Sing to me, Taras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/sing-to-me-taras-v3.html
a prayer to Taras Shevchenko
Edited September 29, 2025
I hear Taras’ whisper to me… - v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/i-hear-taras-whisper-to-me-v5.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 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, serfdom, muse, prison, grave,

#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

#civilian targets #Kherson #Russia #terror #FPV #drones #Ukraine #warcrimes

Nothing is indiscriminate,
no accident, pure evil,
FPV drones hunting
Human safaris, genocide,
Double-tap attacks,
civilian targets, children…

Ukraine in the crosshairs,
of cruel naked aggression…
Kherson in the grip,
of relentless bombardment
A frontline of terror
with no end in sight…

Russia’s war crimes,
crimes against humanity,
Russia’s war of attrition
where human life means nothing…
Cruelty at all costs…
They must be stopped…

--------
New name/edited October 15, 2025
civilian targets
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/civilian-targets.html
reporting and documentary by Caolan Robertson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlTnKYTxWOY
October 14, 2025
targets
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/targets.html
Edited October 13, 2025
Harrowing Moments – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/harrowing-moments-v2.html
Post of Keti Leshkasheli, with bullets creating craters
in the ground right beside her and her unit…
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1132174128904695
Edited September 1, 2025
our complacency is our complicity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/our-complacency-is-our-complicity_1.html
March 16, 2022 – Bombing of Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theatre in Mariupol
July 8, 2024 – Attack on Okhmatdyt National Children’s Specialized Hospital, Kyiv
April 4, 2025 – Shelling of the playground in Kryvyi Rih
July 10, 2025 - Human safari FPV drone targeting a one-year-old in Kherson
Edited August 30, 2025
the cost of our silence is measured in children’s lives – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-cost-of-our-silence-is-measured-in_30.html
Edited October 7, 2025
We must stand on the side of Freedom – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/we-must-stand-on-side-of-freedom-v2.html
Edited November 29, 2024
the front will be everywhere – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-front-will-be-everywhere-v3.html
Quote: “На фронті будуть всі,
aбо фронт буде всюди”
“Everyone will be at the front,
or the front will be everywhere"

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 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, Georgia, Georgian,

#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #Georgia #Georgian

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

targets #Kherson #Russia #terror #FPV #drones

no accident, evil,
FPV drones hunting
Human safaris, genocide
civilian targets, children…

Kherson in the grip,
of relentless bombardment
a frontline of terror
with no end in sight…

Russia’s war of attrition
Human life is seen as nothing
Cruelty at all costs…
They must be stopped…

--------
October 14, 2025
targets

reporting and documentary by Caolan Robertson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlTnKYTxWOY
Edited October 13, 2025
Harrowing Moments – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/harrowing-moments-v2.html
Post of Keti Leshkasheli, with bullets creating craters
in the ground right beside her and her unit…
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1132174128904695
Edited September 1, 2025
our complacency is our complicity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/our-complacency-is-our-complicity_1.html
March 16, 2022 – Bombing of Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theatre in Mariupol
July 8, 2024 – Attack on Okhmatdyt National Children’s Specialized Hospital, Kyiv
April 4, 2025 – Shelling of the playground in Kryvyi Rih
July 10, 2025 - Human safari FPV drone targeting a one-year-old in Kherson
Edited August 30, 2025
the cost of our silence is measured in children’s lives – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-cost-of-our-silence-is-measured-in_30.html
Edited October 7, 2025
We must stand on the side of Freedom – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/we-must-stand-on-side-of-freedom-v2.html
Edited November 29, 2024
the front will be everywhere – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-front-will-be-everywhere-v3.html
Quote: “На фронті будуть всі,
aбо фронт буде всюди”
“Everyone will be at the front,
or the front will be everywhere"

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 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, Georgia, Georgian,

#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #Georgia #Georgian

His #Testament #Zapovit #TarasShevchenko #Ukraine

Taras’ prayer,
the Kobzar’s lament,
far from his homeland
the black soil, the poplars,
the source of his strength
All that had been taken
most of his life in exile
far from the springs, the waters,
the well of his spirit…

His testament, Zapovit,
the truth of his longing
all that he is, eternal,
his yearning, his prayer,
to be returned, restored,
His body and his spirit
in the black soil of his homeland,
returned to the Dnipro,
His beloved Ukraina…

--------
October 14, 2025
His Testament
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/his-testament.html
based on the poem, “The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 12/25/1845
Edited October 14, 2025
Break twain your fetters – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/break-in-twain-your-fetters-v3.html
after poem “Break in twain your fetters”, based on the poem,
“The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
Reimagined October 14, 2025
each night he flies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/each-night-he-flies.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon on mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
based on Shevchenko’s 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
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
Edited October 6, 2025
The spell has been broken – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v5.html
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-has-been-opened-v3.html
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave being opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-being-opened-v3.html
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”
Edited October 3, 2025
A voice against injustice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v4.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 October 3, 2025
Sing to me, Taras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/sing-to-me-taras-v3.html
a prayer to Taras Shevchenko
Edited September 30, 2025
Channeling Taras – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/channeling-taras-v6.html
About Taras Shevchenko speaking to my spirit, through his life and poetry
Edited September 29, 2025
I hear Taras’ whisper to me… - v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/i-hear-taras-whisper-to-me-v5.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 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, serfdom, muse, prison, grave,

#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave

is she a specter #girlfriend #scam #romancescam

is she a dream, a myth,
a specter, a spirit,
is she as close, as real,
as God’s breath…

plans for a future,
eternity, a ghost,
what will the truth be,
what really is…

longing for a partner,
a life, hope, the truth,
but the dots are unconnected,
her identity is unresolved…

even as we hope in You #Psalm33

put Your loving hand upon us
as we hope only in You
our Rock, our Strong Fortress,
our refuge in the storm…

You are our hope, grace,
mercy to redeem us,
The way of the cross,
our joy in Christ Jesus…

lift us, guide us,
oh, Spirit, we pray,
Your righteousness alone
leads us away from death…

even as we hope in You
The storms wail around us
protect us in our trials
when the gales howl, we pray…

--------------
October 14, 2025
even as we hope in You

Based on #Psalm33:10-22
regeneration, Step 11, “Intimacy”, Week 1, Large group meeting
September 22, 2025
confess freely
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/confess-freely.html
Based on Psalm 32
regeneration, Step 10, Continue, Week 1, Large group meeting

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 my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, Intimacy, Psalm 33,

#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #regeneration

each night he flies #TarasShevchenko #Ukraine

Each night, he stirs, he rises,

The Kobzar, the Bard, a living spirit,
watching from the heights,
from his open tomb…

Over the great Dnipro,
flying above all of Ukraine,
From the heights, he watches
his people below…

Not held by his earthly tomb,
given dominion over this land,
allowed to linger with his people,
His beloved Ukraine…

The Bard, the Kobzar,
the essence of their culture,
The heart of Ukraine
does not truly rest…

Taras is watching, praying,
from the mountain heights,
His prayer for Ukraine is eternal,
though he long left this life…

The soul of Hetman,
Cossacks, the Kobzars,
The song of his spirit
has never left Ukraine…

--------
Reimagined October 14, 2025
each night he flies

Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon on mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
expanding on last stanza of after poem, “The spell has been broken – v4”,
based on Shevchenko’s 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
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
Edited October 6, 2025
The spell has been broken – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v5.html
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-has-been-opened-v3.html
edited and posted October 18, 2024
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”,
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”
Edited October 3, 2025
A voice against injustice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v4.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 October 3, 2025
Sing to me, Taras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/sing-to-me-taras-v3.html
a prayer to Taras Shevchenko
Edited September 30, 2025
Channeling Taras – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/channeling-taras-v6.html
About Taras Shevchenko speaking to my spirit,
through his life and poetry
Edited September 29, 2025
I hear Taras’ whisper to me… - v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/i-hear-taras-whisper-to-me-v5.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 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, grave,

#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave

Break in twain your fetters - v4 #TarasShevchenko #Ukraine

Free yourself of the oppressors,

the chains that bind you,
Your false, harsh masters,
“Break in twain your fetters”,
breathe the clean air of freedom…

Cast off their chains,
of power, of oppression,
living in freedom, alive,
independent of your masters
who held you in serfdom, slavery…

Stand as free men and women,
an independent people, a nation,
no longer slaves of these masters,
shake off the yoke of oppression,
stand in the light of day…

Bear witness boldly, with power,
to your freedom, your independence,
as a people, as a nation-state,
walking freely into the future,
your homeland, your Ukraina…

-------------
Edited October 14, 2025
Break twain your fetters – v4

after poem “Break in twain your fetters”, based on the poem,
“The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 12/25/1845
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.html
Written and posted October 13, 2024
His final words
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/his-final-words_25.html
after poem, “His final words”,
based on the poem, “It is not time for us to stop?”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
written on his 47^th birthday,
2/25/1861, he died one day later,
on 2/26/1861.
Written and posted October 13, 2024
Wait in stillness
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/wait-in-stillness_25.html
after poem, “Wait in stillness”,
based on the poem, “The Years of Youth are passed away”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
written 10/19/1860
Written and posted October 13, 2024
I live in rebellion
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-live-in-rebellion_25.html
after poem, “I live in rebellion”,
based on the poem, “I do not murmur at the Lord”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 13, 2024
Listen to the Prophet
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/listen-to-prophet_25.html
after poem, “Listen to the Prophet”,
based on the poem, “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted September 29, 2024
A voice against injustice
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 10/15/24

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, 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 #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Monday, October 13, 2025

A revolutionary, a subversive – v3 #TarasShevchenko #Ukraine

a revolutionary, a subversive,
a Ukrainian dissident,
confident, courageous,
turning on his masters,
their power on society as well…

his spirit restless, relentless,
not willing to be silent,
become an insurgent,
speaking truth to power,
at such an awful cost…

but Ukraine was that important,
his love for her self-evident,
freedom for the serfs, his family,
every word he uttered, he spoke,
sought release for her, her life…

risking everything, his own freedom,
speaking truth to power, the Tsar,
for the cause of his life, his Ukraina,
his mission, his calling, his purpose,
for the freedom of his beloved Ukraine…

--------
Edited October 13, 2025
A revolutionary, a subversive – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-revolutionary-subversive-v3.html

after poem “A revolutionary, a subversive”, based on the poem,
“The Dream, by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted September 30, 2024
A revolutionary, a subversive
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-revolutionary-subversive.html
Edited October 13, 2025
The power of his words – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-power-of-his-words-v4.html
about Taras Shevchenko’s life and poetry
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
Written and posted September 30, 2024
Plumb his words
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/plumb-his-words.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 #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

The power of his words – v4 #TarasShevchenko #Ukraine

Words to start a revolution,
to define their whole nation,
speaking out against injustice,
cruelty of the hand that fed him,
holding him in slavery, in poverty,
even when he was able to break free…

The power of his words,
speaking truth to the leader,
shaking the Tsar, his power…
fear in the crucible of poverty,
singling him out for punishment,
to break him, to break his will…

Shevchenko holds a singular vision,
subversive, resurgent,
a cry for his people…
never falling silent,
to speak aloud a future,
when they all would be free…

His deep love of his homeland,
this dark soil, this earth,
never changed or wavered…
Even when he was far from
the river, the Dnipro…
He held tightly to Ukraine…

-------------
Edited October 13, 2025
The power of his words – v4

about Taras Shevchenko’s life and poetry
Written and posted September 29, 2024
The power of his words
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-power-of-his-words.html
Edited October 15, 2024
Break twain your fetters – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/break-in-twain-your-fetters-v2.html
after poem “Break in twain your fetters – v2”, based on the poem,
“The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 12/25/1845
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.html
&
Written and posted October 13, 2024
His final words
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/his-final-words_25.html
after poem, “His final words”,
based on the poem, “It is not time for us to stop?”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
written on his 47^th birthday,
2/25/1861, he died one day later,
on 2/26/1861.
&
Written and posted October 13, 2024
Wait in stillness
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/wait-in-stillness_25.html
after poem, “Wait in stillness”,
based on the poem, “The Years of Youth are passed away”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
written 10/19/1860
&
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 10/15/24

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 #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

A false narrative #poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #regeneration #Messiah #identity

A polemic, a platitude,
A syllogism, a metaphor,
A false narrative, a conclusion
A false dichotomy based
on self-serving facts…

An analogy, a way of thinking,
A form of self-creation, of identity,
of putting others in a trap,
A rhetorical straight jacket…

Cutting off debate, discussion,
A walled off conversation,
demanding external validation,
A tripwire, a bear trap,
leading to conviction…

====
October 13, 2025
A false narrative

Based on #Matthew16:21-28
Sermon, “Our Culture and the Cross”
October 12, 2025
October 13, 2025
Reveal Your Son to Me
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/reveal-your-son-to-me.html
Edited September 25, 2025
You Restore My Life – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/you-restore-my-life-v2.html
Based on #Psalm30:1-12
re:generation, Step 9, Amends, Week 2, Large Group meeting September 8, 2025
September 10, 2025
tilling the soil - 3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/tilling-soil-3.html
re:generation, Step 9, Amends, Week 2, Small Group meeting September 8, 2025
Edited September 9, 2025
Defiled by my heart – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/defiled-by-my-heart-v2.html
Based on Matthew 15:1-20
Sermon, “The Main Thing”
August 30, 2025
Edited September 9, 2025
Hold my thoughts captive – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/hold-my-thoughts-captive-v2.html
September 7, 2025
Men’s Ministries 2026 Planning Meeting
Edited September 6, 2025
Clothe me with Christ – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/clothe-me-with-christ-v2.html
Samson Society men’s group meeting

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 my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, grace, regeneration, Matthew 16,

#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit

Reveal Your Son to Me #poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #regeneration #Messiah

Reveal Your Son to me,
oh God, my Creator,
Show me the living Christ
Seated beside You, my Father…

How blessed I am,
saved by grace, blessed,
become a child of God,
a brother to my Brother…

Reveal Christ to me,
oh, indwelling Spirit,
clear the scales from my eyes,
my Redeemer, my Savior…

====

October 13, 2025

Reveal Your Son to Me

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/reveal-your-son-to-me.html

Based on #Matthew16:21-28

Based on #Acts9:18

Based on Acts 9:3-18

Sermon, “Jesus and His Church”

October 5, 2025

Edited September 25, 2025
You Restore My Life – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/you-restore-my-life-v2.html
Based on #Psalm30:1-12
re:generation, Step 9, Amends, Week 2, Large Group meeting September 8, 2025
September 10, 2025
tilling the soil - 3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/tilling-soil-3.html
re:generation, Step 9, Amends, Week 2, Small Group meeting September 8, 2025
Edited September 9, 2025
Defiled by my heart – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/defiled-by-my-heart-v2.html
Based on Matthew 15:1-20
Sermon, “The Main Thing”
August 30, 2025
Edited September 9, 2025
Hold my thoughts captive – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/hold-my-thoughts-captive-v2.html
September 7, 2025
Men’s Ministries 2026 Planning Meeting
Edited September 6, 2025
Clothe me with Christ – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/clothe-me-with-christ-v2.html
Samson Society men’s group meeting

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 my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, grace, regeneration, Matthew 16, Acts 9,

#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit

Redeem the time – v2 #poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #regeneration #Ephesians5 #John15 #Genesis3

Though the days are evil,
under the sway of Satan,
We must stand in the gap,
We must redeem the time,
for every second is precious…
Every moment is fleeting
like sand in our hands…

We must submit to one another,
We must hold each other closely,
out of reverence for Christ,
who sacrificed for us…
We must live in this moment,
forsaking sin, our flesh…

We must resist evil, the Devil,
We must stand in the gap,
abiding in the vine, in Christ,
in confession, in praise, in worship…
We sing to the Lord, psalms,
out of your grateful heart…

We must redeem the time
from the grip of the evil one,
for every second is precious…
God has gifted each of us
these moments of decision…
We must listen to the Spirit,
We are called to abide within…

--------------
Edited October 13, 2025
Redeem the time – v2

October 9, 2025
Redeem the time
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/redeem-time.html
Based on Ephesians 5:15-16
Based on Ephesians 5:15-21
Based on John 15
Based on Genesis 3
Men’s Thursday morning bible study
September 22, 2025
confess freely
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/confess-freely.html
Based on #Psalm32
Based on #Psalm51
regeneration, Step 10, Continue, Week 1, Large group meeting
September 22, 2025
You forgave my iniquity
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/you-forgave-my-iniquity.html
Edited September 22, 2025
The Stench of Our Prisons
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-stench-of-our-prisons.html
Based on Ephesians 4:17-24
Men’s Thursday Morning Bible Study

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 my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, confession, Ephesians 5, John 15, Genesis 3,

#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #regeneration #Ephesians5 #John15 #Genesis3

Harrowing Moments – v2 #Ukrainian #Ukraine #war #bullets #Georgia #Georgian #Keti #Leshkasheli ქეთი ლეშკაშელი

The truth is not pretty, gut-wrenching,
anger of bullets, of terror, unending,
relentless, whizzing by, hitting ground,
coming at them, the courageous,
those resolute against the fire,
The genocide of the Russian state…

We must not be complacent,
Neutral in our posture,
complicit in our inaction,
leaving them to the terror…
We stand with the fighters,
The Defenders of Ukraine…

We must stand with them
We must give them aid,
Those who fight evil,
Now, more than ever,
in the harrowing moments
When the bullets fly…

--------
Edited October 13, 2025
Harrowing Moments – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/harrowing-moments-v2.html
Post of Keti Leshkasheli, with bullets creating craters
in the ground right beside her and her unit…
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1132174128904695
Edited October 7, 2025
We must stand on the side of Freedom – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/we-must-stand-on-side-of-freedom-v2.html
Edited November 29, 2024
the front will be everywhere – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-front-will-be-everywhere-v3.html
Quote: “На фронті будуть всі,
aбо фронт буде всюди”
“Everyone will be at the front,
or the front will be everywhere"
November 12, 2024
the front will be everywhere
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-front-will-be-everywhere.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
In this moment of madness – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness-v2_27.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.html
Written and posted October 12, 2024
In the crucible of war – 2 – v1
Typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-crucible-of-war-2-v1_25.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, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See 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, Georgia, Georgian,

#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #Georgia #Georgian

Poetry Where You Live