It makes no difference to me – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Imprisoned, in despair, speaking,
“It makes no difference to me,” …
His repeated line of sorrow,
unaware of his place in their history…
 
How wrong he was, truly,
for his legacy is transcendent,
His words an epithet spoken
a curse over himself…
 
“I shall not leave the slightest trace
upon our glorious Ukraine,”
He cried out in pain, in failure,
he whispered from his prison cell…
 
But in the pantheon of saints,
Kobzars, the Kozaks, the Hetman,
He is the exemplar, the hero,
He is the Bard, the Poet of Ukraine…
 
--------
Edited November 29, 2025
It makes not difference to me – v4
 
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
From the tomb a Kozak
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/from-tomb-kozak_24.html
after poem, “From the tomb a Kozak”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 2”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 9, 2024
alone, all alone
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
Written and posted October 9, 2024
lay my body
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/lay-my-body_24.html
after poem, “lay my body”,
based on the poem, “The Testament”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 1845,
when he was 31 years old,
the desire to be buried in Ukraine,
see link to Taras Hill, his burial site…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taras_Hill
Written and posted October 9, 2024
Don't forget your mother
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/dont-forget-your-mother_24.html
after poem, “Don't forget your mother”,
based on the poem, “The Epistle”,
1 John 4:20
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, 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, 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

In an alien land – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

You have deserted your mother,
your dying homeland, Ukraine,
You have fallen into the trap
of pleasures unknown…
 
You lay your head in palaces,
“In an alien land, amid strangers”,
forgetting about your deceased mother,
your barren homeland, Ukraine…
 
You have chosen your enemy,
Your accursed master, the Tsar,
squandering your history, your future
for a false peace, comfort, but at a great cost…
 
You lay your head in palaces,
“In an alien land, amid strangers”,
forgetting about your deceased mother,
your barren homeland, Ukraine…
 
You have abandoned your identity,
your days will be like grasses,
gathered for the fire, a pyre,
the burning of Ukraina…
 
You lay your head in palaces,
“In an alien land, amid strangers”,
forgetting about your deceased mother,
your barren homeland, Ukraine…
 
--------
Edited November 29, 2025
In an alien land – v4
 
after poem, “In an alien land”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 4”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited November 2, 2024
I have been brought to wait – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/i-have-been-brought-to-wait-v2.html
after poem, “I have been brought to wait”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 10”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited and posted October 16, 2024
what a difference – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/what-difference-v2_24.html 
after poem, “what a difference”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 9, 2024
It makes no difference to me
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/it-makes-no-difference-to-me.html
after poem, “It makes no difference to me”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited November 2, 2024
From the tomb a Kozak – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/from-tomb-kozak-v2.html
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
 
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, 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

I have been brought to wait – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

I have been brought to wait,
in this prison, in these chains
sentenced to oblivion
far from my homeland, Ukraine…
I await my fate, my lost days…
 
I have lost my liberty, my freedom,
listening to the fools to madmen,
throwing my lot with them…
I shall die far from my homeland, Ukraine
under the boot of the oppressor…
 
--------
Edited November 29, 2025
I have been brought to wait – v3
 
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
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 
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
Written and posted October 9, 2024
It makes no difference to me
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/it-makes-no-difference-to-me.html
after poem, “It makes no difference to me”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited November 2, 2024
From the tomb a Kozak – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/from-tomb-kozak-v2.html
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 9, 2024
alone, all alone
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, 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, 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
 

From the tomb a #Kozak – v5 #poetry #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko #defender #hero #spirit #cossack

From the tomb a Kozak, gray and tired,
emerges from his sleep, his slumber,
in the darkness of the night
He cries out for Ukraine…
 
He sings in sorrow, ancient songs,
for the cruel fate of his people,
their struggles, their internal strife,
Their prayer for glory, freedom…
 
How he aches for this people,
groaning in the darkness, aching,
returning to the earth at dawn’s first light
after his nightly vigil…
 
Repeating his journey, his flight,
his nocturnal trek each night,
high above the heights
a Kozak gray and tired…
 
--------
Edited November 29, 2025
From the tomb a Kozak – v5
 
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
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
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
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
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

Fly to me, my darling thoughts – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Though I am in chains,
bound for freedom’s sake,
I am held in prison,
I cry to the wind, to my history,
to find me in my struggle,
to give me hope, a sense of peace …
 
Fly to me, my darling thoughts,
teased from the ether, from spirit,
from memories, my life,
across time and space, calling…
My history, my vision, my heart,
will remember my sweet Ukraina…
 
--------
Edited November 25, 2025
Fly to me, my darling thoughts – v4
 
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
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
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
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
Written and posted October 9, 2024
It makes no difference to me
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/it-makes-no-difference-to-me.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
From the tomb a Kozak
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/from-tomb-kozak_24.html
after poem, “From the tomb a Kozak”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 2”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 9, 2024
alone, all alone
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
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, 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, 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

at least one little tear – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Beside me, with me my whole life
guiding my hand, my portion
high upon the steppes,
in the darkest prison,
shining light upon me,
birthing your gift within me,
words You give me to share…
 
No matter where fate may lead me,
fortune or disaster, before me,
and when my days are over
Lord, shed at least one tear,
for I am gone forever,
raised from this mortal coil,
your humble servant boy…
 
--------
Edited November 25, 2025
at least one little tear – v3
 
after poem, “at least one little tear”,
based on the poem, “The Muse”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_25.html
Edited November 2, 2024
ahead is glory – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/ahead-is-glory-v2.html
after poem, “ahead is glory”,
based on the poem, “Fortune” or “Fate”
by Taras Shevchenko
after Return from prison
Edited November 2, 2024
A little boy, a little girl – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/a-little-boy-little-girl-v2.html
after poem, “A little boy, a little girl”,
based on the poem, Poems of Exile,
“N.N. (My thirteenth birthday is over)”,
by Taras Shevchenko
written in Fortress of Orsk, in 1847,
about his first love of Oksana Kovalenkivna
Written and posted October 10, 2024
my heart’s flying
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-hearts-flying_24.html
after poem, “my heart’s flying”,
based on the poem, Poems of Exile,
“N.N. (Sunset ii coming…)”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 10, 2024
Fly to me, my darling thoughts
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/fly-to-me-my-darling-thoughts_24.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
 
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,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history
 
 

ahead is glory – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

ahead is glory, our reward,
the end of our path
fated for struggle
no rest for the weary
but fortune was a lie
a canard, a deceit,
so poor was my guide…
 
ahead is glory, our reward,
freed from struggle
a hope in that future
a way to heaven, glory,
redemption, freedom
a nightmare undone,
raised from my trials,
up to the heights…
 
ahead is glory, our reward,
This long night is over
The pain, the struggle
is at an end, we are
released from our fetters
chains that have bound us,
in other lands we wandered,
for far too long…
 
--------
Edited November 25, 2025
ahead is glory – v4
 
after poem, “ahead is glory”,
based on the poem, “Fortune” or “Fate”
by Taras Shevchenko
after Return from prison
Edited November 2, 2024
A little boy, a little girl – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/a-little-boy-little-girl-v2.html
after poem, “A little boy, a little girl”,
based on the poem, Poems of Exile,
“N.N. (My thirteenth birthday is over)”,
by Taras Shevchenko
written in Fortress of Orsk, in 1847,
about his first love of Oksana Kovalenkivna
Written and posted October 10, 2024
my heart’s flying
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-hearts-flying_24.html
after poem, “my heart’s flying”,
based on the poem, Poems of Exile,
“N.N. (Sunset ii coming…)”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 10, 2024
Fly to me, my darling thoughts
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/fly-to-me-my-darling-thoughts_24.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
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
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
 
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, 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 little boy, a little girl – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

a little boy, a little girl,
an echo of their world,
history, what might have been,
If God had governed,
If God had watched over
The steps I have taken
the love that was meant to be,
and yet never was, lost…
bitter tears of memory,
of a life not lived, lost,
a simple ploughman of the land
not bearing life mysteries…
 
a little boy, a little girl,
on that land of another
in his lament, in his sorrow
an echo of memory, of loss
of what might have been
If he had not been a plant
Uprooted from the black soil
taken from her, from Ukraina,
his first and greatest love
a simple ploughman of the land,
the aching soul of his country…
 
--------
Edited November 25, 2025
A little boy, a little girl – v4
 
after poem, “A little boy, a little girl”,
based on the poem, Poems of Exile,
“N.N. (My thirteenth birthday is over)”,
“I Was Thirteen” on Shevchenko Museum site,
by Taras Shevchenko
written in Fortress of Orsk, in 1847,
about his first love of Oksana Kovalenkivna
&
Written and posted October 10, 2024
my heart’s flying
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-hearts-flying_24.html
after poem, “my heart’s flying”,
based on the poem, Poems of Exile,
“N.N. (Sunset ii coming…)”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 10, 2024
Fly to me, my darling thoughts
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/fly-to-me-my-darling-thoughts_24.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
 
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

Don't forget your mother – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

She is wailing, weeping,
her body wracked in pain,
in your turning from her,
loving other lovers,
forgetting all she is,
all she was to you, Ukraina…
 
Don’t forget your mother,
my brothers, my sisters,
This I beg you, please,
remember Ukraina’s past,
her ancient glory, now
wearing another’s valor…
 
Stay true to her memory,
“let your mother smile with pleasure”,
as you turn back to your first love,
by the Dnipro, on the heights,
remembering your own story,
the glory of Ukraina…
 
Learn your own stories,
don’t adopt another,
Cleave to your mother, forever,
Break the chains, the fetters,
that hold you from her,
oh, return to your mother,
your first love, Ukraine…
 
--------
Edited November 28, 2025
Don't forget your mother – v4
 
after poem, “Don't forget your mother”,
based on the poem, “The Epistle”,
1 John 4:20
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, 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, 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

alone, all alone – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

alone, all alone, in chains,
trapped in the dungeon,
a maiden, the orphan,
away from her country…
 
unloved, unwanted,
alone and forgotten
no husband, no good fortune,
alone, without God…
 
alone, all alone, in chains,
longing for life, for freedom,
wanting to return to the bosom,
to her mother, Ukraine…
 
abandoned, cast out,
alone, all alone, in chains,
far from the black soil,
the heart of Ukraine…
 
--------
Edited November 29, 2025
alone, all alone – v4
 
after poem, “alone, all alone”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 1”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 9, 2024
lay my body
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/lay-my-body_24.html
after poem, “lay my body”,
based on the poem, “The Testament”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 1845,
when he was 31 years old,
the desire to be buried in Ukraine,
see link to Taras Hill, his burial site…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taras_Hill
 
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, 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

with blood ever watered – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

high on the mountain,
shrouded in clouds,
“with blood ever watered”,
their tears flowing down…
 
“illumined in sorrow”,
the mountains covered,
“with blood ever watered”,
tears, their anguish, the pain,
of the people living there…
 
struggle on, do not falter
for the battle, the tide is turning
on these mountains, glory
will soon rise again…
 
his kinsmen fallen, lost,
in the far-off mountain,
for the folly of conquest,
far from home, rest,
in his dear Ukraina…
 
--------
Edited November 25, 2025
with blood ever watered – v3
 
after poem, “with blood ever watered”,
based on the poem, “The Caucasus”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
dedicated to his friend
 
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,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Weep, oh weep, my poor Ukraina – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

A dream, a nightmare, a terror, present,
weep, my dear mother, Ukraina,
at the tragedy unfolding,
the Moskals raging, unrelenting,
turncoats compromised, traitors,
joined in the greed, the beating,
harming of your people,
the bear on the rampage
while his master sits in opulence…
 
Weep, oh weep, my poor Ukraina,
at the telling of my dream, this sorrow,
the fate that has befallen you,
poor black-haired maidens, widows,
alone, broken wandering orphans
under the sky, the poplars,
by the tombs high and mighty,
ancient power forgotten
under Moskal terror…
May you rise again.
 
--------
Edited November 28, 2025
Weep, oh weep, my poor Ukraina – v3
 
after poem, “Weep, oh weep, my poor Ukraina”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
on the backs of the fallen – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/on-backs-of-fallen-v2.html
after poem, “on the backs of the fallen”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow-v2.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
I fly after her unceasing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing-v2.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
I boldly walked within – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within-v2.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth-v2.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
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 #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

on the backs of the fallen – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

on the backs of their fallen
the people of Ukraine
on their dead and buried bodies,
You built your palaces,
your façade of opulence…
 
upon the carnage, the pain,
their oppression, their sorrow
the human wreckage,
of your greed for power,
your imperial lust…
 
You built a city, a cesspool,
upon the bodies of so many
cursed tsar and wicked ruler,
“Murderer and viper!”,
while we were in chains…
 
I will fly back
to my Ukraina
to my beloved homeland
to our Dnipro and
see what you have left…
 
“Revel on O savage hangman,”
May you be forever cursed
May this judgment fall upon you,
all you have taken, slaughtered,
All you have fettered will be free at last.
 
--------
Edited November 28, 2025
on the backs of the fallen – v3
 
after poem, “on the backs of the fallen”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow-v2.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
I fly after her unceasing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing-v2.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
I boldly walked within – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within-v2.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth-v2.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
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 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 second stabbed with savage blow – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

so much blood, pain,
cost to mankind’s indifference,
a family of hate, of dread,
held within the ancient walls,
their hearts, their souls a crypt…
 
two of a kind, a pair,
savages of truth, destruction,
a dynasty of terror, torture,
for poor Ukraina, my love,
our history of such suffering…
 
one who crucified, who destroyed,
who cut us to the quick,
the second his spawn,
his angry echo, a copy,
who stabbed with savage blow…
 
the tremor of their savagery,
an echo in this time, of evil,
the brutality of our masters,
hiding within these gilded walls,
their awful monstrous deeds…
 
--------
Edited November 25, 2025
the second stabbed with savage blow – v4
 
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
I fly after her unceasing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing-v2.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
I boldly walked within – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within-v2.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth-v2.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
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, 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, 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

I boldly walked within – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

In through the palace gates,
invisible to my tormentors,
I boldly walked within,
this gilded awful lair…
 
The Tsar strutted by
beside him, the Empress also,
“Is that goddess, there, I see?
the devil take you now!”
 
Their lies, painful deceits,
of brotherhood, in truth, exposed…
“A Moskal’s word! God and read,
and see the faith they have!”…
 
The courtiers, the jesters,
the fetid awful lot, so evil, pernicious,
fawned and preened within the court,
as they strutted out…
 
He struck, and he struck again
some awful, vicious game, repeated,
and each in turn fell into line,
and carried out the same…
 
--------
Edited November 25, 2025
I boldly walked within – v3
 
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth-v2.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 5, 2024
I fly after her unceasing
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing_24.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 5, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
out on the roaring sea – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/out-on-roaring-sea-v2.html
after poem, “out on the roaring sea”,
based on the poems, “Hamaliya” and “Ivan Pidkova”,
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 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

I fly after her unceasing – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

o’er her hills and her valleys
a dream of flight, of flying,
above the forest, the harvest,
a life, alive, perchance to dream…
 
flying high above her, homeward,
greeting his love, his dear Ukraina,
The flower, her youth faded
a life he longed for, evermore…
 
a prayer, a dream, a blessing,
falling upon her, his wish,
gathering the orphans to him
his love for his Ukraina…
 
bound to her black soil, his homeland,
communing with her nature, her people,
talking to the poplars, with meadows,
thick with morning dewdrops…
 
--------
Edited November 25, 2025
I fly after her unceasing – v3
 
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
I boldly walked within – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within-v2.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth-v2.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 5, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
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 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

Again, I fly above the earth – v5 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Again, I fly above the earth, rising,
above my pain, above my sorrow,
free of the steppes, of this mortal coil…
 
I rise above them, the hills, my cabin,
I break free of the fetters, my bonds,
snares that bind me to the earth…
 
Why this torture, under the heavens,
my poor soul chained within my body,
endless, bitter suffering and pain…
 
Again, I fly above the poplars, hedgerows,
gathering seeds of my people, our diaspora,
to go and grow out in the world…
 
The city glows as if on fire, burning,
the Moskals unto Moscow, plying,
to the Tsar’s evil courts they fly…
 
But, me, I am flying, soaring,
above my bonds, my sorrow,
free to rise above, to fly,
back to my beloved Ukraina…
 
--------
Edited November 25, 2025
Again, I fly above the earth – v5

after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 5, 2024
I fly after her unceasing
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing_24.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 5, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 5, 2024
I boldly walked within
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within_24.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
out on the roaring sea – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/out-on-roaring-sea-v2.html
after poem, “out on the roaring sea”,
based on the poems, “Hamaliya” and “Ivan Pidkova”,
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 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,
 
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