#Identity before #Sovereignty – v2 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

They honor their forefathers,
their mother within culture,
They are the parents
of Ukraine’s nation-state...
 
They are honored on their currency,
their poets and their conscience,
Identity before sovereignty
for Ukraine’s nation-state...
 
They are not generals or presidents,
but leaders of culture,
Their words shine their identity
before Ukraine’s nation-state...
 
They are not Kozaks or Hetman -
they have been replaced by coinage -
but parents of their spirit,
Identity before sovereignty,
What it means to be Ukraine...
 
--------
Edited October 5, 2026
Identity before Sovereignty – v2
October 2, 2026
Identity before Sovereignty
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/10/identity-before-sovereignty.html 
https://bank.gov.ua/en/uah
Faces on the Ukrainian hryvnia
(Lower denominations replaced by coins)
₴20: Ivan Franko (Writer, poet, and political activist)
₴50: Mykhailo Hrushevsky (Historian and political leader)
₴100: Taras Shevchenko (Poet, artist, and national icon)
₴200: Lesya Ukrainka (Poet and writer)
₴500: Hryhorii Skovoroda (Philosopher and poet)
₴1,000: Volodymyr Vernadsky (Scientist and philosopher)
₴2,000: Vasyl Stus (Dissident poet)
Edited September 27, 2026
They will rise – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/they-will-rise-v2.html
after Twelve Years of War
December 27, 2024
Russia must be defeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/.../russia-must-be...
Edited December 24, 2024
There is only one Enemy, Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-one-enemy-russia-v3.html
Edited September 27, 2026
They will rise – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/they-will-rise-v2.html
after Twelve Years of War
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/each-night-he-flies-v3.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
December 27, 2024
Russia must be defeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/.../russia-must-be...
December 27, 2024
Hybrid War
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/hybrid-war.html
Edited December 24, 2024
There is only one Enemy, Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-one-enemy-russia-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, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. 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, freedom, independence, history, glory
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

#Identity before #Sovereignty #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #IvanFranko #LesyaUkraina #VasylStus #HryhoriiSkovoroda #freedom #independence #Ukraine #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

Honoring their forefathers,
their mother within culture,
Seeing them as parents
of Ukraine’s nation-state...
 
Honored on their currency,
their poets and their conscience,
Identity before sovereignty
for Ukraine’s nation-state...
 
Not generals or presidents,
but leaders of culture,
Words that shine their identity
before Ukraine’s nation-state...
 
Not Kozaks or Hetman
(they have been replaced),
but parents of their spirit,
Identity before sovereignty,
What it means to be Ukraine...
 
--------
October 2, 2026
Identity before Sovereignty
 
https://bank.gov.ua/en/uah
Faces on the Ukrainian hryvnia
(Lower denominations replaced by coins)
₴20: Ivan Franko (Writer, poet, and political activist)
₴50: Mykhailo Hrushevsky (Historian and political leader)
₴100: Taras Shevchenko (Poet, artist, and national icon)
₴200: Lesya Ukrainka (Poet and writer)
₴500: Hryhorii Skovoroda (Philosopher and poet)
₴1,000: Volodymyr Vernadsky (Scientist and philosopher)
₴2,000: Vasyl Stus (Dissident poet)
Edited September 27, 2026
They will rise – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/they-will-rise-v2.html
after Twelve Years of War
December 27, 2024
Russia must be defeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/.../russia-must-be...
Edited December 24, 2024
There is only one Enemy, Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-one-enemy-russia-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, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. 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, freedom, independence, history, glory
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #IvanFranko #LesyaUkraina #VasylStus #HryhoriiSkovoroda #freedom #independence #Ukraine #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

They will rise – v2 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

They will rise...
Ukraine will rise
from the rubble
the anger of Moscow
They will rise
from the terror
the attack of Russia
from the struggle,
Yes, they will rise...
 
They will rise
as one people
united together
united as one body
They will rise
From this time
of struggle, of terror,
as one people, united...
They will rise...
Yes, Ukraine will rise...
 
--------
Edited September 27, 2026
They will rise – v2
 
after Twelve Years of War
September 20, 2026
They will rise
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/they-will-rise.html
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/each-night-he-flies-v3.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
December 27, 2024
Russia must be defeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/.../russia-must-be...
December 27, 2024
Hybrid War
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/hybrid-war.html
Edited December 24, 2024
There is only one Enemy, Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-one-enemy-russia-v3.html
Edited December 4, 2024
There is but one fight – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-but-one-fight-v2.html
Edited December 3, 2024
They fight the very same Evil – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/they-fight-very-same-evil-v2.html
November 24, 2024
So incredibly sad that Ukraine is fighting the same terror and genocide today, that caused the Holodomor, the same Evil of Russia, and the world believes Russia can ever be negotiated with... Russia must be defeated.
Edited November 11, 2024
Attrition – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/attrition-v3.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
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_26.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, 2025, and 2026. 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, freedom, independence, history, glory
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

If I could see what Taras sees – v2 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave #Kobzar #fly

oh, if I could take flight with him
rising from his eternal slumber
soaring above the Dnipro –
His beloved Ukraine...
 
if I could see what Taras sees
I would know the glory,
the unity of his people –
Together, they fight to be free...
 
we can see more clearly
through the eyes of Shevchenko,
the noble cause they fight for –
The freedom of Ukraine...
 
oh, if I could fly beside Taras
I would see his face, shining,
full of pride in his people –
His beloved Ukraine...
 
--------  
Edited September 27, 2026
If I could see what Taras sees – v2
 
September 23, 2026
If I could see what Taras sees
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/if-i-could-see-what-taras-sees.html
September 20, 2026
They will rise
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/they-will-rise.html
after seeing the draft cover of Volume 1
of Twelve Years of War
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/each-night-he-flies-v3.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited September 10, 2026
The soul of the poet – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/the-soul-of-poet-v2.html
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 a mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
Edited October 6, 2025
The spell has been broken – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v5.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, 2025, and 2026. 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, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, muse, prison, grave, Kobzar, fly
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave #Kobzar #fly

If I could see what Taras sees #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave #Kobzar #fly

oh, to take flight with him

rising from his eternal slumber
to soar above the Dnipro –
His beloved Ukraine...
 
if I could see what Taras sees
I would know the honor,
the unity of his people –
Their fight to be free...
 
we can see more clearly
through the eyes of Shevchenko,
the noble cause they fight for –
The freedom of Ukraine...
 
oh, if I could fly beside Taras
I would see his face,
full of pride in his people –
His beloved Ukraine...
 
--------  
September 23, 2026
If I could see what Taras sees
 
September 20, 2026
They will rise
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/they-will-rise.html
after seeing the draft cover of Volume 1
of Twelve Years of War
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/each-night-he-flies-v3.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited September 10, 2026
The soul of the poet – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/the-soul-of-poet-v2.html
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 a mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
Edited October 6, 2025
The spell has been broken – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v5.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, 2025, and 2026. 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, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, muse, prison, grave, Kobzar, fly
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave #Kobzar #fly

They will rise #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #Georgia #Moldova #Syria #Chechnya #Romania #Poland #Serbia #UnitedStates @NATO #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

They will rise...
Ukraine will rise
from the rubble
the anger of Moscow
from the terror
from the struggle,
Yes, they will rise...
 
As one people
united together
united as one
in this time
of struggle, of terror,
as one people united...
They will rise...
Yes, Ukraine will rise...
 
--------
September 20, 2026
They will rise
 
after seeing the draft cover of Volume 1
of Twelve Years of War
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/each-night-he-flies-v3.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
December 27, 2024
Russia must be defeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/.../russia-must-be...
December 27, 2024
Hybrid War
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/hybrid-war.html
Edited December 24, 2024
There is only one Enemy, Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-one-enemy-russia-v3.html
Edited December 4, 2024
There is but one fight – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-but-one-fight-v2.html
Edited December 3, 2024
They fight the very same Evil – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/they-fight-very-same-evil-v2.html
November 24, 2024
So incredibly sad that Ukraine is fighting the same terror and genocide today, that caused the Holodomor, the same Evil of Russia, and the world believes Russia can ever be negotiated with... Russia must be defeated.
Edited November 11, 2024
Attrition – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/attrition-v3.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
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_26.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, 2025, and 2026. 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, freedom, independence, history, glory, Moldova, Georgia, Syria, Chechnya, Romania,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #Georgia #Moldova #Syria #Chechnya #Romania #Poland #Serbia #UnitedStates @NATO #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

each night he flies – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave #Kobzar

Taras does not rest in his grave,
each night, Shevchenko stirs,
he rises, on the heights, the hill,
high above the Dnipro, the mighty river…
The Kobzar, the Bard, a living spirit,
watching from the heights,
from his open tomb…
 
Out into the night air,
over the great Dnipro,
he soars above the nation
flying above all of Ukraine,
his beloved homeland, his spirit…
From the heights, he watches
His kinsmen, his people below…
 
He is not held by his earthly tomb,
just as the Siberian fortress
could not hold him...
He rises from the heights,
given dominion over this land…
Allowed to linger with his people,
His beloved Ukraine…
 
The Bard, the Kobzar,
the soul, their conscience,
the Great Grave of their ancient glory,
their exemplar, their Father,
the essence of their culture…
His heart for Ukraine
does not truly rest…
 
Taras is watching, praying,
from the mountain heights,
flying over his Ukraina...
He rises from his slumber,
to guard his homeland, his people…
His prayer for Ukraine is eternal,
though he long left this life…
 
The soul of the Hetman,
The Bard, their poet -
Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko -
The embodiment of the
Cossacks, the Kobzars…
The song of his spirit
has never left Ukraine…
 
--------  
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
 
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 a mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
Edited October 6, 2025
The spell has been broken – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v5.html
Edited October 3, 2025
A voice against injustice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v4.html
Edited October 3, 2025
Sing to me, Taras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/sing-to-me-taras-v3.html
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
 
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, 2025, and 2026. 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, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, serfdom, muse, prison, grave, Kobzar
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave #Kobzar

#Treasure in its #simplicity – v4 #poetry #photography #Ukraine #leaf #Autumn #winter #EricaKabeava #TarasShevchenko #beauty #God #prayer #English #Ukrainian #Поезія #фотографія #Україна #листок #осінь #зима #ЕрікаКабеава #ТарасШевченко #краса #Бог #молитва #англійська #українська #мова

Revealing its true face,
A treasure in its simplicity,
the golden hue in her palms,
the ordinary passage of the seasons,
simple moments of reflection,
paying no heed to the chaos around,
war, the ceaseless storm…
 
A single leaf, picked from the field,
held, cradled in worn, weary palms,
a treasure in its simplicity, its purity,
a beautiful messenger, a whisper,
a harbinger of autumn, a prayer,
a premonition of winter’s approach,
the cold that will soon arrive…
 
Like wheat, sunflowers,
the colors of this nation,
held so freely, so tenderly,
ordinariness in simplicity,
the color yellow beneath the autumn-blue sky,
a symbol of Ukraine,
of their nation that yearns for peace…
 
----------------
Edited September 18, 2026
Treasure in its simplicity – v4
 
Translated back into English
Edited September 18, 2026
Скарб у своїй простоті – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/v3.html
Translating version 2 into Ukrainian
Edited October 25, 2025
Treasure in its simplicity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/treasure-in-its-simplicity-v2.html
October 22, 2025
Treasure in its simplicity
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/treasure-in-its-simplicity.html
Photograph posted October 21, 2025
By Erica Kabeava (https://www.instagram.com/ericakabaeva/ )
Edited October 23, 2025
Ukraina – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/ukraina-v3.html
Edited October 30, 2024
Had she known – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/had-she-known-v2.html
after poem, “Had she known”,
based on the poem, “The Poplar”,
about a maiden’s Kozak lover
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 2, 2024
after “Perebendya”
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/after-perebendya_23.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
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
Edited October 30, 2024
Sing to me, Taras – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/sing-to-me-taras-v2.html
a prayer to Taras Shevchenko
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Channeling Taras – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/channeling-taras-v2_26.html
About Taras Shevchenko speaking to my spirit,
through his life and poetry
 
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, 2025, and 2026. 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
 
Poetry, photography, Ukraine, leaf, Autumn, Winter, Erica Kabeava, Taras Shevchenko, beauty, God, prayer, English, Ukrainian, language
 
#poetry #photography #Ukraine #leaf #Autumn #winter #EricaKabeava #TarasShevchenko #beauty #God #prayer #English #Ukrainian #Поезія #фотографія #Україна #листок #осінь #зима #ЕрікаКабеава #ТарасШевченко #краса #Бог #молитва #англійська #українська #мова

Скарб у своїй простоті – v3 #poetry #photography #Ukraine #leaf #Autumn #winter #EricaKabeava #TarasShevchenko #beauty #God #prayer #English #Ukrainian #language #Поезія #фотографія #Україна #листок #осінь #зима #ЕрікаКабеава #ТарасШевченко #краса #Бог #молитва #англійська #українська #мова

Відкриваючи своє справжнє обличчя,
Скарб у своїй простоті,
золотий колір у її долонях,
звичайність зміни пір року,
прості миті роздумів,
не звертаючи уваги на хаос навколо,
війну, безперервну бурю…
 
Один листок, підібраний з поля,
тримається, укладений у зношені, втомлені долоні,
скарб у своїй простоті, чистоті,
прекрасний посланець, шепіт,
вісник осені, молитва,
передчуття наближення зими,
холоду, що незабаром настане…
 
Як пшениця, соняшники,
кольори цієї нації,
тримані так вільно, ніжно,
звичайність у простоті,
жовтий колір під осінньо-лазуровим небом,
символ України,
їхньої нації, що прагне миру…
 
----------------
Edited September 18, 2026
Скарб у своїй простоті – v3
 
Translating version 2 into Ukrainian
Edited October 25, 2025
Treasure in its simplicity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/treasure-in-its-simplicity-v2.html
October 22, 2025
Treasure in its simplicity
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/treasure-in-its-simplicity.html
Photograph posted October 21, 2025
By Erica Kabeava (https://www.instagram.com/ericakabaeva/ )
Edited October 23, 2025
Ukraina – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/ukraina-v3.html
Edited October 30, 2024
Had she known – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/had-she-known-v2.html
after poem, “Had she known”,
based on the poem, “The Poplar”,
about a maiden’s Kozak lover
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 2, 2024
after “Perebendya”
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/after-perebendya_23.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
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
Edited October 30, 2024
Sing to me, Taras – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/sing-to-me-taras-v2.html
a prayer to Taras Shevchenko
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Channeling Taras – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/channeling-taras-v2_26.html
About Taras Shevchenko speaking to my spirit,
through his life and poetry
 
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, 2025, and 2026. 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
 
Poetry, photography, Ukraine, leaf, Autumn, Winter, Erica Kabeava, Taras Shevchenko, beauty, God, prayer, English, Ukrainian, language,
 
#poetry #photography #Ukraine #leaf #Autumn #winter #EricaKabeava #TarasShevchenko #beauty #God #prayer #English #Ukrainian #Англійська #Українська #мова
 
#Поезія #фотографія #Україна #листок #осінь #зима #ЕрікаКабеава #ТарасШевченко #краса #Бог #молитва #англійська #українська #мова

The #Soul of the #Poet – v2 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

The Soul of their Poet...
his heart beats within me...
High on that mountain
high above the Dnipro
I feel the touch of his fingers
Grasping my quill, leading me
to share his hope, his fidelity...
His breath touches my face...
I feel his closeness
even as I write these lines...
 
The Soul of their Poet,
Taras Shevchenko, Taras,
the poet of his people, Ukraina...
The Kobzar, the rock, the fount,
the father of their nation
lives within me, guides me, writes,
sharing lines like sacred scripture...
Calling upon Taras within me,
his words to my lips,
his hope on my heart...
 
--------  
Edited September 10, 2026
The soul of the poet – v2
 
March 24, 2026
The soul of the poet
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-soul-of-poet.html
Edited March 3, 2026
Taras saw this future – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/taras-saw-this-future-v3.html
This poem was inspired by a note on February 3, 2026, from Oleksandra Moskalenko,
Willem F. Duisenberg Fellow, University of Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Studies,
on LinkedIn, “Shevchenko appears to us almost a prophet,
someone who foresaw this war and believed in our victory.”
Several of his poems speak to that to me, including “The Dream”,
“The Great Grave”, and “To Marko Vovchok”
Edited March 10, 2026
Gold, Золото – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/gold-v2.html
Drafted after seeing notes from my Ukrainian teacher
about expressions with Золото (Gold) within them:
1. Ти золото - “You are gold.”
2. У тебе золоте серце - “You have a heart of gold.”
3. Ти на вагу золота - “You are worth your weight in gold.”
4. Твої слова — Золото - “Your words are golden.”
5. Ти справжнє Золото - “You are pure gold.”
Edited October 17, 2024
peace in his spirit – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/peace-in-his-spirit-v2_26.html
after poem, “peace in his spirit”,
based on the poem, “To Marko Vovchok”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
about Maria Markovich
Edited October 3, 2025
Sing to me, Taras – v4
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
written 1/24/1859
New/edited and posted October 16, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-great-grave-has-been-opened.html
after poem, “The Great Grave has been 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
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, 2024, 2025, and 2026. 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

After #Taras - Book Reveal #video #book #Shevchenko #AfterTaras #Poetry #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko #BookLaunch #PoetryCommunity #IndieAuthor #BookPromotion #AmWriting #Readers #Literature #Hope #Peace #RaymondFoss #victory #PoetryWhereYouLive #StandWithUkraine

My copies of After Taras came in the mail!! So excited!

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, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

#Pray for the #Widows and #children of #Ukraine #poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor #DayofRemembrance #widows

Lord, we pause to remember
on the Day of Remembrance...
our hearts heavy laden
on what has been lost...
The best sons and daughters of Ukraine...
 
But our grief is so much smaller
compared to each defender’s loved ones...
We pray for the widows of Ukraine...
May You comfort their hearts...
 
We honor, we remember
their love, their great sacrifice
standing for their nation
fallen in battle to Glory...
The defenders of Ukraine...
 
We pray for the widows
of Ukraine, of Freedom,
Those who sorrow in memory
in daily honor, for those they love...
 
And we must also remember
the children of the fallen -
Their legacy here with us –
We must lift them up, forever,
in our daily prayers...

In Your holy name, Amen.

‐-------
August 30, 2026
Pray for the Widows of Ukraine
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/08/pray-for-widows-of-ukraine.html
August 29, 2026
Ukrainian Day of Remembrance for all those fallen defending Ukraine
Edited 2 June, 2026
Because of all of you – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/because-of-all-of-you-v3.html
Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, Cheka Fest 2.0, чекафест
Edited May 27, 2026
Cheka, One Voice – Version 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/cheka-one-voice-version-2.html
Cheka Fest 2.0, 30/5/26, Lviv
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
“To remember the dead is to appreciate the living.”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025, in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited March 21, 2026
Unity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/unity-v2.html
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html 
Edited December 1, 2025
Sacred Days – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/sacred-days-v4.html
Edited September 6, 2024
Flying from every flagpole – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/flying-from-every-flagpole-v2.html
August 27, 2024
The Flag of their Independence
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-flag-of-their-independence.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, 2025, and 2026. 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, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Iryna Tsybukh, Moment of Honor, Minute of Silence, Вшануй, Honor, Day of Remembrance, widows,

#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor #DayofRemembrance #widows