Poetry Where You Live: Taras Shevchenko

Showing posts with label Taras Shevchenko. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

the front will be everywhere – v5 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history

фронт буде всюди

If we are not awake, to their terror,
glide bombs, missiles, cluster munitions,
drones, with no fear of reprisals, attacks,
no consequences to their actions, ...
Their crimes against humanity,
their acts of cruel genocide
will only escalate...

We pray, hoping for change, wisdom, resolve,
for eyes to be opened, for hearts to be ready,
for allies to rise in equal measure,...
For bravery to match theirs, these people,
courage to serve Ukraine's needs, fully,
to keep the bear from escalation,
from their attacks, scorched earth...

The front line must be all, our stand,
with them, for victory, for peace,...
We must give them what they need,...
Or the front will be everywhere,
every home, every life, everyone,
a target, a victim, a martyr,
a testament to chaos, to hate...

So much carnage, destruction,
their bombs destroying life,
lives, history, culture lost, more martyrs,
while we say “Never Again”...
While the West dithers, delays,
while they debate and wait, ...
asleep in their safe beds...

--------
Edited June 24, 2026
the front will be everywhere – v5

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 November 11, 2024
Attrition – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/attrition-v3.html
November 1, 2024
Skin in the game
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/skin-in-game.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
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.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
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
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.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, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory,

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

Attrition – v7 #poetry #Ukraine #Russia #God #prayer #war #attrition

Death, explosions, terror, evil,
in so many villages, towns, and cities...
like the destruction in World War II,
the same level of devastation, death,
innocent cities and villages, history, culture,
all are being turned to nothing, to dust…

Attrition, they say, war, by inches,
will lead us out of madness,...
a tipping point will come,
to defeat the evil tyrant
internal forces will stop him,...
He will be made to relent…

But what about the martyrs,
those killed in their beds,
the defenders, the medics,
their best sons and daughters,...
What about every first responder,
killed in a cruel double-tap…

How long can we expect them?
to defend our sovereignty alone,
to stand in the gap for us,
for freedom for all, peace,...
when we sit in comfort,
fear at arm’s reach, hidden…

Attrition, but a word, truly,
on the news, in a policy paper,
except for the people living,
dying, injured, shattered,
in the crosshairs of evil…
Knowing this war is all too much…

We must do more, better,
all of us, their partners,
to stand beside them, helping,
giving them what they need,...
so that attrition’s awful cost,
will finally bring victory…

--------
Edited June 24, 2026
Attrition – v7

November 1, 2024
Skin in the game
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/skin-in-game.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
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.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
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
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-crucible-of-war-2-v1_25.html
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
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.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, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, attrition,

#poetry #Ukraine #Russia #God #prayer #war #attrition

#Resolve personified – v7 #poetry #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Ukraine #peace #victory #StandWithUkraine #TarasShevchenko

Resolve personified,
in the faces of these people,
fearless, not letting their enemy win,
not ceding ground to the terror, to evil,
holding fast in the storms, the chaos,
so that genocide will not prevail…

Too long have they suffered,
too many lost in the maelstrom,
the storm of chaos, of evil, power,
But resolve, resolute in their struggle,
In choosing to take up arms,
to defend their sovereign nation…

Resolve personified,
a choice each morning,
in every moment, each decision,
for this nation, for these people,
to protect, to defend their homeland,
to say no to evil, to the invaders, the Moskals…

Meeting the enemy in battle,
slowly pushing back evil,
too long a delay in assistance, ...
Yet the tide is turning slowly,
skies are more protected, defenses,
for victory, a just peace must rise…

Resolve personified,
In the posture of every person,
every son and every daughter,
All these courageous people
who stand against the enemy,
who say no to Russia’s evil intent…

----------
Edited June 24, 2026
Resolve personified – v7

July 20, 2024
Resolve personified
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/07/resolve-personified.html
Edited July 20, 2024
A just peace must rise – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/07/a-just-peace-must-rise-v3.html
June 29, 2024
X post by Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
https://x.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1806999435559289050
at @DubrovnikForum in Croatia
Edited June 29, 2024
Listen to the cries of these people – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/06/listen-to-cries-of-these-people-v2.html
Edited June 28, 2024
May the carnage end – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/06/may-carnage-end-v2.html

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 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, God, prayer, war, tragedy, terror, genocide, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko,

#poetry #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Ukraine #peace #victory #StandWithUkraine #TarasShevchenko

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

#Echoes of #Shevchenko: #Poems in #Support of #Ukraine #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

As an American, I have tried to support Ukraine and its people through advocacy and my poetry since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. I watched, like many others around the world, as Russia gathered a large army around Ukraine before the invasion and how they brutally began their attacks in places like Mariupol and Bucha.

In many ways, I have been struck by how language fails in the media and by world leaders who see what is happening as a war between two nations rather than an invasion, in violation of the United Nations’ Charter, an existential threat to the rule-based order.

Including edits, I have written over 1,300 poems about the struggle of the Ukrainian people, the West's failure, and Russia's inhumanity—both its leadership and the atrocities committed daily by Russian soldiers. All these poems are on my blog and Facebook. Many are posted on other social media platforms, including Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

I've included a small selection of the additional poems I've written here that were not directly inspired by Taras Shevchenko. I plan to write another book of Ukraine-themed poems soon, if only to keep spreading the message of solidarity and support for Ukraine as it fights to survive.

Resistance, resilience, and resolve are words that naturally emerge from the united efforts of Ukraine’s defenders and its people more broadly. Her defenders consist of warriors and everyday individuals who have sacrificed so much to fight for their freedom and independence from Russia.

Shevchenko’s life and poetry embody that same struggle. His poems motivate and inspire today’s generations. This is truly not a war of choice for Ukraine, but an existential fight for survival against tactics of attrition, terror, and genocide. We must see the war with the same gravity.

The West failed Ukraine during this war, from 2014 through the present. This failure occurred under four different U.S. administrations and, in truth, predates 1994, when the Budapest Memorandum was signed, and extended through 2013. Issues related to the Russian imperial conquest and subjugation of Ukraine span centuries.

These concerns are central to this book, and I hope this section preserves the spirit of Taras Shevchenko as well. His voice echoes through these words, representing the fight for freedom from Russian domination and influence.

Ukraine’s future depends on its own decisions about when and where to fight and what concessions to make for peace. However, Ukraine has been caught in the middle of larger conflicts, acting as a pawn or proxy, depending on the perspective and the audience.

The decision to remove nuclear weapons and trust the other signatories, especially Russia, in the Budapest Memorandum 30 years ago, now seems so tragic.

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.

Analysis of poems inspired by "The Great Grave" #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Analysis about poems related to Taras Shevchenko's poem, "The Great Grave"

The 'Great Grave” of Shevchenko is the tomb of the Hetman, but more than that, it represents Ukraine's ancient glory. The people in his poem could not find the treasure. After all, they had collaborated with Muscovy because they had aligned with their Russian rulers. The people lost their past glory under their subjugation by Tsarist Russia. They only discovered the bare bones of the Hetman. The true grave where Ukrainian glory remains hidden, guarded, and protected because they are not worthy.

“The Great Grave,” inspired me to write a series of poems, starting with Shevchenko’s poem and then examining the current situation. He criticized the appeasers and collaborators. The ongoing fight against the same enemy requires a revisiting of his conclusions, from "The Great Grave being opened" to "The Great Grave has been opened," to “The spell has been broken.”

The profound loss in the original is transformed by the redemptive moment we are experiencing, using his poems, “Hosea XIV” and “To Mark Vovchok”, as the connective tissue linking “The Great Grave” to this present moment. Hope and renewal come at a terrible cost, but Ukraine and Ukrainians step forward every day, sacrificing their lives for the cause of freedom for their people and their country. Even a small spark was enough, as shown in “To Marko Vovchok,” to give Shevchenko peace.

Shevchenko’s hope, despite his own despair, is vital for understanding his poems and the cultural foundations of the entire country. The same enemy is trying to take so much. The same compromises are before them: kidnapping Ukrainian children, the rape and torture, the barbarity of the Tsar, and the Russian people are all the same.

The deliberate choice to reject subjugation and subordination today reflects Shevchenko's judgment, which aligns perfectly with the theme of his poems. Today’s Ukraine and its people, every son and daughter, stand as a living testament to his words, his love, and his unwavering faith in his homeland, Ukraina…

That loyalty to Ukraine and the decision of this generation to fight for Ukraine and not compromise land for peace make them deserving of opening the great grave. Now, the grave has been opened, and glory belongs to the soldiers and the Ukrainian people today, because of their resilience and fidelity to the nation. The treasure is being revealed through the bravery of the Ukrainian people in this moment of crisis. Their choice to struggle for true freedom—not sacrificing land for false peace, not yielding or collaborating with Russia.

Taras Shevchenko's own grave, his spirit is the great grave. His unwavering loyalty to Ukraine and his heart for the country made the difference, strengthening the will of these noble and good people, even if he himself didn’t see it. Shevchenko’s spiritual grave is the repository of Ukraine’s past glory.

The spell has been broken – v7 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

(The prophecy fulfilled)

Their time of exile has been completed,
a judgment of God upon the people,
stuck between heaven and hell…
This prophecy fulfilled, completed,
lifting the curse over the people…
The spell has been broken, forsaken,
A light is now coming, rising, brighter,
The glory of Ukraine reawakened,
The Great Grave has been opened…

Fidelity to their nation, their homeland,
sacrificing for their nation, their freedom,
the Kozaks, the Hetman, the Kobzars,
memory of ancient glory, Ukraina,
to the cause of liberty, their songs…
Chains of the curse are being lifted,
their eyes open, united, together,
one chance for a future, a hope,
a return to their past glory…

High upon a mountain, a hilltop,
a tremor, above the mighty Dnipro…
We see the eternal Kobzar, the vanguard,
The Bard stirs in his tomb, restless,
For His is the Great Grave, where glory
was hidden, safeguarded, on the heights…
The glory of Ukraine has been opened,
together, Kobzars, black-haired maidens
all sing songs of their victory, triumph,
for their boundless love of Ukraine…

--------
Edited June 23, 2026
The spell has been broken – v7

after poem, “The spell has been broken”,
based on the poems, “The Great Grave”,
““To Marko Vovchok”,
about Maria Markovich,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
Edited October 6, 2025
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon on mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
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 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”

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

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

His #heart was #Ukraine… - v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Shevchenko’s is a singular voice,
The present hope of his people,
of his native land,
the ancient tongue,
the beating heart of Ukraine…

His heart was Ukraine,
no matter where he was planted,
in the darkness of the empire,
in prison, on the steppes,
He longed for his Ukraina…

Shevchenko never faltered,
Yet he despaired in his spirit,
He longed for glory to return,
for hope to rise again, freedom,
in his love, his homeland, Ukraine…

--------
Edited June 23, 2026
his heart was Ukraine… - v4

about Taras Shevchenko’s life and poetry
Edited October 15, 2024
The power of his words – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-power-of-his-words-v2_25.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 10/15/24

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, 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

My #God, my #muse, my #protector – v5 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Hearing Taras speaking, breathing,
“My God, my muse, my protector”, ...
Seeing God in his writing, infusing,
His feeling that God has forsaken him,
His wrestling with God in his misery,
but cleaving to God as well, his center, ...
His beating heart, God as his strength…

Wicking the Word into his writing, scripture,
ancient law, promises, and the closeness of God ...
Speaking warning, God’s judgment on them,
bringing these ancient words into his speaking, ...
His crying out to his people, his brethren,
to not fall into the trap of the ancients, Israel,
to heed the lessons, to trust more fully in God…

An ongoing monologue, central to his calling,
wisdom within him, imparted, giving,
longing, feeling God gifting him words…
To hear His voice ever more clearly, urgently,
walking right beside him, hearing God’s call,
a separate vision, a whispering mission, purpose,
breathing, speaking to him constantly, evermore…

-------------
Edited June 23, 2026
My God, my muse, my protector – v5

My poem, “My god, my muse, my protector” is a way of recognizing Shevchenko’s very personal wrestling with God in his misery, praising God through his gifts, warning his people through scripture, especially with prophetic voices, and recognizing God’s protection through his trials in life. As a poor serf as a child or as an imprisoned poet and artist Shevchenko cleaved to God, he knew the presence of God, he cried out to God. He judged his oppressors, the oppressors of his people through scripture and he chastened his people through scripture as well.

His poem about Mary makes us look more deeply at the way we read scripture, and his poems rising from the prophets, or speaking of our blindness before the Spirit, challenge how we approach the Word. His dreams, his words, were replete with the poor man’s love of God, the need for God, and the trust in God. And, especially, he spoke to God as his muse and his protector. I know that I feel the same way all the time.

December 3, 2024
My God, my muse, my protector
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/my-god-my-muse-my-protector.html
Edited November 26, 2024
Listen to the Prophet – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/listen-to-prophet-v3.html
after poem, “Listen to the Prophet”,
based on the poem, “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko
November 4, 2024
A song of Mary – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/a-song-of-mary-v2.html
after poem, “A song of Mary”,
based on the poem, “Mary”,
by Taras Shevchenko

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 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, 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

#peace in his #spirit – v5 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Though he struggled in his body,
There was peace in his spirit,
knowing another would continue,
that Ukraine would not be forgotten,
that another messenger would be there,
They would take up his banner, his cause…

Another was rising, a believer,
someone to carry the banner, Ukraina,
a mild and tender prophet, was blessed, ...
He was gifted an answer to his prayers,
that the one truth would not perish,
would not vanish from this earth…

A stirring in the universe, within his people,
Another heart was ready, gifted, anointed,
to carry forth the promise, his life’s purpose, ...
His life’s work, his message, his faith,
to keep alive the memory, the hope,
for his dearest beloved, Ukraina…

A holy star he had wished for,
His prayer he poured out upon her,
that she would be faithful,
that she would stand in the gap, ...
A blessing in the mighty call,
continuing his life’s work…

These words manifest a prophecy,
A legacy of hope, of promise,
opening his heart up, gratitude,
Peace at his ending, in his spirit, ...
Knowing another will support the cause,
of his love, his blessed Ukraina…

--------
Edited June 23, 2026
peace in his spirit – v5

after poem, “peace in his spirit”,
based on the poem, “To Marko Vovchok”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
about Maria Markovich,
written January 24, 1859
Edited October 3, 2025
peace in his spirit – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/peace-in-his-spirit-v3.html
Edited October 17, 2024
peace in his spirit – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/peace-in-his-spirit-v2_26.html
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…
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

my heart’s flying – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

in darkness my liberty
I am not held by these chains,
by these prison walls, ...
Sunset signals my escape,
I am freed of these bonds…

I mount to the heights, I vault,
No weight, no resistance,
rising above, outside,
into the night air I climb,
freed from my chains…

my heart’s flying, escaped,
far from this place, soaring
to my homeland, Ukraine…
I pray that the bright stars
will gather me home once more, ...
They will show me the way…

--------
Edited June 23, 2026
my heart’s flying – v4

after poem, “my heart’s flying”,
based on the poem, Poems of Exile,
“N.N. (Sunset ii coming…)”,
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
Edited November 2, 2024
In an alien land – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/in-alien-land-v2.html
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
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
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
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, 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

It makes no difference to me – v5 #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 history…

How wrong he was, truly,
for his legacy is transcendent, ...
His words were an epithet spoken
He spoke 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 June 23, 2026
It makes not difference to me – v5

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, 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

#Fly to me, my darling thoughts – v5 #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 being 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, I call …
My history, my vision, my heart,
will remember my sweet Ukraina…

--------
Edited June 23, 2026
Fly to me, my darling thoughts – v5

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, 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

on the backs of the fallen – v4 #StPetersburg #Tsar #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 June 23, 2026
on the backs of the fallen – v4

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, 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, 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 Where You Live