on the #Rock of #Taras #Shevchenko - v2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders #TarasShevchenko #justice #peace

Shevchenko is the one central figure,
from history but also in this present,
the Kobzar, the Prophet, the Poet...
He is the hope of these ancient people 
He is the Rock on which they stand...
 
He is their Father, their North Star,
The culture that unites them,
Ukraine’s hope in this moment...
On the Rock of Taras Shevchenko 
The Ukrainian people stand...
 
He is the one essential Voice,
for independence, for freedom,
He suffered for her greatly...
His is the Great Grave opened,
revealing Ukraine’s future glory...
 
Shevchenko is the Bard, the soul,
The life force, the exemplar for them,
He is the Hetman, Ukraine’s conscience...
On the Rock of Taras Shevchenko
The Ukrainian people stand... 

 
---------------- 
Edited June 22, 2026
on the Rock of Taras Shevchenko – v3
 
Edited June 12, 2026
The enemy has no idea – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-enemy-has-no-idea-v2.html
Edited June 12, 2026
Soften His Heart, Lord
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/soften-his-heart-lord.html
A prayer to God over Vladimir Putin,
Edited June 6, 2026
His name is Death – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/his-name-is-death-v2.html
Перекладено 25 травня 2026 року
Ворог навіть не уявляє
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_25.html
24 травня 2026 року
Ворог навіть не уявляє
після масових ракетних ударів Росії по Києву,
і протягом 4 років війни
May 24, 2026
The enemy has no idea
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-enemy-has-no-idea.html
Translated back into English, May 24, 2026
The Eyes of the Defenders – Version 3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-eyes-of-defenders-version-3.html
Today is the Day of the Heroes of Ukraine 
день Героїв України
They are with Ukraine now, in their fight. 
Stand with Ukraine. 
Happy Heroes Day.
And, based on post by Roman Sheremeta,
before and after photos of Ukrainian defenders
and Instagram posts by Olena Ivanenko and Khrystyna Kydrava
Translated, May 24, 2026
Очі захисників – версія 3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/3.html
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited May 23, 2026
Eyes of the Defenders - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/eyes-of-defenders-v3.html
Edited November 27, 2025
The stain of innocent blood – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-stain-of-innocent-blood-v6.html
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
the Ukrainian people
April 1, 2022
The stain of innocent blood
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-stain-of-innocent-blood.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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day, glory, Cossacks, eyes, truth, день Героїв України, defenders, Taras Shevchenko, justice,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders #TarasShevchenko #justice #peace

on the #Rock of #Taras #Shevchenko - v2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders #TarasShevchenko #justice #peace #Ukrainian

Shevchenko is the central figure,

the Kobzar, the Prophet,

He is the hope of this ancient people 

The Rock on which they stand...

He is their Father, their North Star,

Ukraine’s hope in this moment, 

On the Rock of Taras Shevchenko 

The Ukrainian people stand...

He is the one essential Voice,

He suffered for her greatly,

His is the Great Grave opened,

revealing Ukraine’s future glory...

Shevchenko is the Bard,

He is the Hetman, Ukraine’s conscience, 

On the Rock of Taras Shevchenko

The Ukrainian people stand... 

---------------- 
Edited June 18, 2026
on the Rock of Taras Shevchenko - v2
 
Edited June 12, 2026
The enemy has no idea – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-enemy-has-no-idea-v2.html
Edited June 12, 2026
Soften His Heart, Lord
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/soften-his-heart-lord.html
A prayer to God over Vladimir Putin,
Edited June 6, 2026
His name is Death – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/his-name-is-death-v2.html
Перекладено 25 травня 2026 року
Ворог навіть не уявляє
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_25.html
24 травня 2026 року
Ворог навіть не уявляє
після масових ракетних ударів Росії по Києву,
і протягом 4 років війни
May 24, 2026
The enemy has no idea
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-enemy-has-no-idea.html
Translated back into English, May 24, 2026
The Eyes of the Defenders – Version 3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-eyes-of-defenders-version-3.html
Today is the Day of the Heroes of Ukraine 
день Героїв України
They are with Ukraine now, in their fight. 
Stand with Ukraine. 
Happy Heroes Day.
And, based on post by Roman Sheremeta,
before and after photos of Ukrainian defenders
and Instagram posts by Olena Ivanenko and Khrystyna Kydrava
Translated, May 24, 2026
Очі захисників – версія 3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/3.html
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited May 23, 2026
Eyes of the Defenders - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/eyes-of-defenders-v3.html
Edited November 27, 2025
The stain of innocent blood – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-stain-of-innocent-blood-v6.html
Edited April 18, 2025
The stain of their blood – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-stain-of-their-blood-v2.html
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
the Ukrainian people
April 1, 2022
The stain of innocent blood
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-stain-of-innocent-blood.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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day, glory, Cossacks, eyes, truth, день Героїв України, defenders, Taras Shevchenko, justice,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders #TarasShevchenko #justice #peace

on the #Rock of #Taras #Shevchenko #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders #TarasShevchenko #justice #peace

He is the central figure,

the Kobzar, the Prophet,

the hope of these ancient people 

The Rock on which they stand...

He is their Father, their guide star,

their hope in this moment, 

on the Rock of Taras Shevchenko 

The Ukrainian people stand...

He is the one essential Voice,

He suffered for her deeply,

His is the Great Grave opened,

revealing Ukraine’s glory...

Shevchenko is the Bard,

He is the Hetman, the conscience, 

on the Rock of Taras Shevchenko

The Ukrainian people stand... 

---------------- 
June 18, 2026
on the Rock of Taras Shevchenko
 
Edited June 12, 2026
The enemy has no idea – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-enemy-has-no-idea-v2.html
Edited June 12, 2026
Soften His Heart, Lord
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/soften-his-heart-lord.html
A prayer to God over Vladimir Putin,
Edited June 6, 2026
His name is Death – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/his-name-is-death-v2.html
Перекладено 25 травня 2026 року
Ворог навіть не уявляє
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_25.html
24 травня 2026 року
Ворог навіть не уявляє
після масових ракетних ударів Росії по Києву,
і протягом 4 років війни
May 24, 2026
The enemy has no idea
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-enemy-has-no-idea.html
Translated back into English, May 24, 2026
The Eyes of the Defenders – Version 3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-eyes-of-defenders-version-3.html
Today is the Day of the Heroes of Ukraine 
день Героїв України
They are with Ukraine now, in their fight. 
Stand with Ukraine. 
Happy Heroes Day.
And, based on post by Roman Sheremeta,
before and after photos of Ukrainian defenders
and Instagram posts by Olena Ivanenko and Khrystyna Kydrava
Translated, May 24, 2026
Очі захисників – версія 3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/3.html
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited May 23, 2026
Eyes of the Defenders - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/eyes-of-defenders-v3.html
Edited November 27, 2025
The stain of innocent blood – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-stain-of-innocent-blood-v6.html
Edited April 18, 2025
The stain of their blood – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-stain-of-their-blood-v2.html
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
the Ukrainian people
April 1, 2022
The stain of innocent blood
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-stain-of-innocent-blood.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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day, glory, Cossacks, eyes, truth, день Героїв України, defenders, Taras Shevchenko, justice,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders #TarasShevchenko #justice #peace

The #Eyes of the #Defenders – Version 3 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders

The truth cannot be hidden
behind a mask of protection...
Life lies within the living themselves,
in this window into their souls,
in the burden on their hearts...
 
The weight is so obvious, so clear,
transformed, shaped by battles,
by four years of struggle,
etched on every face
of every defender, every hero...
 
The eyes of the defenders
tell the story of their nation,
their resistance, their resolve,
their struggle for survival
against the horde of Muscovites...
 
The enemy has no idea
what giants they have awakened...
Ukraine will prevail,
Russia will be crushed,
these eyes will smile again...
 
----------------
Translated back into English, May 24, 2026
The Eyes of the Defenders – Version 3
 
Translated, May 24, 2026
Очі захисників – версія 3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/3.html
Відредаговано 23 травня 2026 року
Сьогодні День Героїв України
день Героїв України
Вони зараз разом з Україною у її боротьбі.
Підтримайте Україну.
З Днем Героїв.
А також, на основі допису Романа Шеремети,
фотографії українських захисників «до» і «після»
та дописи в Instagram Олени Іваненко та Христини Кидравої
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited May 23, 2026
Eyes of the Defenders - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/eyes-of-defenders-v3.html
Today is the Day of the Heroes of Ukraine 
день Героїв України
They are with Ukraine now, in their fight. 
Stand with Ukraine. 
Happy Heroes Day.
And, based on post by Roman Sheremeta,
before and after photos of Ukrainian defenders
and Instagram posts by Olena Ivanenko and Khrystyna Kydrava
May 21, 2026
The Patterns of Their Culture
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-patterns-of-their-culture.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay 2026
З Днем вишиванки!
21 травня 2026 року
Візерунки їхньої культури
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_20.html
З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
 
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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day, glory, Cossacks, eyes, truth, день Героїв України, defenders,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders

hand-written signs #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders #TarasShevchenko #justice #peace

hand-written signs
 
more than a moment of honor, of silence,
a shadow on their lives
Their loss is so profound...
hand-written signs, something tangible,
their prayers, their petitions,
They're honoring the dead...
They cry for each one held prisoner,
captives of Moskal’s horde...
 
their faces paint their sorrow
signs they hold so tightly,
Their loss is so profound
shattering hope, their lives,
their pleas written boldly
imprinted words of power
held high to honor
all those they love...
 
---------------- 
May 24, 2026
hand-written signs
 
signs for the Moment of Honor,
seen on Instagram and elsewhere
written by Ukrainians, for their loved ones
killed and held prisoners still...
May 24, 2026
The enemy has no idea
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-enemy-has-no-idea.html
Edited May 23, 2026
Eyes of the Defenders - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/eyes-of-defenders-v3.html
Today is the Day of the Heroes of Ukraine 
день Героїв України
They are with Ukraine now, in their fight. 
Stand with Ukraine. 
Happy Heroes Day.
And, based on post by Roman Sheremeta,
before and after photos of Ukrainian defenders
and Instagram posts by Olena Ivanenko and Khrystyna Kydrava
May 21, 2026
The Patterns of Their Culture
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-patterns-of-their-culture.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay 2026
З Днем вишиванки!
21 травня 2026 року
Візерунки їхньої культури
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_20.html
З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes.html
May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these warriors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-warriors.html
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,
and the Ukrainian people
 
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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day, glory, Cossacks, eyes, truth, день Героїв України, defenders, Taras Shevchenko, justice,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders #TarasShevchenko #justice #peace

The #enemy has no idea #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders #TarasShevchenko #justice #peace

The enemy has no idea - 
What giants they have awakened...
Ukraine will prevail - 
Russia will be defeated - 
Eyes of the defenders will smile again...
 
Peace will come at last
for these good and noble people,
like the sunrise over the Donbas,
Life will come again
but memory will never fade...
 
The judgment of history
will be on the Moskals...
The stain of innocent blood,
of children, of defenders
will haunt them in eternity...
 
Like Pilate in The Master and Margarita,
The cost will be eternal for them
those who invaded, those of terror,
of lusts, of genocide... History demands -
Justice will come to their doors...
Their crimes will not be forgotten...
 
---------------- 
May 24, 2026
The enemy has no idea
 
Edited May 23, 2026
Eyes of the Defenders - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/eyes-of-defenders-v3.html
Today is the Day of the Heroes of Ukraine 
день Героїв України
They are with Ukraine now, in their fight. 
Stand with Ukraine. 
Happy Heroes Day.
And, based on post by Roman Sheremeta,
before and after photos of Ukrainian defenders
and Instagram posts by Olena Ivanenko and Khrystyna Kydrava
May 21, 2026
The Patterns of Their Culture
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-patterns-of-their-culture.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay 2026
З Днем вишиванки!
21 травня 2026 року
Візерунки їхньої культури
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_20.html
З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes.html
May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these warriors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-warriors.html
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,
and the Ukrainian people
 
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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day, glory, Cossacks, eyes, truth, день Героїв України, defenders, Taras Shevchenko, justice,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни #defenders #TarasShevchenko #justice #peace

#Eyes of the #defenders - v3 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth #деньГероївУкраїни

Truth cannot be hidden

under a mask of protection...

Life is in the living

in this window on their souls,

burdens on their hearts...

Gravity so evident, manifest,

changed, caused by battle,

by four years of struggle,

written on each face

of every defender, heroes...

Eyes of the defenders

tell their nation’s story

their resistance, their resolve,

their fight for survival

against Moskal’s horde...

The enemy has no idea - 

What giants they have awakened...

Ukraine will prevail - 

Russia will be defeated - 

These eyes will smile again...

---------------- 

Edited May 23, 2026

Eyes of the Defenders - v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/eyes-of-defenders-v3.html

Today is the Day of the Heroes of Ukraine 

день Героїв України

They are with Ukraine now, in their fight.

Stand with Ukraine. 

Happy Heroes Day.

Edited May 22, 2026

Eyes of the defenders – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/eyes-of-defenders_01058658037.html

First draft May 21, 2026

З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay 2026
post by Roman Sheremeta,
before and after photos
of Ukrainian defenders
May 21, 2026
The Patterns of Their Culture
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-patterns-of-their-culture.html
Happy Vyshyvanka Day!
21 травня 2026 року
Візерунки їхньої культури
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_20.html
З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes.html
May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these warriors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-warriors.html
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,
and the Ukrainian people
 
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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day, glory, Cossacks, eyes, truth,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth 

#Eyes of the #defenders - v2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth

Truth cannot be hidden
under a mask of protection...
Life is in the living
in this window on the soul
burdens on their hearts...
 
Gravity so evident, manifest,
changed caused by battle,
by four years of struggle,
written on each face...
 
Eyes of the defenders
tell their nation’s story
their resistance, their resolve,
their fight for survival
against Moskal’s horde...
 
The enemy has no idea -
What giants they have awakened...
Ukraine will prevail -
These eyes will smile again...
 
----------------
Edited May 22, 2026
Eyes of the defenders – v2
 
May 21, 2026
З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay 2026
post by Roman Sheremeta,
before and after photos
of Ukrainian defenders
May 21, 2026
The Patterns of Their Culture
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-patterns-of-their-culture.html
Happy Vyshyvanka Day!
21 травня 2026 року
Візерунки їхньої культури
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_20.html
З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes.html
May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these warriors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-warriors.html
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,
and the Ukrainian people
 
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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day, glory, Cossacks, eyes, truth,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay #eyes #truth 

#Eyes of the #defenders #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay

gravity so evident, manifest,
changed caused by battle
by four years of struggle,
written on each face...
 
eyes of the defenders
tells their nation’s story
their resistance, their resolve,
their fight for survival
against Moskal’s horde...
 
The enemy has no idea -
giants they have awakened...
Ukraine will prevail -
These eyes will smile again...
 
----------------
May 21, 2026
Eyes of the defenders
 
Vyshyvanka Day 2026
post by Roman Sheremeta,
before and after photos
of Ukrainian defenders
May 21, 2026
The Patterns of Their Culture
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-patterns-of-their-culture.html
Happy Vyshyvanka Day!
21 травня 2026 року
Візерунки їхньої культури
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_20.html
З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes.html
May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these warriors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-warriors.html
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,
and the Ukrainian people
May 20, 2024
X post by Тетяна Denford
and my responses
 
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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day, glory, Cossacks,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #cossacks #glory #VyshyvankaDay

The Patterns of Their #Culture #культури #Поезія #Україна #перемога #надія #мужність #герої #СлаваУкраїні #перемога #писанки #вишиванка #Деньвишиванкиv Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day,

Beauty lies in their elegance,
the patterns of their culture,
symbols that stir memories,
their national identity,
icons that sing out loud, in unison,
who they are as a people,
This is eternal Ukraine…
 
Like wheat ripening in the fields,
the blue sky above them,
the trident, the raven, the poplar,
sunflowers, hills, forests, the Dnipro,
love for their country, kobzars,
their stories, their memories,
recorded in elegant lines…
 
They wear their embroidered shirts,
a connection to every region, every family,
meaning, embroidered memories, fabric,
ancient traditions, interwoven threads…
They exchange pysanky at Easter,
on both sides of the Dnipro,
on the mainland, in Crimea…
Together, Ukraine stands as one…
 
----------------
May 21, 2026
The Patterns of Their Culture
 
Happy Vyshyvanka Day!
21 травня 2026 року
Візерунки їхньої культури
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_20.html
З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes.html
May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these warriors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-warriors.html
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces
May 23, 2024
Death from the skies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies.html
Edited May 22, 2024
Streets of Kharkiv run red with blood
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/streets-of-kharkiv-run-red-with-blood.html
May 22, 2024
Free the hands of our ally – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/free-hands-of-our-ally-v3.html
Edited May 22, 2024
While their bombers are in the air
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/while-their-bombers-are-in-air.html
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,
and the Ukrainian people
May 20, 2024
X post by Тетяна Denford
and my responses
 
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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #VyshyvankaDay 

Designs of their #culture – v5 #культури #Поезія #Україна #перемога #надія #мужність #герої #СлаваУкраїні #перемога #писанки #вишиванка #Деньвишиванкиv Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day,

Beauty in their intricacy,
designs of their culture,
symbols evoking memory,
their identity as a people,
iconic, singing aloud, a chorus,
who they are, as a people,
This is eternally Ukraine…
 
Like the wheat ripening in fields,
an azure-blue sky above them,
the tryzub, the raven, the poplar,
sunflowers, hills, forests, the Dnipro,
love of their country, the Kobzars,
their stories, their memories,
written in intricate lines…
 
They wear their embroidered Vyshyvanka,
a connection to each region, each family,
of meaning, memory stitched, a fabric,
ancient traditions, threads woven…
They share Pysanky eggs for Easter,
on either side of the Dnipro,
on the mainland, in Crimea…
Together, Ukraine stands as one…
 
-----------
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes.html
May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these warriors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-warriors.html
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces
May 23, 2024
Death from the skies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies.html
Edited May 22, 2024
Streets of Kharkiv run red with blood
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/streets-of-kharkiv-run-red-with-blood.html
May 22, 2024
Free the hands of our ally – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/free-hands-of-our-ally-v3.html
Edited May 22, 2024
While their bombers are in the air
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/while-their-bombers-are-in-air.html
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,
and the Ukrainian people
May 20, 2024
X post by Тетяна Denford
and my responses
 
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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #VyshyvankaDay

#Protective #Clothing – Version 2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

The fallen go into battle with them
under their body armor
a vyshyvanka, a prayer...
They are protected by their fallen comrades...
 
Every thread is hand-dyed,
dipped in the defender’s blood...
Unwound from the spool, woven,
creating a protective shield...
 
Each shirt, invisible, made of pure linen,
the prayer of this people...
The fabric for each pattern –
the truth of their culture...
 
The memory of the fallen,
a thread in the fabric,
sprinkled with the blood of the defenders...
They guard their hearts...
 
Every thread is woven with love,
creating a chain-mail embroidered shirt,
clinging to the skin of every defender...
They march with a whispered prayer for life...
 
-----------
Edited May 20, 2026
protective clothing – v2
 
Відредаговано 20 травня 2026 року
одяг захисту – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/2.html
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited May 20, 2026
a garment of protection – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection-v2.html
May 19, 2026
a garment of protection
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection.html
Edited, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html
New name, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html
Edited December 1, 2025
A cloak of the dead – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html
In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent
identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 
Edited May 24, 2024
Designs of their culture – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces
 
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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, threads, blood,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

#Одяг, що #захищає – версія 2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood #Поезія #Україна #перемога #надія #мужність #герої #перемога #Писанки #Вишиванка #Валгалла #захист #броня #ДеньВишиванки #честь #нитки #кров

Полеглі йдуть з ними в бій
під їхнім бронежилетом
вишиванка, молитва...
Їх захищають їхні полеглі...
 
Кожна нитка пофарбована вручну,
занурена в кров захисника...
Витягнута з котушки, виткана,
створюючи захисний щит...
 
Кожна сорочка, невидима, з чистого льону,
молитва цього народу...
Полотно для кожного візерунка –
істина їхньої культури...
 
Пам'ять про полеглих,
нитка у тканині,
окроплена кров'ю захисників...
Вони охороняють їхні серця...
 
Кожна нитка з любов'ю виткана,
створюючи кольчужну вишиванку,
що прилягає до шкіри кожного захисника...
Вони йдуть із шепотінням молитви про життя...
 
-----------
Відредаговано 20 травня 2026 року
одяг захисту – v2
 
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited May 20, 2026
a garment of protection – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection-v2.html
May 19, 2026
a garment of protection
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection.html
Edited, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html
New name, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html
Edited December 1, 2025
A cloak of the dead – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html
In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent
identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 
Edited May 24, 2024
Designs of their culture – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces
 
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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, threads, blood,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

#Поезія #Україна #перемога #надія #мужність #герої #перемога #Писанки #Вишиванка #Валгалла #захист #броня #ДеньВишиванки #честь #нитки #кров