In these #Harrowing #Hours #Ukraine #Kyiv #shahed #missiles #terror #genocide #shelter #sleep #night #PTSD

Day after day, year upon year,
in these harrowing hours
in the watches of the night
Safety too far to run to,
an oasis for only some...
Sheltering in place, their homes,
hunkered down in their corridors
when terror, when the Shaheds come...
 
Constantly on alert,
Their sounds now so familiar -
the roar of the missiles,
the whine of the drones,
taunting them from their rest -
awake on their mats...
holding their breaths
when sleep will not come...
 
A nation, a people on guard
in these harrowing moments,
a bag at the ready
ever ready to run
to head for shelter
Unless there is no time
for safety, for escape,
when the Moskals come...
 
They are a people on edge,
exhausted in their spirits
by years of war, terror,
holding onto humanity
waiting in their bathtubs,
with clothes to be presentable,
Just in case...
Hoping sleep will come...
 
----------
Edited July 7, 2026
In these Harrowing Hours
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/in-these-harrowing-hours.html
Russian attacks on Kyiv apartment buildings
July 2, 2026
Marching to their death
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/marching-to-their-death.html
New Russian soldiers have about a 20-minute life expectancy 
on the front lines in Ukraine. 
Edited July 1, 2026
Breaking the chains of empire - v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/breaking-chains-of-empire-v2.html
Edited June 24, 2026
Resolve personified – v7
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/resolve-personified-v7.html
Edited March 3, 2026
Taras saw this future – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/taras-saw-this-future-v3.html
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
 
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, serfdom, muse, prison, Crimea, Snake Island,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland
 
Poetry, Ukraine, Kyiv, Shahed, missiles, terror, genocide, shelter, sheep, night, PTSD,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #Kyiv #shahed #missiles #terror #genocide #shelter #sleep #night #PTSD
 
Poetry, death, Russia, soldiers, meat grinder, Ukraine,
 
#poetry #death #Russia #soldiers #meatgrinder #Ukraine

In the Harrowing Hours #Ukraine #Kyiv #shahed #missiles #terror #genocide #shelter #sleep #night #PTSD

in the harrowing hours
in the watches of the night
safety too far to run to,
an oasis for only some...
hunkered down in their corridors
when terror, when the Shaheds come...
 
their sounds now familiar -
the roar of the missiles,
the whine of the drones,
awake on their mats...
holding their breaths
when sleep will not come...
 
a people on guard
in harrowing moments,
a bag at the ready
ever ready to run
to head for shelter
when the Moskals come...
 
a people exhausted
by years of war, terror,
holding onto humanity
waiting in their bathtubs,
with clothes to be presentable,
Hoping sleep will come..
 
----------
Edited July 4, 2026
In the Harrowing Hours Harrowing Hours
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/in-harrowing-hours-ukraine-kyiv-shahed.html
Russian attacks on Kyiv apartment buildings
July 2, 2026
Marching to their death
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/marching-to-their-death.html
New Russian soldiers have about a 20-minute life expectancy 
on the front lines in Ukraine. 
Edited July 1, 2026
Breaking the chains of empire - v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/breaking-chains-of-empire-v2.html
Edited June 24, 2026
Resolve personified – v7
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/resolve-personified-v7.html
Edited March 3, 2026
Taras saw this future – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/taras-saw-this-future-v3.html
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
 
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, serfdom, muse, prison, Crimea, Snake Island,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland
 
Poetry, Ukraine, Kyiv, Shahed, missiles, terror, genocide, shelter, sheep, night, PTSD,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #Kyiv #shahed #missiles #terror #genocide #shelter #sleep #night #PTSD
 
Poetry, death, Russia, soldiers, meat grinder, Ukraine,
 
#poetry #death #Russia #soldiers #meatgrinder #Ukraine

Harrowing Hours #Poetry #Ukraine #Kyiv #shahed #missiles #terror #genocide #shelter #sleep #night #PTSD

too far to run to,
an oasis for only some,
hunkered down in their corridors
when the Shaheds come...
 
the whine of the missiles,
the whizz of the drones,
awake on their mats
when sleep will not come...
 
a bag at the ready
ever ready to run
to head for shelter
when the Moskals come...
 
a people exhausted
by years of war, terror,
holding onto humanity
Hoping sleep will come...
 
----------
July 2, 2026
Harrowing Moments
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/harrowing-hours.html
Russian attacks on Kyiv apartment buildings
Edited July 1, 2026
Breaking the chains of empire - v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/breaking-chains-of-empire-v2.html
June 30, 2022 – Liberation of Snake Island
June 30, 1941 – Act of Restoration of the Ukrainian State
1721 – Muscovy taking the name Russia
Edited June 24, 2026
Resolve personified – v7
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/resolve-personified-v7.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”
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
 
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, serfdom, muse, prison, Crimea, Snake Island,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland
 
Poetry, Ukraine, Kyiv, Shahed, missiles, terror, genocide, shelter, sheep, night, PTSD,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #Kyiv #shahed #missiles #terror #genocide #shelter #sleep #night #PTSD

Holding onto #Time – v2

Gazing off toward the rising light
catching my eager eyes, morning,
a trunk, not yet fallen, erect, in death,
a regal birch remains, ramrod straight…
 
Beyond the edge of this still glade,
illumined by the morning sunlight,
poison ivy climbing up its truck,
fungus tiered up its side,
nests of birds dwelling inside…
 
No longer are there limbs,
yet worthy none the less,
the regal birch within the glade
has yet much to teach to us…
 
Standing through life’s trials,
ever changing, still usefulness,
teaching us about life, aging,
of living within community,
and accepting the part we play…
 
-----------------
Edited May 29, 2024
Holding onto Time – v2
 
September 28, 2011
Holding onto Time
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/09/holding-onto-time.html
Rolling Ridge Day Apart Retreat
www.rollingridge.org
“Poetry, Nature, and the Language of the Land”
http://www.rollingridge.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/WEB-Poetry-Nature-and-Language.pdf
led by Ray McGinnis
http://www.writetotheheart.com/
Write to the Heart workshops
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, nature, memories, God, creation, sky, night, writing poetry, river, water, imagination, senses, eyes, cold, sight, hearing, faith, sound,
 
#Poetry #nature #memories #God #creation #sky #night #writing #river #water #imagination #senses #eyes #cold #sight #hearing #faith #sound

#Apricot and #Periwinkle – v8

Seeing in color,
capturing a moment,
a poem’s title birthing,
teased from the ether,
From my memory.
 
Awake to these senses,
alive in this moment,
captured, remembering,
a touchstone, an image,
burned in my mind.
 
Apricot and periwinkle,
robin’s egg and salmon skin,
moments, seconds really,
flickering before me,
of yesterday’s sunset.
 
Fading, dying, and yet
frozen in my spirit,
captured forever,
in my memory, my flesh,
to recall in later years.
 
No Nikon or Kodak,
no disposable or Instamatic.
not on emulsion, on film;
Images captured on
rods and cones this time.
 
Fine grained, the pixels,
memory planted securely,
absorbed within, deeply,
enduring, connecting,
synapses growing strong.
 
Soft shadows, blending,
muted edges, eye-shadow,
wispy gossamer clouds.
bands of color and mood
share the sky above.
 
The still air the canvas.
small birds dancing,
flitting in the sparkles,
And a damselfly,
before the dark.
 
Stars create a canopy,
etch shape of the dome,
The arc of eternity,
above the dark landscape,
after the light fails.
 
Before me over the water,
sunset now remembered,
part of my memory,
my experience, my life,
To cherish forevermore, always.

---------------------  
Edited March 10, 2024
Apricot and Periwinkle – v8
 
edited February 10, 2022
Apricot and Periwinkle – v7
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/apricot-and-periwinkle-v7.html
edited after reading “Little Sister Pond”,
by Mary Oliver
edited March 21, 2021
Apricot and Periwinkle - v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2021/03/apricot-and-periwinkle-v6.html
edited May 5, 2018
Apricot and Periwinkle – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/05/apricot-and-periwinkle-v5.html
(editing version 4, adding 1^st stanza)
edited September 28, 2017
Apricot and Periwinkle – v4
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2017/09/apricot-and-periwinkle-v4.html
edited January 18, 2016
Apricot and Periwinkle – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/01/apricot-and-periwinkle-v3.html
(merging edits to version 2 and original)
edited June 21, 2014
Apricot and Periwinkle – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/apricot-and-periwinkle-v2.html
Written 8/28/00 at 10:20 at night
Apricot and Periwinkle
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2004/02/sunset-seeing-colors.html
Written 8/28/00 at 10:20 at night 
Swain’s Lake, Barrington, NH
&
edited February 9, 2022
onto the water – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/onto-water-v2.html
about summer 2000,
written after reading "Blossom"
by Mary Oliver
&
edited February 9, 2022
at the edge of the lake – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/at-edge-of-lake-v4.html
about summer 2000,
written after reading "Morning on Great Pond"
by Mary Oliver
edited February 8, 2022
&
January 3, 2022
A squadron of geese
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/a-squadron-of-geese.html
written after reading Clapp’s Brook by Mary Oliver
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
---------------
poetry, dawn, God, promise, lake, night, darkness, sunrise, sleep, wake, circadian rhythm,
 
#poetry #dawn #God #promise #lake #night #darkness #sunrise #sleep #wake

onto the water - v4

Dusk bled to darkness,
stillness, surrounding night -
mid-week mid-summer,
the moon overhead
leading me home.

Pulling out onto the water,
my canoe and my paddle,
moving as silently as possible;
A whisper on the surface,
A breath on the water.
 
---------------
Edited February 8, 2024
onto the water – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/onto-water-v4.html
Edited February 8, 2023
onto the water – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/02/onto-water-v2.html
edited February 9, 2022
onto the water – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/onto-water-v2.html
February 8, 2022
onto the water
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/onto-water.html
written after reading "Blossom"
by Mary Oliver
&
edited February 9, 2022
at the edge of the lake – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/at-edge-of-lake-v4.html
edited February 9, 2022
at the edge of the lake – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/at-edge-of-lake-v3.html
edited February 9, 2022
at the edge of the lake – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/at-edge-of-lake-v2.html
written after reading "Morning on Great Pond"
by Mary Oliver
&
edited February 8, 2022
in the woods I wandered – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/in-woods-i-wandered-v3.html
edited February 8, 2022
in the woods I wandered – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/in-woods-i-wandered-v2.html
February 8, 2022
in the woods I wandered
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/in-woods-i-wandered.html
written after reading “Spring”
by Mary Oliver
&
edited February 8, 2022
The bramble enticing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-bramble-enticing-v2.html
February 8, 2022
the bramble enticing
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-bramble-enticing.html
Written after reading "Skunk Cabbage"
by Mary Oliver
&
February 6, 2022
Diatomaceous earth
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/diatomaceous-earth.html
Written after reading "Rain in Ohio",
By Mary Oliver
&
February 6, 2022
The raptors, their carrion
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-raptors-their-carrion.html
Written after reading "Vultures" by Mary Oliver.
&
January 3, 2022
A squadron of geese
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/a-squadron-of-geese.html
written after reading Clapp’s Brook by Mary Oliver
&
January 3, 2022
The bear cub
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-bear-cub.html
About drive out of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
after 2019 Stars Over Katahdin dark skies event. 
Drafted after reading first part of poem "Clapp's Brook" by Mary Oliver.
 
------------
poetry, nature, pool, memories,
 
#poetry #nature #pool #memories
 
-----------
poetry, Florida, nature, raptors, birds, carrion,
 
#poetry #Florida #nature #raptors #birds #carrion
 
-------------
poetry, blackberry, blackberries, nature, harvest, bramble,
 
#poetry #Blackberry #blackberries #nature #harvest #bramble
 
-------------
poetry, walk, woods, explore, exploration,
 
#poetry #walk #woods #explore #exploration
 
---------------
poetry, dawn, God, promise, lake, night,
 
#poetry #dawn #God #promise #lake #night
 
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, and 2023. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 

In the silence of the trees – v2

In the silence of the trees, standing,
in their stillness, looking skyward,
listening in my watching, seeking,
yearning for conversation, in prayer,
Speaking, quiet, open to God…
 
Yet, I still feel myself distracted,
I need to walk even more slowly,
to listen even more deeply
in the stillness of these moments
Raising my heart, my spirit, skyward…
 
In the silence of the trees, standing,
I sense the vastness, the majesty,
of Your beauty, of creation,
I long to be your Servant,
Speak to me Lord, now…
 
----------
Edited February 3, 2024
In the silence of the trees – v2
 
February 3, 2024
In the silence of the trees
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/in-silence-of-trees.html
Edited February 2, 2024
In Prayer, Discernment – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/in-prayer-discernment-v2.html
&
Edited January 26, 2024
I lift my eyes up to the heavens – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-lift-my-eyes-up-to-heavens-v2.html
Edited January 26, 2024
Longing for meaning – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/longing-for-meaning-v2.html
January 26, 2024
Longing for meaning
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/longing-for-meaning.html
Mark 8:36
January 25, 2024
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
&
“The Road Not Taken”
https://www.poetryverse.com/robert-frost-poems/the-road-not-taken
By Robert Frost
&
January 25, 2024
I lift my eyes up to the heavens
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-lift-my-eyes-up-to-heavens.html
Psalm 121:1-4
Psalm 123
Psalm 123
&
Edited January 24, 2024
clothe me with joy – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothe-me-with-joy-v2.html
January 24, 2024
clothe me with joy
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothe-me-with-joy.html
Psalm 30:5
For God’s anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30
 
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com  Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, prayer, God, Christ, Spirit, pray, struggles, trials, night, morning, darkness, light, faith, calling, purpose,
 
#Poetry #prayer #God #Christ #Spirit #pray #struggles #trials #night #morning #darkness #light #faith #calling #purpose

In the silence of the trees #prayer

In the silence of the trees,
in their stillness, looking skyward,
listening in my watching, seeking,
yearning for conversation, in prayer,
Speaking, open to God…
 
Yet, I still feel myself distracted,
I need to walk even more slowly,
to listen even more deeply
in the stillness of these moments
Raising my heart skyward…
 
In the silence of the trees,
I sense the vastness, the majesty,
of Your beauty, of creation,
I long to be your Servant,
Speak to me Lord, now…
 
----------
February 3, 2024
In the silence of the trees
 
Edited February 2, 2024
In Prayer, Discernment – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/in-prayer-discernment-v2.html
&
Edited January 26, 2024
I lift my eyes up to the heavens – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-lift-my-eyes-up-to-heavens-v2.html
Edited January 26, 2024
Longing for meaning – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/longing-for-meaning-v2.html
January 26, 2024
Longing for meaning
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/longing-for-meaning.html
Mark 8:36
January 25, 2024
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
&
“The Road Not Taken”
https://www.poetryverse.com/robert-frost-poems/the-road-not-taken
By Robert Frost
&
January 25, 2024
I lift my eyes up to the heavens
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-lift-my-eyes-up-to-heavens.html
Psalm 121:1-4
Psalm 123
Psalm 123
&
Edited January 24, 2024
clothe me with joy – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothe-me-with-joy-v2.html
January 24, 2024
clothe me with joy
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothe-me-with-joy.html
Psalm 30:5
For God’s anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30
 
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com  Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, prayer, God, Christ, Spirit, pray, struggles, trials, night, morning, darkness, light, faith, calling, purpose,
 
#Poetry #prayer #God #Christ #Spirit #pray #struggles #trials #night #morning #darkness #light #faith #calling #purpose

I lift my eyes up to the heavens – v2

I lift my eyes up to You, Lord, to the heavens,
No longer staring down, at the dust, at my feet of clay;
In my brokenness, in my trials, I put my trust in You, God,
Father, Creator of heaven and earth.
 
I lift my eyes up to You, Lord, God Almighty,
I trust in You alone, my Creator and my Savior;
You are the only source of my salvation,
of my strength. You are the One eternal God.
 
---------------
Edited January 26, 2024
I lift my eyes up to the heavens – v2
 
Edited January 26, 2024
Longing for meaning – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/longing-for-meaning-v2.html
January 26, 2024
Longing for meaning
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/longing-for-meaning.html
Mark 8:36
January 25, 2024
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
&
“The Road Not Taken”
https://www.poetryverse.com/robert-frost-poems/the-road-not-taken
By Robert Frost
&
January 25, 2024
I lift my eyes up to the heavens
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-lift-my-eyes-up-to-heavens.html
Psalm 121:1-4
Psalm 123
Psalm 123
&
Edited January 24, 2024
clothe me with joy – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothe-me-with-joy-v2.html
January 24, 2024
clothe me with joy
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothe-me-with-joy.html
Psalm 30:5
For God’s anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30
 
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com  Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, prayer, Psalm 30, God, Christ, Spirit, pray, struggles, trials, night, morning, darkness, light, faith, calling, purpose, Psalm 121, Psalm 122, Psalm 123, 2 Corinthians 4,
 
#Poetry #prayer #Psalm30 #God #Christ #Spirit #pray #struggles #trials #night #morning #darkness #light #faith #calling #purpose #Psalm121 #Psalm122 #Psalm123 #2Corinthians4

Longing for meaning – v2

Sipping a cup of purpose,
Drinking in my calling,
Cleaving to the eternal;
Holy Spirit, speak to my soul…
 
Longing for meaning,
For my path to be fruitful,
Wanting to know for certain,
Which path, which road to take…
 
But life doesn’t always work that way,
We must step out in faith, uncertain,
We must trust in the calling of God,
For God alone knows the way…
 
---------------
Edited January 26, 2024
Longing for meaning – v2
 
January 26, 2024
Longing for meaning
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/longing-for-meaning.html
Mark 8:36
January 25, 2024
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
&
“The Road Not Taken”
https://www.poetryverse.com/robert-frost-poems/the-road-not-taken
By Robert Frost
&
January 25, 2024
I lift my eyes up to the heavens
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-lift-my-eyes-up-to-heavens.html
Psalm 121:1-4
Psalm 123
Psalm 123
&
Edited January 24, 2024
clothe me with joy – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothe-me-with-joy-v2.html
January 24, 2024
clothe me with joy
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothe-me-with-joy.html
Psalm 30:5
For God’s anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30
 
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com  Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, prayer, Psalm 30, God, Christ, Spirit, pray, struggles, trials, night, morning, darkness, light, faith, calling, purpose, Psalm 121, Psalm 123, 2 Corinthians 4, Mark 8, soul,
 
#Poetry #prayer #Psalm30 #God #Christ #Spirit #pray #struggles #trials #night #morning #darkness #light #faith #calling #purpose #soul #Psalm121 #Psalm123 #2Corinthians4 #Mark8

Longing for meaning

Sipping a cup of purpose,
Drinking in my calling,
Cleaving to the eternal;
Spirit, speak to my soul.
 
Longing for meaning,
For my path to be fruitful,
Wanting to know for certain,
Which path, which road to take…
 
---------------
January 26, 2024
Longing for meaning
 
Mark 8:36
January 25, 2024
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
&
“The Road Not Taken”
https://www.poetryverse.com/robert-frost-poems/the-road-not-taken
By Robert Frost
&
January 25, 2024
I lift my eyes up to the heavens
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-lift-my-eyes-up-to-heavens.html
Psalm 121:1-4
Psalm 123
Psalm 123
&
Edited January 24, 2024
clothe me with joy – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothe-me-with-joy-v2.html
January 24, 2024
clothe me with joy
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothe-me-with-joy.html
Psalm 30:5
For God’s anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30
 
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com  Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, prayer, Psalm 30, God, Christ, Spirit, pray, struggles, trials, night, morning, darkness, light, faith, calling, purpose, Psalm 121, Psalm 122, Psalm 123, 2 Corinthians 4, Mark 8,
 
#Poetry #prayer #Psalm30 #God #Christ #Spirit #pray #struggles #trials #night #morning #darkness #light #faith #calling #purpose #Psalm121 #Psalm122 #Psalm123 #2Corinthians4 #Msrtk8

Stilling myself, silent – v4

Pushing out onto the water
leaving the car, the landing,
stilling myself, silent,
letting go of the day, its troubles,
sitting in darkness, adjusting my eyes,
the paddle across my lap, feathered,
dripping silently in the starlight.
 
Listening to nature all around me
crickets, a breeze in the grasses,
feeling darkness like a blanket
late enough for people to be asleep,
water calm, reflecting,
alone with the loons, beavers,
other denizens of the night.
 
Drinking in this moment
the stillness inviting,
Lifting the day, the stress,
water warm to my touch,
letting the sounds, the sights,
smells of summer bleed,
melt into my life.
 
---------------  
Edited January 25, 2024
Stilling myself, silent – v4
 
edited January 25, 2022
Stilling myself, silent – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/stilling-myself-silent-v3.html
&
edited January 24, 2022
The Milky Way above me – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-milky-way-above-me-v2.html
&
January 3, 2022
The bear cub
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-bear-cub.html
About drive out of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
after 2019 Stars Over Katahdin dark skies event. 
Drafted after reading first part of poem "Clapp's Brook" by Mary Oliver.
&
edited January 1, 2021
Looking across the valley - v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2021/02/looking-across-valley-v2.html
February 1, 2021
Looking across the valley
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2021/02/looking-across-valley.htmll
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1356233398117920769
https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm
https://baxterstatepark.org//
seeing Mount Katahdin from Ash Hill, Route 11, Patten, ME ;
title a nod to LeGrand Cannon, Jr.’s book, Look to the Mountain,
about Mt. Chocorua in NH
&
edited January 24, 2022
Dip your cup into memory – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/dip-your-cup-into-memory-v2.html
&
edited January 24, 2022
Stilling myself, silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/stilling-myself-silent-v2.html
January 24, 2022
Stilling myself, silent
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/stilling-myself-silent.html
January 24, 2022
Dip your cup into memory
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/dip-your-cup-into-memory.html
January 24, 2022
The Milky Way above me
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-milky-way-above-me.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-milky-way-above-me_24.html
&
edited January 24, 2022
Moonlight – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/moonlight-v3.html
&
edited January 19, 2022
Shimmering in the full-moon light – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/shimmering-in-full-moon-light-v3.html
edited January 18, 2022
Shimmering in the full-moon light – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/shimmering-in-full-moon-light-v2.html
January 18, 2022
Shimmering in the full-moon light
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/shimmering-in-full-moon-light.html
driving over the Route 16 bridge/causeway over the St. Johns River
&
edited December 28, 2015
Moonlight – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/12/moonlight-v2.html
posted February 10, 2004
written August 16, 2000
Moonlight
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2004/02/moonlight.html
Written August 16, 2000 at 11:30pm, after paddling
on the lake after the School Board meeting ran late.
&
December 26, 2021
Bursting, rising
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2021/12/bursting-rising.html
edited March 10, 2020
by the side of a lake – v5
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1237525423459721217
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2020/03/by-side-of-lake-v5.html
edited March 8, 2020
by the side of a lake – v4
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236658755405778944
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2020/03/by-side-of-lake-v4.html
stanza 1 – https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236658184066039814
stanza 2 – https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236656401197432832
edited March 8, 2020
by the side of a lake – v3
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236649623726546944
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2020/03/by-side-of-lake-v3.html
stanza 1 – https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236648812279730179
stanza 2 – https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236648239019036672
edited March 8, 2020
by the side of a lake – v2
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236638070516129794
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2020/03/by-side-of-lake-v2.html
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236637374282641411
March 8, 2020
by the side of a lake
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236629369256321024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2020/03/by-side-of-lake.html
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236628321573785600
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236625326416883714
written in response to a question
on Realistic Poetry
https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry/status/1236457843055669248
“Many poets believe poetry is an escape.
If your poetry could take you anywhere to temporarily escape,
where would it be and why?”
 
======
edited August 21, 2015
Breaking Camp – v7
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/08/breaking-camp-v7.html
(editing version 3)
edited July 18, 2015
Breaking Camp – v6
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/07/breaking-camp-v6.html
(editing version 5)
edited April 21, 2015
The Skin of the Lake – v7
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-skin-of-lake-v7.html
(editing original)
edited April 21, 2015
Breaking Camp – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/breaking-camp-v5.html
(editing original again)
edited April 19, 2015
The Skin of the Lake – v6
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-skin-of-lake-v6-skin-of-lake-sliced.html
(editing original again)
edited April 17, 2015
The Skin of the Lake – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-skin-of-lake-v5.html
(editing version 4)
edited April 16, 2015
Flowing North – v4
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/flowing-north-v4.html
(editing version 3)
edited April 16, 2015
the spell of the night – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-spell-of-night-v3.html
(editing version 2)
edited April 16, 2015
Under the Stars – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/under-stars-v3.html
(editing version 2)
edited April 16, 2015
The Ledges – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-ledges-v5.html
(editing version 4)
edited April 15, 2015
Breaking Camp – v4
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/breaking-camp-v4.html
(editing version 3)
Edited May 4, 2013
“The Skin of the Lake – v4
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-skin-of-lake-v4.html
Edited February 23, 2013
“The Skin of the Lake – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-skin-of-lake-v3.html
Edited February 23, 2013
“The Skin of the Lake – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-skin-of-lake-v2.html
July 28, 2010
“The Skin of the Lake”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/skin-of-lake.html
-----
edited April 16, 2015
The Ledges – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-ledges-v5.html
(editing version 4)
edited May 2, 2013
“the spell of the night – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-spell-of-night-v2.html
new poem, February 23, 2013
“the spell of the night”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-spell-of-night.html
&
Edited February 23, 2013
“The Skin of the Lake – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-skin-of-lake-v3.html
Edited February 23, 2013
“The Skin of the Lake – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-skin-of-lake-v2.html
July 28, 2010
“The Skin of the Lake”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/skin-of-lake.html
&
Edited May 4, 2013
“Under the Stars – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/under-stars-v2.html
July 19, 2007 21:28
“Under the Stars”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/07/under-stars.html
&
edited April 14, 2014
“Breaking Camp – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/04/breaking-camp-v3.html
(editing original again)
Edited May 4, 2013
“Breaking Camp – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/breaking-camp-v2.html
November 23, 2006 18:00
“Breaking Camp”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/11/breaking-camp.html
&
edited December 7, 2014
Free Time – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/free-time-v3.html
edited May 28, 2014
Free Time – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/05/free-time-v2.html
posted May 24, 2004
Free Time
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2004/05/free-time.html
saved March 26, 2004
&
Edited November 2, 2013
“The Ledges – v4”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ledges-v4.html
Edited May 4, 2013
“The Ledges – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-ledges-v3.html
Edited September 20, 2012
“The Ledges – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-ledges-v2.html
editing the original again
inspired by reading it at Poets’ Corner
monthly poetry reading,
at the Suncook Senior Center
September 10, 2012
 “The Ledges”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2004/02/ledges.html
Written July 14, 2000.
It is based on a single night in the summer of 1977 when I was part of a group from Claremont's Stevens High School that canoed the Allagash in northern Maine.
http://www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=2
Allagash Wilderness Waterway
&
It was the third and final major canoe trip I went on (Saco River in 1975 starting in Fryeburg, ME, Allagash in 1976-July-ish when it was warmer and slower). This trip was earlier, in May, when the water ran faster and the time was spent moving down river with the flow of the river. Nights were a lot cooler and the food was a lot different. Many of us had bad hypothermia the first night because it was a cold rain and none of us had unpacked our bags to pull out the foul weather gear. I remember well having to strip off all of my cold wet clothes and sharing a sleeping bag with another camper. The night written about here started innocently enough. We arrived at this particular campsite on Eagle Lake (or Churchill Lake) earlier than normal, because of the river's current. We all set up each tent and set the dinner fire going. I think it was fried bologna. We all turned in early. We were tired. The moon rose before 11. There were ants and black flies everywhere. One of the campers had to sit by the fire at each campsite to ward off the black flies. Anyway, one by one we all realized we weren't going to sleep any more that night. Before am, we were all pacing around, uneasy. The leaders all agreed to put out for the next camp. We weren't in any rush at am though. This was the way I felt about this night. After we put in mid morning at the next site, I remember the wonderful brook trout we caught and I can still taste it, twenty-three years later. I think these times, when I was moving from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, when I was canoeing the Saco and then the Allagash were some of the happiest of my high school days. On the 1976 trip, from Massachusetts, I found the canoe paddle I wrote about in the poem "Wind" I always talked about going back to the Allagash; but I have never gone back. It wasn't until 22 years later that I finally got my canoe again.
 
 
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
 
creation, Faith, God, hearing, Maine, memories, Nature, night, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, river, senses, sound, water, Writing Poetry, poem, poetry, lake, summer,
 
#poetry #Canoe #cold #creation #eyes #Faith #God #hearing #imagination #memories #Nature #night #river #senses #sight #sound #water #Writing #summer #coffee #lake
 
 
poetry, Faith, hope, moon, Nature, water, river, night, God, full moon, moonlight, Milky Way, stars,
 
#poetry #Faith #hope #moon #Nature #sky #water #river #night #God #fullmoon #moonlight #MilkyWay #stars
 
 
poetry, Faith, God, family, Nature, memory, memories,
 
#poetry #Faith #God #family #nature #memory #memories