Her Colors

Utter incongruity
jarred my drive
to the coffeehouse

My eye pulled
to the cluster of prom dresses,
dapper Dan’s,
bright colored and freshly polished
at the end of the driveway
before the prom,
photos by their parents

But something was amiss, out of place
A crimson prom dress
under the black leather gang jacket
Her colors, under
her prom tresses

June 1, 2007 22:01

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 25,480+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Beginning

At the start, the first
there was nothing
(a concept difficult to comprehend)

Creation in an instance
order found out of chaos
coming together, coalescing
waters, compartmentalizing
the dome, the seas, the firm land

Life sprang forth
living things, of the land,
the sea, the air

Dominion over all
given to us, day by day
in the garden, the cradle
the glorious creation
out of the void


June 1, 2007 21:48
Genesis 1 & 2


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Cadence

Speaking the words
out loud in the hall
lips, mustache
brushing the skin
of the microphone

Lips curl in the telling
of the story
in the words on the page
finding my voice
sharing the words
You gave me to share


June 1, 2007 21:33


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Trailer

The trailer
heading north
ten canoes
ready for another adventure.
plates on the van
from out of state
hearing away from city
into the wild
untamed northern wood
a week or more
without schedules, cares
ready for water
tug of muscles
in a common purpose
joining out in creation
clearing daily clutter
making new memories
on unspoiled waters
up in the north woods


June 1, 2007 21:12


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Treasure Case

Family memories
scraps and treasures
preserved on shelves
behind panes of glass
frozen there on the wall
most without note, provenance
lost with the passing
the matriarch, memory
of the things, their deep meaning
triggers of stories, feelings,
smell, touch, connectedness
the living of our family
framed, saved, treasured
pieces of us


June 1, 2007 20:32

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 31,520+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Creation’s Colors

Indigo is the color of creation
heavens, the formless void
indigo is for the heavens, a color of creation

Blue is the color of creation
water, life giving water
blue is for water, a color of creation

Yellow is the color of creation
sun, life warming light
yellow is for sunlight, a color of creation

Brown is the color of creation
earth, the good rich earth
brown is for the earth, a color of creation

Green is the color of creation
plants, the circle of life
green is for plants, a color of creation

Orange is the color of creation
fire, rail against the dark
orange is for fire, a color of creation

Red is the color of creation
fruits, the bounty of the earth
red is for fruit, a color of creation

Violet is the color of creation
royal hue, the color of the King
violet is for our God, a color of creation

All are the colors of creation
the bow, the dome, the covenant
the rainbow is the color of creation

June 1, 2007 20:10
Genesis 1 & 2
Genesis 9:13-16



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Ledges

Glacial faces
before the calving
the granite ledges, bedrock
framing the highway, interstate
plates and layers, uplifted
imperceptibly crumbling
over time
If only the rocks could speak
of the millennia they have witnessed
above the soil since the glaciers
coursed over their faces

June 1, 2007 19:50

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Doe Eyes

Out of the fog of dusk
she stood motionless
watching in stillness
the rush of human life
hurtling past her
on the shoulder
in the short grass

Her head turned slightly
cautiously leftward, northward
toward my Doppler hum
closing the gap between us

A fleeting joining
her doe eyes,
and my bespectacled ones,
thanking her
for sharing
the apron of her home
the curtilage of the wood
with me that night

June 1, 2007 19:45



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How Fast the Bloom Fades

How fast the bloom fades
the flower falls to dust
the petal shrivel, detach
drop to the hungry ground
reclaiming the flesh, tissue
essence of the flower
rich color fading
to brown, to shades of gray
no longer the living hues
bright enticing shades
for the willing bees,
flies, other pollinators,
the comely bud,
bloom no more
Falling to the ground
so fast, so soon.

May 30, 2007 16:33

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wires Crossed

Wires crossed
circuits down
no connection
anywhere around
In the dark
unaware
needing help
catch the air
Wires crossed
circuits down
no connection
in the town
Wanting words
answers to our calls
on hold for hours
waiting in the halls
Wires crossed
circuits down
no relief
anywhere
at all

May 29, 2007 16:08
When our cable and phone were down



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Feathered Nest

I smiled that spring morning
thinking of the welcome
the songbird got from his mate
as he took flight once more
bringing home the ball of
hair from the hairbrush,
fine little girl hair
to line his nest
soft, downy fluff
to gild the twigs and leaves,
the grasses and jetsam
of his home
Velvety bedding
for her coming clutch
Their hungry brood


May 29, 2007 19:53


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not What He Wanted

We thought we would be nice
generous, helpful, gracious hosts
But that wasn’t what he wanted,
not what he had become accustomed to
something different, out of the ordinary
unexpected change in routine
Rejected as uncouth, foul, dirty
How could we be so boorish,
so crass, so base?
Oh, so sorry for the faux pas.
We won’t let it happen again…


May 29, 2007 19:40
On the snub we received
from our picky neighborhood squirrels
when we deigned to shuck the peanuts
we put out on the table for them


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Squirrel Expletives

I’m so glad
the girls don’t speak squirrel
because he must have been
swearing a blue streak
at the black cat,
hiding in plain sight
under the picnic table,
the table with the yummy peanuts
just waiting for him
his afternoon snack
blocked by the predator in waiting
who had other plans
for his afternoon


May 29, 2007 21:10


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Awash in the Sunset

Warm amber light
bleeding through
translucent skin
of the iris ablaze
alive with the sunset
awash in the radiance


June 2, 2007 17:09


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Usual Suspects

Ramrod straight
in the line up,
the perp walk
in front of the gray wall
the annual parade
display of the usual suspects
rooted there
perennial blooms
up against the wall

June 2, 2007 17:12

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Billy

He said his name was Billy,
he worked in the same spot
in this place
the same spot he said
for eighteen years,
when he dropped out

He was thirty-six then,
so long ago that was
so many years yet to work,
a life caught in his rut

He pulled the hot bread pans
barehanded
Out of the oven, sent then down
down the conveyor belt,
to the cooling tower,
the cutter.

Calloused hands,
impervious to the heat
air/ lungs full of yeast, of flour
of despair, people
the other voices caught
in the routine,
the numbing sameness
of the bread factory


May 29, 2007 12:06am

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Leon

He walked the streets
of the old mill town
long past the heyday of his life
heavy soles on his shoes,
thick shanks, for uneven legs
heavy frock coat hang like a weight
slumped gait, hunched shoulders
Jet black toupee, like an all black skunk
perched over salt and pepper brows
sunken eyes, smell of the bourbon,
the ripple, the smudge of the cigars
snubbed out in his fingers,
Hands that built, that made things
long fallow then, long ago
A ghost, walking among the vacant buildings
the blocks of the ancient metropolis
dormant itself too, hoping for rebirth
He in the sun, furtively, back into shadows
comfortable at night mostly,
wandering his hometown


May 28, 2007 23:58


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Translucent Yellow

A Georgia O’Keeffe tableau
the inner parts
of the fertile ripe iris
yellow on yellow
ablaze with the sunset’s rays
glowing temptress of the garden
calling bee to touch her
oh yes, Georgia would have found you
a worthy subject


June 2, 2007 17:17

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Royal Iris

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sheep to Shepherds

They were changed in an instant,
descended upon by the Spirit
as if by tongues of fire
Flames of transformation,
alighting like a dove
bodily on the sheep,
changed utterly,
into shepherds,
feet of the servant,
hands of the king
Voices in the wilderness
throughout the world

May 28, 2007
Acts 2:1-21

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,140+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Finding Their Voices

How lucky we are
those who followed,
that they found their voice
that Pentecost ‘morn
Willing to speak, to risk, to share
when the cost was so high
the risk so great, death so close
Finding power from the Spirit,
ready to stand in the storm
to tell the truth, in the holy city of David
to the gathered multitude
to the powers that be
of the risen Christ
and our saving by grace
Enflamed by the Spirit
they rose from their slumber
awakened to their mission
carried on to this day
by those who listen
to its siren call
deep within you
To witness and share
ever more


May 28, 2007 15:07
Acts 2:1-21

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Becoming Bold

It was that one pivotal moment
when it all began
when the Word
moved from heavenly sent
to earthly spread
when the weak became bold
gained their voice, their strength
come out of hiding, speak truth to power,
to all who would listen, whatever the cost
to tell the world the precious story
of the Christ, sacrificial lamb,
and Savior; that urgent truth
we cling too yet, commissioned we too
by that same Savior, emboldened too
by that same Spirit, like tongues of fire
resting on our souls, searing the truth
into us. We too to share
the Good News
to the ends of the earth

---

edited June 3, 2014

Becoming Bold – v3

(editing original again)

edited May 30, 2014

Becoming Bold – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/05/becoming-bold-v2.html

May 28, 2007 14:55

Becoming Bold

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/05/becoming-bold.html

Acts 2:1-21

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,050+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hearing into Speech

Twin miracles
that morning in Jerusalem
when Pentecost
meant the birth of the church
Speaking in tongues
as the Spirit made then able
But hearing into speech,
informing the mission, the ministry
these two millennium
spreading the message of that morning
every outward, ever more
into the foreign lands, foreign tongues
hearing the singular truth
in your own words
Apostles generation by generation
land by land, language
by language, throughout the earth
from that nexus, big bang
that Pentecost morning


May 28, 2007 14:44
Acts 2:1-21



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Babel Broken

A reversal of fortunes
of the breach sealed
of the power given,
The cacophony solved
different language gone
replaced by the one Good News
the same and eternal, shared
by the Apostles
that Pentecost ‘morn
filled with the Spirit
not new wine,
new skins bursting
to proclaim the news
Empowered, emboldened,
imbued by the Spirit,
by grace alone,
with authority and power
ready to spread the news
to feed the sheep
in pastures far and near,
wherever they may be

May 28, 2007 14:38
Acts 2:1-21 - Pentecost
Genesis 11:1-9 – The Tower of Babel

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tongues of Fire!

Imagine the scene,
cloistered in their room
safe from authorities
Jewish and Roman rulers,
powers that would destroy them
No, they were safe for the moment
from these earthly powers

Tongues of Fire, of flame
burst from heaven, resting, penetrating
piercing their souls, their beings
Infusing these timid followers
Sheep became shepherds
quiet fishermen now orators
arguing, proclaiming, fighting
to be heard, to share the Good News
Holy Spirit, burn on, strike our hearts
with your flames, burn bright in us
through us, sharing still the message
the truth of the risen Lord

May 28, 2007 14:20
Acts 2:1-21 – The first Pentecost,
the birth of the Church


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Our Nation’s Best

They stand on guard once more
in harm’s way in hostile lands
answering the nation’s call
on point in the places of death
of conflict, of war,
of sectarian factions
longing to loose the whirlwinds.

Where we would choose never to be
standing in the crosshairs
walking near the mines, the chaos
around the blind corners
trusting in their brothers, their sisters
under arms, their only hope
in returning home

Ready to protect us, our beliefs
with their lives, if they must
Standing in the breach
Heroes of this land
one and all
remembered more
this Memorial Day.


Memorial Day, May 28, 2007
In the period from Memorial Day 2006 to Memorial Day 2007,
982 soldiers and Marines died in Iraq (per AP reports).
At least 3,452 members of the U.S. military have died
since the beginning of the war in Iraq in March 2003 (per AP reports).
At least 325 members of the U.S. military have died in Afghanistan,
Pakistan and Uzbekistan as a result of the U.S. invasion
of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to the Defense Department.


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Millenial

One thousand more
of our best and brightest
our nation’s treasure,
spent in the streets, in the dust
of that ancient land
Tigris and Euphrates,
cradles of civilization
blood running down your courses
to the sea beyond
land of the fighting factions
war lords, tribal feuds
ancient schisms,
we in the middle still
Four years of war
fatigues the nation
unceasing quagmire
no end in sight
Our treasure still in the field
in the desert,
in the whirling sands
twisting in the wind


Memorial Day, May 28, 2007 13:42

In the period from Memorial Day 2006 to Memorial Day 2007,
982 soldiers and Marines died in Iraq (per AP reports).
At least 3,452 members of the U.S. military have died
since the beginning of the war in Iraq in March 2003 (per AP reports).
At least 325 members of the U.S. military have died in Afghanistan,
Pakistan and Uzbekistan as a result of the U.S. invasion
of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to the Defense Department.


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Pushing Through

Up through
the rich fertile soil
of the garden
the strong hyacinth
grows
like a pineapple’s headdress
the feathered leaves
a harbinger for
the bright color to come
eager blooms to warm the heart
stir the pen, the shutter
for fleeting days,
wonderful hours
of brilliance


June 2, 2007 17:29

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Loaded with Pollen

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Strawberry Cheesecake

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Phoenix Pine

Rising from the ashes
the decaying stump
rich with moss
a tree to supplant
its forebear’s life run out
in the moist wood
living carcass, deep roots
remaining where it stood
for so many ages
bringing life to another
of its species, its kind
to stand in its place
in this spot in the wood
anchored once more
by deep roots, entwined
with the older, nurturing
roots of its ancestor.

May 20, 2007 17:05

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Tulip Spade

Ace of spades,
in living flesh,
silken skin
of the shy tulip
Petals praying
clasped together
for the warming rays
before unfurling,
spreading open
in the morning sun
Now a nascent bloom
pensive and reluctant
ramrod straight
in the morning air
warming of the dew melt
awaiting the bursting
into full flower


May 20, 2007 17:09

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Dew on the Tulip

Perfect droplets
cling to the purple skin
the liquid flesh
of the tulip bloom
holding on, for moments more
before the melting away
in the May sunshine
waiting for my camera
my posing, posturing
holding still for the shot
ready to complete the cycle
from the cloud to the earth
and back again
in the warming
of the morning

May 20, 2007 17:13


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Furry Fiddleheads

All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 37,310+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Their Heritage

So right to honor, to pay tribute
to thank them, before Pentecost
before the joining of new members
so noble an example, a witness, they give
of the joy of service, of their presence,
their prayers, gifts shared with the church
this congregation, in this place
for oh so long, faithful servants
lifting hands and voices
being there in the good and the bad
hand in hand, for the glory of God
the ones who remain, remain steadfast
over the years of membership,
of fealty to the confirmation vows
honored today, in word, in the sanctuary
before their legacy,
each one of us



May 20, 2007 15:02
about Heritage Sunday
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH,
when we honor members of 50 years or more

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Offering Basket

Passing the basket
casual, familial
in the sanctuary
among friends
in the night
holding it reverently
waiting while the band plays
singing, humming along
at the back of the church
waiting for communal song
of thanks and praise
to bring it to Your table,
our altar Sunday night


May 19, 2007 20:33
at our church's Rejuvenation
contemporary service

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Offertory

Special music
wafting to the rafters
into our hearts
clear notes, loving song
filling the sanctuary,
as we join together
to give a little bit back
a little bit for the work
of the church, its missions
a bit back to the Creator
the Savior, the Redeemer
the Giver of life,
of the gifts we have
returning from whence it came
acknowledging the sovereignty
the grace, the nurturing
of our God

May 19, 2007 20:28


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Bright Colors in the Garden (5/6/07)

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Discretionary

Little gifts of the heart
thank you gifts
giving in procession, in unison
in communion
As we come forward
to sup at Your table,
we pause, give a little bit
of our love for You,
for them, those brothers,
those sisters
in need, in our reach
able to be fed, held up
a little bit at a time
quietly, directly
by our little gifts


May 19, 2007 20:12
about donations to the Discretionary Fund
at our church, used by the pastors to support
urgent needs of parishioners and community members


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Undeterred Spirit

The will of the way
to spread the word
good news on their lips
in the street, the Temple,
the jail, wherever they were,
undeterred spirit
with saving to share
for all to hear


May 19, 2007 20:04
Acts 16:16-34
Actually, this is the story of the Book of Acts,
unstoppable Spirit, telling the story of Jesus
wherever and however it wished


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Princess Pine

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Nascent Mayflowers

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

New Leaves

New sunlight
first rays in the morning
cutting over the tree line
down through the woods
into the yard
Catching the outer end
the edge of the branches
new birch leaves,
still wet from dew
brilliant green
captured fleetingly
new leaves
in the bright
Saturday sun

May 20, 2007 17:19
Claremont, NH, May 12, 2007

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Three in the Front Garden

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Dew on the Blooms

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Those are Not jelly beans

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A stump no more

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,100+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

May Showers

We needed the break
the change back from the heat
too soon for the eighties
scorched and hot
cloudbursts, sheets of rain
giving way to slow steady
soothing drops
washing the pollen, the grit,
the heat
from the leaves,
from the yard,
the air
flowers growing,
rising up
in the May showers

May 11, 2007 11:15

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Coming Thunder - revised

First storm of the year
thickening sky, heavy air
darkening below the blue
weight on the limbs
the leaves turned
again the stagnant stillness
waiting for the thunder,
the cracks, the sizzle
steam on the hot pavement
reminders of last year
not so long after the cold,
the snow, the ice
the winter grip
Now it is summer
while yet spring
Thunder
before the plantings
While the crocus and lilacs bloom

May 10, 2007 14:31


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Coming Thunder

First storm of the year
thickening sky, heavy air
darkening below the blue
weight on the limbs
the leaves turned
again the stagnant stillness
waiting for the thunder,
the cracks, the sizzle
steam on the hot pavement
reminders of last year
not so long after the cold,
the snow, the ice
the winter grip
Now it is summer
while yet spring
Thunder
before the plantings

May 10, 2007 14:29

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Yellow Dust

A sheen of yellow
on the glass
the hood, the roof, the ground
oak tree above, golden below
heavy flour of dust
wipers push aside,
puff into the sky
to rain again
momentary confection
seasonal sugar
Yellow dust

May 10, 2007 16:24


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Second-grade Cell

A flip of the phone,
just out the doors,
five feet outside,
check for messages,
invitations, calls
while he was busy
busy in the schoolhouse
the second grade wheeler
dealer, popular
with his black
second-grade cell

May 10, 2007 16:19



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Fern Emerging

Waking, stretching
casting off sleep,
cocoon of its slumber
awakening to the dawn
of spring, new life
in the fresh air
breathing in
the newness of the spring day
opening its wings
to catch the sun, the breeze
take its rightful place
on the forest floor
a bit of beauty
rising from the leave litter
bright and green
majestic in its own way
for its time on the stage

May 20, 2007 17:31
Livingston Park,
Manchester, NH May 4, 2007

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Heart of the Tulip

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Daffodil and Tulip

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Blue Hyacinth, Green Leaves

Like mighty aloe vera leaves
protecting the cluster of blue
within their protective quills
the green leaves
wrap 'round the blue hyacinth
waiting for the moment to pull back
show its beauty unencumbered
out in the open sunlight

June 9, 2007 21:01




All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Pansies

Fragrance to match
pallets of colors
thrown together
on the mouse ears
of the petals
bright smells
intoxicating
in their simplicity
smile in the inhaling
the pure scents
pansies for the garden
inside until the soil
is ready for the planting

May 9, 2007 20:40

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

They had Shades

The three men of the family
poised to cross the street
ready to drop off the big brother
at first grade, at the school
but they waited
basking in the warm May sun
on the sunny side of the crossing
drinking in the heat of the morning
on a seasonal day
wearing Nascar and Red Sox
and shades, dad, older brother
and baby brother too
A picture for the billboards
They had shades
and knew it

May 9, 2007 20:35


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Fragrant Lilac

That sweet subtle
wonderful smell
of spring, of renewal,
of beauty,
in the tiny flowers, the bunches
bundles of pristine blooms
purple precious flowering
of the season
a magical bouquet
fleeting in its fragility
filling the room
with its scent

May 9, 2007 20:28

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Ruth - Summa Cum Laude

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Fuzzy Fiddles

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Captured Blossoms

A clutch of apple blossoms
nestled in the drinking glass
a bit of beauty on
the kitchen windowsill
Sharing the rays of sunlight
with other knick-knacks
clutter, catchalls
Reminder of the spring
emerging out beyond the pane
ready for us to join it

May 20, 2007 17:40


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Emerging Fern

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Stoic Pine

Livingston Park, Manchester, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Frozen Bud

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Red

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tongues of Yellow

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Clematis on a Rusty Fence

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Bloom of Clover - 073106

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Dragonfly closeups - 073106

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Shanequa - Nursery Rhyme Idol Star - April 2007

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Shanequa - 7/3/06

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Frame Filled with Purple

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Up through the mulch

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Crocus without the flash

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Her Achievement

For some, a piece of paper
a momentary achievement
for her, a different moment,
importance to the day.
A wall, a barrier, a breaking through
a curtain torn, ripped away
A former existence, a sense of self
reframed in the completion
the fulfillment of a step, a doorway
A threshold crossed, with success
Excelling in the work, growing
Growing in the process
preparing for another journey
a new pathway, a call
for her life
Completing one task,
ready for the next one
just around the corner


April 27, 2007 20:14


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Jungle

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.