Faith in Christ

We hope in the future
in the coming of the Lord
the end of this age
the dawning of the new day,
new Jerusalem, new kingdom
because we have faith
faith in the Christ
the Son, the one
who came to earth
saved us, by his life,
humble sacrifice
Cleansed us
made us whole.
For these acts
we have faith
in the future.

June 15, 2007 18:47
Galatians 2:15-21

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 30,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Justified by Grace

Oh, thank heaven,
no, really, thank heaven
that we are
justified by grace,
not as an excuse, or a
get out of jail free card;
but as a wondrous fact
of the risen Christ,
the one perfect soul
saved us from the stricture,
the constriction, the impossibility
of the law (finely slices, stacked),
saved us from our sin
and gave us new life


June 15, 2007 18:34
Galatians 2:15-21

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 30,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Works of the Law

Living by the law,
dying because of the failings
impossibilities of perfection
of never straying, never stumbling
never faltering, even a mite
no, living by the law, the imperatives,
shalls and shall nots, they are not
the things of human life
the gray of the choices, decisions
tiny moments in the crossroads
when left, right, straight forward,
over back where we came from
all seem equally viable
living by the law
leads to death



June 15, 2007 18:27
Galatians 2:15-21


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 19,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sons of Abraham

Ishmael, oh Ishmael
set down the rock
Isaac, oh Isaac
drop your sword.

For as you do,
so do your sons
to the thousandth generation
a pox on both houses

A plague blowing, obliterating
Lines in the blowing sand, lines of blood,
running to the sea, war and chaos,
famine and pestilence, reality in the struggle.

Blood brothers,
heirs each of the promise
so long ago, to our father
our faithful father Abraham

How he must weep.


June 14, 2007 9:44
Genesis 16, 21, 25
On the drive back to my office from Concord this morning, I was thinking about a new poem, "Sons of Abraham", about the conflicts of the world as a metaphor of sibling rivalry - Ishmael and Isaac (Islam and Judeo-Christianity).

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 23,760+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

If Only

If only
we had a
different vision
of inclusion;
where exclusion
remains, testing, barring
others from their call.

Wouldn’t we be better
closer to his call
for us, to love, love as he loved
as he loves us still, while
we are all yet sinners

Who are we to judge
to hold others as unworthy
unclean, to put on the vestments
the stole, to hold the shepherd’s hook
to serve the world, humbly, as they feel called
who are we to assert any discrimination when
the one who called us, called us to minister on the margin
in the dark places, to the outcasts, to the last, the least, the lost

Shame on us for our piety
may we repent while there is still time


June 13, 2007 16:32
On hearing of those members of the New England Conference
of the United Methodist Church, who walked forward at
Annual Conference, who feel called to ministry, who took
the information cards, and handed in blank ones, because our
denomination finds them unworthy.

Because they are gay.


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 19,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Her Sister’s Dress

She wore her sister’s dress again
this time to her graduation
the same dress, her sister wore
to start her school year
two years ago
marking milestones
on the digital frame
sisters walking together
in staccato steps
each growing
in their own time
their own ways
growing so fast
before our eyes

June 12, 2007 15:41

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, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,710+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How Much They Have Grown

I heard the murmurs, the exclaiming
the muted hushed knowing
on the growing, the maturing
the changes in all of them
the little children who became students
the girls and boys who walked into the class
and the young learners leaving
ready for more challenges
greater lessons, with a foundation built
laid brick by brick by their loving hands
nurtured day by day throughout the year
joy in their hearts, smiles on their faces
each one of them, in the review of their year
their first year in school
memorialize in the pictures, yes;
but more sure than that
in the knowing of how much they have grown


June 12, 2007 15:35
Shanequa’s preschool graduation day


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 19,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He will Forget Us Not

Like the rainbow after the storm,
the perennials blooming
year on year
in the garden,
the fallow forgotten places
once tended by loving hands
So too the Father’s love
there whether tended
or forgotten
sought or rejected
He will forget us not
offer redeeming grace
whenever we remember
and ask


June 12, 2007 13:21

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 20,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Shanequa's Pre-School Graduation

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.

Too Busy to Pose

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 19,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Closer to Home

The war got a little
closer to home
as the concerns were lifted
before the congregation
in the stilled sanctuary
We became a bit quieter
a bit more attentive
truly prayerful

One of our own
was called up, again,
to leave our midst
to go to that place of chaos
of senseless death
so far away
Yes, the war got closer to home
that Sunday a few weeks ago

May we remember
all the sons, all the daughters
the fathers, the mothers
out there serving us all
so we can be free


June 12, 2007 9:00
written for the 4th of July celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord. NH
about Adam Doucette

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 23,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Her Spirit Fed

I could see it, sense it
a change from a few days ago
a difference in her, welling up
shining through, pouring forth
Different ways of speaking
more surety, certainty
confidence and purpose
A revitalized soul
came back to us
after the feeding
in the word,
in fellowship
in connection
bending her mind
around the frames
the vehicles
the means
of grace


June 11, 2007 15:09
On Ruth after her return from
Annual Conference, at Gordon College
see http://www.neumc.org/page.asp?PKValue=9


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.

More Irises in a variety of shades

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 19,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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 Cantor

He was our cantor,
modeling the responsive lines
to his homily on faith.

Echoing, joining him,
in remembering the mantra
the words of faith
he repeated over and over
in traveling to her bedside

The woman he loved
traveling those many miles
to her side
at the end of her days

The words of trust, of faith
in the sustaining, revealed
love of God, in scripture,
the lives of the saints before us
the living of our days


June 10, 2007 17:02
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
This poem is about the lines of a hymn he sang
for 32 days, 60 miles each way, from his home
to the hospital bedside of his wife; a hymn he shared
with the congregation at the end of the sermon, “Hearing Faith”,
by the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith.


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 19,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Glimpse of Faith

His tremulous voice
body trembling; but
a spirit filled, steeled
giving us a glimpse of faith
of a surety that He is with us
today and always,
in dark times
when we wonder, fight
buck at our struggles.
When our burden seems heavy;
when our yoke lightens
Your hand is upon us, Your voice
guides our path
when we see, and act, by faith


June 10, 2007 17:09
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith


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.

A Life’s Testimony

He was our witness,
one of our elders,
telling a tapestry
reading the threads of the story
different fibers woven into the fabric
the days of the patriarchs, the apostles
revealed, affirmed once more
echoed in the faith he has lived
offering for each one of us
a living life’s testimony
creating a contemporary vision
a modern framework
for unraveling the mystery
of Christian faith
out of their story and his own



June 10, 2007 16:54
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith




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 19,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Witness to Faith

He spoke from the pulpit
of a life of service; but really
as a witness to faith
what it means to be a Christian
in out hearts, in our suffering,
in our way of living our lives
faithfully comforting, offering salve
a balm to our neighbors’
troubled souls, to believe
in the faith of our fathers,
Abraham’s faith, beyond reason
the unseen works of God,
His grace acting in our lives still
echoed through the years
murmured in his prayer


June 10, 2007 16:44
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith


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.

Faith as a Dialogue with God

In their story, we see
a truth of the nature of faith
not only in the seeing
the seeing by believing
But also in the speaking,
the hearing of the word of God
having that personal
conversation with God
Reclaiming a connectedness
an active dialogue
directly with our faithful Savior,
our creator God


June 10, 2007 17:45
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith


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.

Faith to be Responsible

Self held in check
using faith, responsible for our actions
owning our choices
moving beyond our past
by faith, faith in the unseen
the continuing presence
of the ever-present
loving God
Able to turn by faith
to serve, wherever we are lead.


June 10, 2007 17:59
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith


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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Imparting Wisdom, the Wisdom of Faith

Wisdom poured down,
palpable wisdom
like a living stream
pouring forth
from behind the pulpit
out onto the
hushed sanctuary

Octogenarian preaching on faith
a congregations listening
many his peers
nodding at the affirmations
the sage understandings
acknowledging real examples

Christian faith explained
nested scripture,
woven, joined with the
fabric of his life,
our common experiences
imparted wisdom, compassionately,
with authority


June 10, 2007 16:31
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith


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.

More than His Words

More than the words
written and treasured
the words of the reformed apostle,
shared with Jew and gentile,
were the testimony, the witness
of the living saint
standing in the pulpit
this summer Sunday
Sharing a life of faith
woven with Paul’s own
lessons for us all
in faith and service


June 10, 2007 13:00
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith


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.

Pilgrims in the World

One of the messages, the truths
in understanding the living by faith
our place here
our relationship to others
on this mortal coil
It is as pilgrims, missionaries
pilgrims at work
in the world, acting in faith
to go where we are sent,
being in the world,
not of the world.
Being set apart, as of the Judges,
trying our best, day by day
to walk, like the patriarchs,
the matriarch, by faith


June 10, 2007 17:17
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith.


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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Ready for Change

Now I understand,
at least a bit more,
the measure, the manifestation,
the proof of faith,
welling up within us

Being ready for change
for the calling of the Spirit
indwelling within us

Ready to serve
where we are lead
when we are called


June 10, 2007 17:26
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith


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.

Something of Heaven

He reminded us
of a truth too oft’ forgotten
faith can afford, offers
a glimpse, a foreshadowing
a foretaste

Something of heaven
can be here with us
out of the dialogue
the hearing of the message
the voice of God
a relationship, a way of life
emboldening us, lifting us
within the realities of earth;
something of heaven here


June 10, 2007 16:36
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith


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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Stepping into the Unknown

Faith empowers, liberates
removes the chains, the weights,
the shackles on their feet,
the spirits of their lives
Enabling the faithful
emboldening them
to leave the familiar
the comfortable, stretch, grow
move out in faith
into the new, the unknown


June 10, 2007 17:53
Romans 4:13-25 & Hebrews 11:1-10
based on the sermon, “Hearing Faith”, by
the Reverend Orin D. Watson, retired ordained
elder with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
of the United Methodist Church, a pastor for over
60 years, and a wonderful witness to faith


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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Purple, Blue, and White

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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

1,300 Poems

Another milestone


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.

Wisdom was a Girl

She was so smart
wisdom was a girl
a different image, thought
than the Proverbs 31 girl,
the one who started it all,
the women of the bible
with issues and challenges
No Wisdom was a girl
of a whole different sort
elusive and fast moving
never quite caught
by a man


June 9, 2007
Started June 4, based on the
Alive Now daily devotional for
“Thursday, May 31. Read Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31.
In the book of Proverbs, Wisdom is personified as a woman
present with God from the beginning of creation, a being
who is also active in the world. What do you think of this
idea? What does the woman look like standing at the gates
of the town? What does Wisdom have to teach you about
being part of God's creation?”


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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Other Side of the Desk

A different vantage,
different view
seeing the office
from the other side
of the desk
Familiar, in a way,
when he sat there, working
my father, at his desk,
but different now
as it is mine
my things on its surface
covering more of its area
without the order
he maintained
all those years ago


June 6, 2007 21:18


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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Walk to the Bank

Her little hand in mine
at least while I could hold her
as she giggled free of my grip
a chase down the sidewalk
onto the grass and clover
down the bank, the slope
to the pathway, the parking lot
laughing over her shoulder
hurtling forward a few feet
in front of her daddy
safe before the crosswalk
the crossing of the busy street
my little girl and I
a mid-morning walk to the bank


June 6, 2007 21:05


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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Certainty of the Kingdom

It will surely come
growing in ways mysterious
unknowable, how the seed
becomes the grain
hidden first underground
then in the hidden work
within the living tissue
roots deeper in the rich soil,
body growing upward, upright
yearning heavenward, skyward
inevitably growing, in its season
harvest when ripe, at once
when it is time
when the seed has become
the ripe grain



June 6, 2007 6:00am
Mark 5:26-29


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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Mighty Seed

Hidden in the small kernel,
the collection of a few cells,
the whole of a tree, a mighty shrub,
a home for birds, or more
a metaphor of faith, of hope, of life
growing within us
within each beating heart
potential to be so much more
than our beginnings, vulnerable,
mute, small, babies
in time, with love, care, nurture
as with the seed, with water, soil, sunlight
a chance to be so much more
than the seedling at the birth
the birthing from soil or womb
to stand tall and move mountains
to walk humbly and serve our neighbor
to be sheep and shepherd
to herald His message,
our good, good news
A mighty seed indeed
within each one of us



June 6, 2007 6:10am
Mark 4:30-32


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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sovereign

Powerful, supreme and independent
Creator, ruler
eternal father, mother, sustainer
The one who conjured all from the void
in grand design, and physical laws
heavens and earth, cell and mountain,
beating hearts, and mouths to sing

Gifts you give, give to us
dominion, responsibility
to tend your handiwork
in the brief season
when we, like the plant,
grow, flower, bloom, and die.


June 6, 2007 7:14
Began draft June 4, 2007 21:51
Psalm 8
inspired by sermon, "Dominion and Sovereignty"
by the Reverend Peter A. Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 6/3/07


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.

Boast in Our Suffering

We are to boast in our suffering,
or so Paul said, so long ago
boast for the presence of the sustainer
creator, by our side, ready to comfort
answer our prayers

Easier said than done, are these words
of the apostle, the reformed prophet
For we do not want the tests, the trials
The pain of our suffering
No we do not ask for these
And, when they come,
we want them gone, over, done

Suffering, endurance, character and hope
a pathway to a faith, a faith in the love
that would help in seeing suffering
as Paul suggests we must,
as part of the that cyclical logic
so we too may boast
in our own suffering


June 6, 2007 7:02
began draft June 4, 2007 22:01
Romans 5:1-5


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 19,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

After the Shower

In the late afternoon, early evening
moments before the dusk
mist falling in the still courtyard
of the busy church
doorway open, to the sounds within
sounds of the pipe organ
from the darkened sanctuary
bright song from the children’s choir
murmur of a worship planning meeting
just down the hall
pearls and jewels of water on the blooms
life giving water on the petals, the leaves,
the stems of the iris, the wet rich soil
drink it all in
after the shower



June 6, 2007 6:50


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 20,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Adam and Christ

Sin and redemption
breach and healing
two ends of the same continuum
from the start to the new beginning
the primordial man, the risen son
each playing a part in creation,
in our story
of the fall and the rising
from sin to heaven
From heaven to earth
and back again
Witness to creation
and created
Two sons
of God

June 5, 2007 20:38
Began draft June 4, 2007 22:03
Romans 5:12-21


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 20,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Broken for Us

We stood in a circle
around Your table
heads bowed, hands clasped
we waited
She began to speak
of the meal, the meaning,
the words again from his lips
but the words struck home
hit me differently
standing around the table
watching the act of the breaking
of the bread, symbolic
But she said it differently
or so it seemed for me
Broken for Us, not for you, for many
No, His body was broken for us
all of us, who need the healing
left from the breach
the humanness of our lives
the frailty, the temptation, the sin
Broken for us. Amen

June 4, 2007 22:08


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.

An Unexpected Subject

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.

Dominion

Over all the land, the sea, the skies
the things that creeps, walks, swims, flies
we were given dominion
Groundkeepers, caretakers, stewards
of the living world, the earth
still servants, under the Master’s eye
Responsibility to pick up the mess
when the tree falls on the house
No real control of the storm,
the rot, the ants
who made it tip

June 4, 2007 21:46
Psalm 8
Genesis


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.

Poppy Bursting to Bloom

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.

www.NothingButNets.net

Last night in our Rejuvenation worship service, our worship leader shared a message of hope for the people of sub-Saharan Africa. www.NothingButNets.net is a program to try to get mosquito nets to the people of this region to help stop the tragedy of Malaria in that continent. Right now, a child dies of this disease every 30 seconds. You can help, even with a small donation.Take a look at the site and see. Thank you.


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.

Bejeweled

Encrusted with jewels,
diamonds, pearls, clear rubies,
bedazzled with sequins,
pearls of ever size and shape
anointed and adorned
the beauty of the iris, the rhododendron,
the lily, the bud, the bloom
drawing eye and lens
to capture the purity of the scene
the flower festooned
bejeweled with rain

June 6, 2007 6:53

Bejeweled

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/06/bejeweled.html

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, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 35,350+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Drenched

Limp, heavy,

droopy
blooms,
thin skinned irises
translucent, in the rain
a gauze blouse exposing
the skin underneath

bejeweled rhododendron

radiant even in shadow
warm water wash
over them,
nourish, renew
revive them
When the sun rises
once more

June 9, 2007 12:48
started June 5, 2007 20:57

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.

Trinity

Creator, Savior, Sustainer
Triune, eternal living God
Father, Son, Holy Spirit
three in one
Mother, Brother, Friend
Alpha and Omega
Lion, Lamb, the great I Am

Protector of my life
Faces of the King
the God of my fathers
fellow heir with me
of the promise
the still small voice
the word written
on my beating heart

The oldest story
New and continuing
Good News
In triplicate


June 3, 2007 19:40
Trinity Sunday

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.

Poppy, Iris, and Lily

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.

In the Dark Places Where She Dwell

So much sadness
years of suffering
A long night of pain
She struggled for rapture
for something to cling to
something to hold dear
Alone in her torment
no refuge from the hurting
anywhere in sight
inner turmoil she fled
heavy heart full of dread
demons aplenty
stalked her each day
found her in darkness
where she lay
A plan to find comfort
in ending her days
so brief a climax
may she have found rest
from her long light of pain
and the dark places
where she dwelled


June 3, 2007 14:06
thought of the death of a friend
on the release of Dr. Jack Kevorkian


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.

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.