We must stand on the side of #Freedom - v2 #Ukraine #Georgia #UnitedStates #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukrainian #Georgian #war

They are in the same existential battle,
marchers in Tbilisi, defenders in Pokrovsk,
different faces of the same fight,
Fighting the same enemy, Russia,
the power of corruption,
Puppets to the Madman,
the monster in the Kremlin…

We must stand on the side of Freedom,
"ჩვენ უნდა დავდგეთ თავისუფლების მხარეს",
"Ми повинні стояти на боці свободи,"
in this moment, in this time of trial,
in the crucible of war and protest…
to defeat the terror of Putin, the Moskals,
the common enemy we all fight…

This is the same challenge, the same call to arms,
since the Iron Curtain fell, dividing Europe,
millions of people subjugated, locked in chains,
as the Kremlin threatened annihilation…
The madness of the MAD doctrine,
cowing the West into appeasement,
bearing the same awful fruit today…

We must stand on the side of Freedom,
"ჩვენ უნდა დავდგეთ თავისუფლების მხარეს",
"Ми повинні стояти на боці свободи,"
in this moment, in this time of trial,
in the crucible of war and protest…
to defeat the terror of Putin, the Moskals,
the common enemy we all fight…
 
-------
Edited October 7, 2025
We must stand on the side of Freedom – v2

November 29, 2024
the front will be everywhere – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-front-will-be-everywhere-v3.html
Quote: “На фронті будуть всі,
aбо фронт буде всюди”
“Everyone will be at the front,
or the front will be everywhere"
November 12, 2024
the front will be everywhere
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-front-will-be-everywhere.html
October 17, 2024
In this moment of madness – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness-v2_27.html
October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.html
Written and posted October 12, 2024
In the crucible of war – 2 – v1
Typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-crucible-of-war-2-v1_25.html

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, Georgia, Georgian,

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

an unwanted season #career #jobloss

Trials and tribulations,
a loss unexpected,
a moment of crisis,
a hole in his life,
seemingly lost…

An unwanted season,
a moment of anguish,
The doors closed before him…
Needing to cleave to
our Almighty God…

In our trials, our moments,
our seasons of darkness
When we despair,
When we have lost control,
God alone is our light…

We must be calm in our struggle,
We must listen in silence
for God’s whisper to us
calling us to His purpose
His will for our lives…

This isn’t easy, though it is simple,
giving our lives, our wills,
over to our God, our Lord;
But this step is essential
for us to have peace, purpose,
fulfilling our calling from God…

-----
October 7, 2025
an unwanted season

some of the struggles of my regeneration
small group members
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, regeneration, love, calling, purpose, job, career, job loss,

#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #regeneration #love #calling #purpose #job #career

Timeless – v4 #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukraine #Ukraina #war

Quintessential, Timeless, his voice,
His legacy, his keen eye of witness,
courageous, willing to speak against power,
to pay its awful price for Ukraine…

Timeless, an enduring presence,
His words come to life before us,
transcending time and space, language,
encircling the globe, but alive in Ukraine…

Timeless, witness, storyteller, chronicler,
No other voice sufficient, so prescient,
so urgent, so utterly compelling,
Kobzar of his people, Ukraine…

Timeless, watching down upon them
Pride in the heroes, his people joined together,
rising to the challenge of the moment, Ukraine,
resistant, resilient, resolute, United They Will Stand…

----------
Edited October 6, 2025
Timeless – v4

December 3, 2024
Timeless
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/timeless.html
November 26, 2024
what a difference – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/what-difference-v3.html
after poem, “what a difference”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
October 16, 2024
It makes no difference to me – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/it-makes-no-difference-to-me-v2_24.html
after poem, “It makes no difference to me”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

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

#poetry #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

We must stand on the side of #Freedom #Ukraine #Georgia #UnitedStates #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukraina #war

They are in the same existential battle,
marchers in Tbilisi, defenders in Pokrovsk,
different faces of the same fight,
Fighting the same enemy, Russia,
the power of corruption,
Puppets to the Madman,
the monster in the Kremlin…

We must stand on the side of Freedom,
"ჩვენ უნდა დავდგეთ თავისუფლების მხარეს",
"Ми повинні стояти на боці свободи,"
in this moment, in this time of trial,
in the crucible of war and protest…
to defeat the terror of Putin, the Moskals,
the common enemy we all fight…

This is the same challenge, the call to arms,
since the Iron Curtain fell across Europe,
millions of people locked in chains,
as the Kremlin threatened annihilation,
The madness of the MAD doctrine,
cowing the West into appeasement,
bearing the same awful fruit yet…

We must stand on the side of Freedom,
"ჩვენ უნდა დავდგეთ თავისუფლების მხარეს",
"Ми повинні стояти на боці свободи,"
in this moment, in this time of trial,
in the crucible of war and protest…
to defeat the terror of Putin, the Moskals,
the common enemy we all fight…
 
------ 
October 6, 2025
We must stand on the side of Freedom

Edited November 29, 2024
the front will be everywhere – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-front-will-be-everywhere-v3.html
Quote: “На фронті будуть всі,
aбо фронт буде всюди”
“Everyone will be at the front,
or the front will be everywhere"
November 12, 2024
the front will be everywhere
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-front-will-be-everywhere.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
In this moment of madness – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness-v2_27.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.html
Written and posted October 12, 2024
In the crucible of war – 2 – v1
Typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-crucible-of-war-2-v1_25.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, Georgia,

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

The spell has been broken – v5 #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukraine #Ukraina #war

(The prophecy fulfilled)

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

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

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

------
Edited October 6, 2025
The spell has been broken – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v5.html
after poem, “The spell has been broken”,
based on the poems, “The Great Grave”,
““To Marko Vovchok”,
about Maria Markovich,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon on mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-has-been-opened-v3.html
edited and posted October 18, 2024
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave being opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-being-opened-v3.html
after poem, “The Great Grave being opened”,
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

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

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

High upon a mountain – v5 #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukraine #Ukraina #war

A stirring in this moment, rising from the grave,
High above the mighty Dnipro, the bard, the Kobzar,
Awakened by their fight, their struggle,
the crucible of war, ancient power,
liberation of these people, freedom,
resolute in this time, this turning,
ready, leaning in on themselves, their unity,
every soul that ever bled for this nation
marshalling their will to honor, to follow,
a challenge He had written, Glory,
buried in the tomb so long ago…

In this time of struggle, a change in the wind,
A stirring in the land, rising, spirits,
against the power of Russia’s onslaught,
no longer just their fight alone, this generation,
others, ancients are joining with them…
Perched high upon this mountain, his hilltop,
A tremor is heard, above the mighty Dnipro,
The Bard awakens, stirs in his tomb, restless,
for His is The Great Grave, where Ukraine’s Glory
was hidden, safeguarded, on the heights…

Not in the grave of Bohdan, of the Hetman,
as they had imagined, no, in the bard, the Kobzar…
The Glory of Ukraine has been opened, awakened,
His great grave is revealed for Ukraine’s power,
treasure that Moskals fought for that was hidden,
is sung from the heights, for history, memory,
their prayers over the defenders, their hope,
together Kobzars, black-haired maidens…
All sing songs of their victory, triumph,
for their boundless love of Ukraine…

Today’s warriors are his kinsmen,
together, resolute in this battle
living suspended lives of sacrifice…
A rumble, a stirring of their spirits,
standing against Moskals once more,
the same evil as before, criminals,
seeking to steal, to destroy, to take,
to subjugate, to brutalize, to assimilate,
to rob Ukraine of its treasure,
her identity, her homeland…
 
The Great Grave has been opened,
Shevchenko, the guardian, the protector,
Glory of every Hero, this fight, their history,
the Cossacks, the Hetman, the Kobzar
rising from their slumber, their fitful rest,
every warrior fallen, their honored dead,
joining with the defenders now in battle,
knowing it is time for justice, for awakening
for the rising of their people, for Ukraine,
to be restored, to finally be free…
 
--------
Edited October 6, 2025

High upon on mountain – v5

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html

expanding on last stanza of after poem, “The spell has been broken – v4”,
based on Shevchenko’s poems, “The Great Grave”,
“To Marko Vovchok”,
about Maria Markovich,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Edited November 4, 2024
The spell has been broken – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-spell-has-been-broken-v4.html
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-has-been-opened-v3.html
Edited October 3, 2025
A voice against injustice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v4.html
Edited October 3, 2025
Sing to me, Taras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/sing-to-me-taras-v3.html
Edited September 30, 2025
Channeling Taras – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/channeling-taras-v6.html
Edited September 29, 2025
I hear Taras’ whisper to me… - v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/i-hear-taras-whisper-to-me-v5.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, serfdom, muse, prison, grave,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave

From the heights, he watches – v2 #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukraine #Ukraina #war

Not held by his earthly tomb,
given dominion over this land,
allowed to linger with his people,
His beloved Ukraine…

Over the great Dnipro,
flying above all of Ukraine,
From the heights, he watches
his people below…

The Bard, the Kobzar,
the essence of their culture,
The heart of Ukraine
does not truly rest…

Taras is watching, praying,
from the mountain heights,
His prayer for Ukraine is eternal,
though he long left this life…

The soul of the Hetman,
Cossacks, the Kobzars,
The song of his spirit
has never left Ukraine…

--------  
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2

Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro

Dnieper
Edited June 2, 2025
High upon a mountain – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v4.html
expanding on last stanza of after poem, “The spell has been broken – v4”,
based on Shevchenko’s poems, “The Great Grave”,
“To Marko Vovchok”,
about Maria Markovich,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
Edited November 4, 2024
The spell has been broken – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-spell-has-been-broken-v4.html
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-has-been-opened-v3.html
edited and posted October 18, 2024
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”,
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave being opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-being-opened-v3.html
after poem, “The Great Grave being opened”,
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”
Edited October 3, 2025
A voice against injustice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v4.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/13/24
Edited October 3, 2025
Sing to me, Taras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/sing-to-me-taras-v3.html
a prayer to Taras Shevchenko
Edited September 30, 2025
Channeling Taras – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/channeling-taras-v6.html
About Taras Shevchenko speaking to my spirit,
through his life and poetry
Edited September 29, 2025
I hear Taras’ whisper to me… - v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/i-hear-taras-whisper-to-me-v5.html
about Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko…
Robert Burns, Mikhail Bulgakov, and Nikolai Gogol…
Robert Frost and Mary Oliver…
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison, grave,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave

From the heights, he watches #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukraine #Ukraina #war

Over the great Dnipro,

above all of Ukraine,
From the heights, he watches
his people below…
 
The Bard, the Kobzar,
the essence of their culture,
The heart of Ukraine
does not truly rest…

Taras is watching
from the mountain heights,
His prayer for Ukraine is eternal,
though he long left this life…

The soul of the Hetman,
Cossacks, the Kobzars,
The song of his spirit
has never left Ukraine…

------
October 5, 2025
From the heights, he watches
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited June 2, 2025
High upon a mountain – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v4.html
expanding on last stanza of after poem, “The spell has been broken – v4”,
based on Shevchenko’s poems, “The Great Grave”,
“To Marko Vovchok”,
about Maria Markovich,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
Edited November 4, 2024
The spell has been broken – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-spell-has-been-broken-v4.html
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-has-been-opened-v3.html
edited and posted October 18, 2024
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”,
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave being opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-being-opened-v3.html
after poem, “The Great Grave being opened”,
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”
Edited October 3, 2025
A voice against injustice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v4.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/13/24
Edited October 3, 2025
peace in his spirit – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/peace-in-his-spirit-v3.html
after poem, “peace in his spirit”,
based on the poem, “To Marko Vovchok”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
about Maria Markovich,
written 1/24/1859
Edited October 3, 2025
Sing to me, Taras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/sing-to-me-taras-v3.html
a prayer to Taras Shevchenko
Edited September 30, 2025
Channeling Taras – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/channeling-taras-v6.html
About Taras Shevchenko speaking to my spirit,
through his life and poetry
Edited September 29, 2025
I hear Taras’ whisper to me… - v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/i-hear-taras-whisper-to-me-v5.html
about Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko…
Robert Burns, Mikhail Bulgakov, and Nikolai Gogol…
Robert Frost and Mary Oliver…

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

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

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

His wish was fulfilled – v5 #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukraine #Ukraina #war

Shevchenko’s wish was granted, fulfilled,

his eternal prayer was answered…
He was brought back to the Dnipro,
the spirit of Ukraine which lived,
which called to him homeward…
He returned, his body was buried,
in the dark soil, his homeland…

Taras Shevchenko is forever
The Bard, the Kobzar,
one with Ukraine…
 
He lived away from the poplars,
from the fields and the forests…
He spent many years imprisoned,
part of the diaspora, scattered,
so far from his homeland…
His prayer was answered,
his wish was granted, fulfilled…

Taras Shevchenko is forever
The Bard, the Kobzar,
one with Ukraine…

---------
Edited October 4, 2025

His wish was fulfilled – v5

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/his-wish-was-fulfilled-v5.html

after poem “His wish was fulfilled, based on the poem,

“The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 12/25/1845
Written and posted September 29, 2024
His wish was fulfilled
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/his-wish-was-fulfilled.html
Edited October 3, 2025
A voice against injustice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v4.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/13/24
Edited September 29, 2025
I hear Taras’ whisper to me… - v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/i-hear-taras-whisper-to-me-v5.html
about Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko…
Robert Burns, Mikhail Bulgakov, and Nikolai Gogol…
Robert Frost and Mary Oliver…

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com 

Poetry Where You Live.

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

#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #TarasShevchenko

the aspirations of his people – v3 #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukraine #Ukraina #war

He embodied his homeland,
all of Ukraine, Ukraina,
the aspirations of his people…
He was the exemplar, the conscience,
the heart of his native land…

their hope for freedom, for justice,
unchained from oppression,
shaking off shackles of the Tsar…
Every word he ever wrote,
was essentially Ukraine…

There is no other person, truly,
who wrote, who spoke like him,
who breathed the spirit of Ukraine…
The hopes of his people,
embodied his every word…

--------
Edited October 4, 2025
the aspirations of his people – v3
 
about Taras Shevchenko’s life and poetry
Edited October 29, 2024
the aspirations of his people – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-aspirations-of-his-people-v2.html
&
Edited October 29, 2024
Plumb his words – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/plumb-his-words-v2.html
about Taras Shevchenko’s life and poetry
&
Edited October 29, 2024
In Ukrainian (in Aramaic) – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-ukrainian-in-aramaic-v2.html
The Russian radicals looked down on the poems of
Shevchenko, because they were written in Ukrainian
&
Written and posted September 29, 2024
Break in twain your fetters
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/break-in-twain-your-fetters.html
after poem “Break in twain your fetters”, based on the poem,
“The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 12/25/1845
Edited October 3, 2025
A voice against injustice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v4.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/13/24
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

the mother and the martyr – v4 #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukraine #Ukraina #war

she weeps for her firstborn, her son,
a zealot to his faith, his homeland,
though he has been far from home,
a member of the diaspora…
she knows his face so well…

the mother and the martyr,
her son and his homeland,
their bond is eternal, immortal,
together, joined together…
Sharing one life, one heart beating as one…

her spirit dwells within him,
he is faithful to her, his homeland
her cause is his life’s purpose…
never has a son sought for justice
more for his mother, his homeland…

the mother and the martyr,
Ukraine and the Kobzar,
joined together, always…
their love a bond between them,
no distance could overcome…

--------
Edited October 4, 2025
The mother and the martyr – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-mother-and-martyr-v3.html
Edited January 10, 2025
The mother and the martyr – v3
 https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-mother-and-martyr-v3.html
after poem “the mother and the martyr”, based on the poem,
“Neophytes”, by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 29, 2024
The Great Catastrophe – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-great-catastrophe-v2.html
based on sentence and imprisonment of Taras Shevchenko
for ten years, 1847 (age 33) until 1857 (age 43)
Written and posted September 30, 2024
the ruin of his country
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-ruin-of-his-country.html
after poem “the ruin of his country”, based on the poems,
“The Dream” and “The Great Grave”, by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 29, 2024
A revolutionary, a subversive – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-revolutionary-subversive-v2.html
Written and posted September 30, 2024
A revolutionary, a subversive
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-revolutionary-subversive.html
after poem “A revolutionary, a subversive”, based on the poem,
“The Dream, by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
the aspirations of his people
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-aspirations-of-his-people-he.html
about Taras Shevchenko’s life and poetry
Edited October 3, 2025
A voice against injustice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v4.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/13/24
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,

#poetry #Ukraine #TarasShevchenko

the ruin of his country – v3 #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #poetry #Ukraine #Ukraina #war

the ruin of his country,
the scorched earth of Russia,
under the boot of oppression,
the sovereign, their masters,
ruling with an iron fist…

the plight of his people,
enslaved by the madman,
crushed by their fate,
no brother, no compassion,
just held in their brutal grip…

the ruin of his country,
of his homeland, his people,
manifest in their slavery,
the menace of the Moskals,
the Tsar in St. Petersburg…

--------
Edited October 4, 2025
the ruin of his country – v3

after poem “the ruin of his country”, based on the poems,
“The Dream” and “The Great Grave”, by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 29, 2024
the ruin of his country – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-ruin-of-his-country-v2.html
after poem “the ruin of his country”, based on the poems,
“The Dream” and “The Great Grave”, by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

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

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