The Patterns of Their #Culture #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #VyshyvankaDay

Beauty lies in their elegance,
the patterns of their culture,
symbols that stir memories,
their national identity,
icons that sing out loud, in unison,
who they are as a people,
This is eternal Ukraine…
 
Like wheat ripening in the fields,
the blue sky above them,
the trident, the raven, the poplar,
sunflowers, hills, forests, the Dnipro,
love for their country, kobzars,
their stories, their memories,
recorded in elegant lines…
 
They wear their embroidered shirts,
a connection to every region, every family,
meaning, embroidered memories, fabric,
ancient traditions, interwoven threads…
They exchange pysanky at Easter,
on both sides of the Dnipro,
on the mainland, in Crimea…
Together, Ukraine stands as one…
 
----------------
May 21, 2026
The Patterns of Their Culture
 
Happy Vyshyvanka Day!
21 травня 2026 року
Візерунки їхньої культури
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_20.html
З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes.html
May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these warriors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-warriors.html
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces
May 23, 2024
Death from the skies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies.html
Edited May 22, 2024
Streets of Kharkiv run red with blood
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/streets-of-kharkiv-run-red-with-blood.html
May 22, 2024
Free the hands of our ally – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/free-hands-of-our-ally-v3.html
Edited May 22, 2024
While their bombers are in the air
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/while-their-bombers-are-in-air.html
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,
and the Ukrainian people
May 20, 2024
X post by Тетяна Denford
and my responses
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #VyshyvankaDay 

Візерунки їхньої #культури #Поезія #Україна #перемога #надія #мужність #герої #СлаваУкраїні #перемога #писанки #вишиванка #Деньвишиванки

Краса у їхній витонченості,
візерунки їхньої культури,
символи, що пробуджують спогади,
їхня народна самосвідомість,
культові, що голосно співають, хором,
хто вони є, як народ,
Це — вічна Україна…
 
Як пшениця, що дозріває на полях,
блакитне небо над ними,
тризуб, ворон, тополя,
соняшники, пагорби, ліси, Дніпро,
любов до своєї країни, кобзарі,
їхні історії, їхні спогади,
записані у витончених рядках…
 
Вони носять свої вишиванки,
зв'язок з кожним регіоном, кожною родиною,
значення, вишиті спогади, тканина,
давні традиції, сплетені нитки…
Вони обмінюються писанками на Великдень,
по обидва боки Дніпра,
на материку, у Криму…
Разом Україна стоїть єдиною…
 
-----------
21 травня 2026 року
Візерунки їхньої культури
 
З Днем вишиванки!
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes.html
May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these warriors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-warriors.html
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces
May 23, 2024
Death from the skies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies.html
Edited May 22, 2024
Streets of Kharkiv run red with blood
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/streets-of-kharkiv-run-red-with-blood.html
Edited May 22, 2024
While their bombers are in the air
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/while-their-bombers-are-in-air.html
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,
and the Ukrainian people
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #VyshyvankaDay
 
Поезія, Україна, перемога, надія, мужність, герої, перемога, писанки, вишиванка, День вишиванки,
 
#Поезія #Україна #перемога #надія #мужність #герої #СлаваУкраїні #перемога #писанки #вишиванка #Деньвишиванки

Designs of their #culture – v5 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #VyshyvankaDay

Beauty in their intricacy,
designs of their culture,
symbols evoking memory,
their identity as a people,
iconic, singing aloud, a chorus,
who they are, as a people,
This is eternally Ukraine…
 
Like the wheat ripening in fields,
an azure-blue sky above them,
the tryzub, the raven, the poplar,
sunflowers, hills, forests, the Dnipro,
love of their country, the Kobzars,
their stories, their memories,
written in intricate lines…
 
They wear their embroidered Vyshyvanka,
a connection to each region, each family,
of meaning, memory stitched, a fabric,
ancient traditions, threads woven…
They share Pysanky eggs for Easter,
on either side of the Dnipro,
on the mainland, in Crimea…
Together, Ukraine stands as one…
 
-----------
Edited December 1, 2025
Designs of their culture – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/designs-of-their-culture-v5.html
Edited May 15, 2025
Designs of their culture – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/designs-of-their-culture-v4.html
Happy #VyshyvankaDay
Edited May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes.html
May 23, 2024
Lord, watch over these warriors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-warriors.html
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces
May 23, 2024
Death from the skies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies.html
Edited May 22, 2024
Streets of Kharkiv run red with blood
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/streets-of-kharkiv-run-red-with-blood.html
May 22, 2024
Free the hands of our ally – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/free-hands-of-our-ally-v3.html
Edited May 22, 2024
While their bombers are in the air
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/while-their-bombers-are-in-air.html
May 22, 2024
In the crucible of history
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html
About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,
and the Ukrainian people
May 20, 2024
X post by Тетяна Denford
and my responses
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Vyshyvanka Day,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #SlavaUkraini #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #VyshyvankaDay

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

The fallen go into battle with them
under their body armor
a vyshyvanka, a prayer...
They are protected by their fallen comrades...
 
Every thread is hand-dyed,
dipped in the defender’s blood...
Unwound from the spool, woven,
creating a protective shield...
 
Each shirt, invisible, made of pure linen,
the prayer of this people...
The fabric for each pattern –
the truth of their culture...
 
The memory of the fallen,
a thread in the fabric,
sprinkled with the blood of the defenders...
They guard their hearts...
 
Every thread is woven with love,
creating a chain-mail embroidered shirt,
clinging to the skin of every defender...
They march with a whispered prayer for life...
 
-----------
Edited May 20, 2026
protective clothing – v2
 
Відредаговано 20 травня 2026 року
одяг захисту – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/2.html
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited May 20, 2026
a garment of protection – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection-v2.html
May 19, 2026
a garment of protection
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection.html
Edited, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html
New name, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html
Edited December 1, 2025
A cloak of the dead – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html
In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent
identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 
Edited May 24, 2024
Designs of their culture – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, threads, blood,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

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

Полеглі йдуть з ними в бій
під їхнім бронежилетом
вишиванка, молитва...
Їх захищають їхні полеглі...
 
Кожна нитка пофарбована вручну,
занурена в кров захисника...
Витягнута з котушки, виткана,
створюючи захисний щит...
 
Кожна сорочка, невидима, з чистого льону,
молитва цього народу...
Полотно для кожного візерунка –
істина їхньої культури...
 
Пам'ять про полеглих,
нитка у тканині,
окроплена кров'ю захисників...
Вони охороняють їхні серця...
 
Кожна нитка з любов'ю виткана,
створюючи кольчужну вишиванку,
що прилягає до шкіри кожного захисника...
Вони йдуть із шепотінням молитви про життя...
 
-----------
Відредаговано 20 травня 2026 року
одяг захисту – v2
 
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited May 20, 2026
a garment of protection – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection-v2.html
May 19, 2026
a garment of protection
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection.html
Edited, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html
New name, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html
Edited December 1, 2025
A cloak of the dead – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html
In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent
identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 
Edited May 24, 2024
Designs of their culture – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, threads, blood,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

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

a #garment of #protection – v2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

The dead go into battle with them
under their body armor
a vyshyvanka, a prayer...
They are protected by their fallen...
 
Every thread is hand-colored,
dipped in the blood of a defender...
Pulled from the spool, woven,
creating a hedge of protection...
 
Each shirt, invisible, pure linen,
a prayer of this nation...
A canvas for each design
the truth of their culture...
 
The memory of the fallen,
a thread in the fabric
washed in defenders' blood...
They guard their hearts...
 
Each thread is lovingly woven,
creating a chain mail vyshyvanka,
against the skin of each defender...
They go with a whispered prayer of life...
 
-----------
Edited May 20, 2026
a garment of protection – v2
 
May 19, 2026
a garment of protection
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection.html
Edited, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html
New name, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html
Edited December 1, 2025
A cloak of the dead – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html
In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent
identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Death from the skies – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 
Edited May 24, 2024
Designs of their culture – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, threads, blood,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

The #Mantle of the #Dead – v2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor

Sacrifice,
second skin,
a breath-prayer,
woven steel armor,
a mantle of the fallen
living shield of protection,
an embroidered breastplate...
Honored warriors descending
roused from their rest in Valhalla
a hand-woven love, their memory,
an embroidered shirt, Vyshyvanka,
The threads of their fibers, memory
woven with their precious blood,
All Ukrainians march with them,
destroying their enemy, terror,
as bombs fall upon them,
protecting the warriors,
heroes in their stories
their revered dead
 Every one…
 
-----------

Edited, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html 

New name, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html

Edited December 1, 2025

A cloak of the dead – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html

In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,

Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new

Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the

white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads

of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.

They are your shield, your invisible armor.

I tried to write the poem in the shape of a

Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.

Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent

identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.

Edited May 24, 2024

A cloak of the dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html

The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.

May 23, 2024

A cloak of the dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Death from the skies – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Lord, watch over these heroes – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 

Edited May 24, 2024

Designs of their culture – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html

May 23, 2024

X post by The Angry Cat

“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”

May 23, 2024

Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces

 

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com

Poetry Where You Live.

 

Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor,

 

#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor

 

The #Mantle of the #Dead #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor

 
A breath-prayer,
woven steel armor,
the mantle of the fallen,
a living shield of protection,
an embroidered breastplate...
 
Honored warriors descend
roused from their rest in Valhalla,
a hand-woven fabric, a memory,
an embroidered shirt, Vyshyvanka...
Threads of their fibers, memory,
woven with their precious blood,
 
All of Ukraine marches with them,
destroying their enemy, terror,
as bombs fall upon them,
protected by the warriors,
heroes in their stories
their revered dead
every one…
 

-----------

Edited, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html

New name, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html

Edited December 1, 2025

A cloak of the dead – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html

In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,

Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new

Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the

white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads

of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.

They are your shield, your invisible armor.

I tried to write the poem in the shape of a

Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.

Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent

identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.

Edited May 24, 2024

A cloak of the dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html

The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.

May 23, 2024

A cloak of the dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Death from the skies – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Lord, watch over these heroes – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 

Edited May 24, 2024

Designs of their culture – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html

May 23, 2024

X post by The Angry Cat

“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”

May 23, 2024

Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces

 

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com

Poetry Where You Live.

 

Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor,

 

#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor

The #Mantle of the #Dead #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #defenders #blood

A breath-prayer,
woven steel armor,
the mantle of the fallen,
a living shield of protection,
an embroidered breastplate...
 
Honored warriors descend
roused from their rest in Valhalla,
a hand-woven fabric, a memory,
an embroidered shirt, Vyshyvanka...
Threads of their fibers, memory,
woven with their precious blood,
 
All of Ukraine marches with them,
destroying their enemy, terror,
as bombs fall upon them,
protected by the warriors,
heroes in their stories
their revered dead
every one…
 

-----------

Edited, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html

New name, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html

Edited December 1, 2025

A cloak of the dead – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html

In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,

Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new

Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the

white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads

of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.

They are your shield, your invisible armor.

I tried to write the poem in the shape of a

Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.

Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent

identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.

Edited May 24, 2024

A cloak of the dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html

The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.

May 23, 2024

A cloak of the dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Death from the skies – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Lord, watch over these heroes – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 

Edited May 24, 2024

Designs of their culture – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html

May 23, 2024

X post by The Angry Cat

“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”

May 23, 2024

Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces

 

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com

Poetry Where You Live.

 

Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, blood, threads, defenders,

 

#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor

a #garment of protection #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood #defenders

Each shirt, invisible, pure linen,
a prayer of this nation...
A canvas for each design
the truth of their culture...
 
Every thread hand-colored,
dipped in the blood of a defender...
Pulled from the spool, woven,
creating a hedge of protection...
 
The memory of the fallen,
a thread in the fabric
of the defenders' blood...
Guarding their hearts...
 
Each thread lovingly woven,
creating a chain mail fabric,
against the skin of each defender...
A whispered prayer of life...
 
-----------
May 19, 2026
a garment of protection
 
Edited, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html
New name, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html
Edited December 1, 2025
A cloak of the dead – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html
In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent
identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Death from the skies – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 
Edited May 24, 2024
Designs of their culture – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, threads, blood,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

#Believe

every mountain, every giant,

every demon, every challenge, 

every trial in this life...

when we Believe, when we trust,

miracles happen, manifest

in our lives, on our walk...

by faith We are healed...

Mountains will move,

fears will br overcome, 

we have freedom, 

when we Believe, 

when we trust...

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the #light remains #shadows #FightingShadows

the shadow is not a sentence, 

of death, of damnation 

History does not determine 

our eternal life..

the light remains 

even when it is hidden

Satan does not have the final say

in the story of our lives...

We each will fail

We will stumble 

fighting in the shade

of our own demons...

But God's light shines

cutting through the darkness 

Our past does not determine 

our eternal life...

May 16, 2024

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the #light remains #God #FightingShadows

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

You have cast a #shadow #FightingShadows

bewitched in infancy

enthralled by your intellect

your certainty, your drive,

by the way you lived your life...

You have cast a shadow

blocking the light I sought 

unwittingly silenced

the calling of my heart...

love overshadowed, colored,

by your station, your power,

seeking your approval 

when I had hurt your heart...

like you, yet different, 

called by another muse,

left brain, right brain,

struggling to choose...

given power, authority 

light when you cas a shadow 

chasing the wrong father

a love for my life..

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

#shadows #God #FightingShadows

followed by echoes 

shadows of history  

of inheritance, of choice 

from the Garden 

to this moment  

we are wooed from the light... 

shadows in our past 

of the steps before this step 

a burden often in secret 

seeking to wick the power 

the gifts of light God offers, 

the way of Jesus Christ...

shadows haunt us 

because we give them power 

replacing them in memory  

a constant feedback loop... 

Step into the light

defeat the shadows  

Walk as Jesus walked,  

as He calls us...

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

#Kneeling before the pedestal #poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #admit #believe #trust #inventory #idol #father

Making a molehill a mountain
Losing our clarity, perspective, 
Making another an idol
Taking the rightful place of God...
 
Kneeling before the pedestal 
At the feet of one fallen
Gaging our worth
On their approval 
Taking the place of God...
 
Lost under the weight 
Never measuring up
Even if they never intended it
Taking the place of God...
 
-------------
May 14, 2026
Kneeling before the pedestal
 
Based on Romans 8:1-2
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 1.
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 3, “Harms to Me” overview.
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 3, Day 2.
Edited May 6, 2026
Confession and Repentance – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/confession-and-repentance-v2.html
Based on Psalm 51:3-6
Based on Psalm 51
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 2, Large group teaching
May 4, 2026
letting go of fear
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/letting-go-of-fear.html
Based on Romans 8:14-15
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 2, Day 5.
May 4, 2026
Help us to see clearly
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/help-us-to-see-clearly.html
Based on Matthew 7:2-3, 5
Based on Romans 5:3-4
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 2, Day 4.
May 4, 2026
an awful cost
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/an-awful-cost.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 2, “Inventory Workbook Introduction”.
April 28, 2026
Performative Art
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/04/performative-art.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 1, large group meeting
April 28, 2026
the consequences of a silenced truth
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-consequences-of-silenced-truth.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 1, Appendix C: “Abuse Supplement”.
April 28, 2026
unhealed wounds
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/04/unhealed-wounds.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 1, Appendix C: “Abuse Supplement”.
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 1, Day 4, “How to Complete An Inventory”.
Edited April 27, 2026
naming the stones – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/04/naming-stones_27.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 1, Day 3, “The Value of Inventory”.
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, love, grace, regeneration, admit, trust, believe, inventory, idol, father,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #admit #believe #trust #inventory #idol #father

Rise, #Destiny calls us #Poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #John14 #John15 #John16 #John17 #John18 #Messiah #calling #purpose #cross #love #servant #servanthood #Passion

The Hour Had Come,
the minutes were racing
the pace accelerating
But Christ was at peace...
 
“Rise”, Jesus said to them,
“Let us go from this place”...
Destiny calls us –
I must drink of that cup...
 
Nothing overwhelmed Him,
He was in control –
God in the flesh, before them,
The great I Am...
 
Leaving that place,
heading to the Garden...
His betrayal at hand,
His Hour had come...
 
-------------
May 13, 2026
Rise, Destiny calls us
 
Based on John 14:31c
When Jesus said it was time to leave the Upper Room, but,
John 15, John 16, and John 17 are all in the Upper Room,
Jesus calls them to leave in John 18:1
May 13, 2026
resurrecting words of life
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/resurrecting-words-of-life.html
Based on John 14:25-26
Based on Luke 24:31
Edited May 4, 2026
the shadow of Satan – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-shadow-of-satan-v2.html
Based on John 13:27
May 2, 2026
serving Judas
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/serving-judas.html
Based on John 13
Edited May 4, 2026
hearing Mary’s heartbeat – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/hearing-marys-heartbeat-v2.html
Based on John 13
on the servanthood of Jesus
April 30, 2026
A kernel of heaven
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-kernel-of-heaven.html
Based on John 13
May 2, 2026
Truly, Truly
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/truly-truly.html
Based on John 13:1, 16, 20, 21, 38
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com 
Poetry Where You Live.

Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, John 14, John 15, John 16, John 17, John 18, Messiah, calling, purpose, cross, love, servant, servanthood, Passion,

#Poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #John14 #John15 #John16 #John17 #John18 #Messiah #calling #purpose #cross #love #servant #servanthood #Passion

resurrecting words of life #Poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #John 13 #John15 #Messiah #calling #purpose #cross #love #servant #servanthood

resurrecting words of life
our hope in the life of Jesus
like their journey on the road...
Our sight will be restored...
 
the Holy Spirit will come
and enter our spirits...
He will bring to our minds
all Jesus said and did...
 
we must share these words
these gifts from the Father...
Life is in these memories...
We must never forget...
 
-------------
May 13, 2026
resurrecting words of life
 
Based on John 14:25-26
Based on Luke 24:31
Edited May 4, 2026
the shadow of Satan – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-shadow-of-satan-v2.html
Based on John 13:27
May 2, 2026
serving Judas
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/serving-judas.html
Based on John 13
Edited May 4, 2026
hearing Mary’s heartbeat – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/hearing-marys-heartbeat-v2.html
Based on John 13
on the servanthood of Jesus
April 30, 2026
A kernel of heaven
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-kernel-of-heaven.html
Based on John 13
May 2, 2026
Truly, Truly
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/truly-truly.html
Based on John 13:1, 16, 20, 21, 38
May 2, 2026
pride before the Fall
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/pride-before-fall.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com 
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, John 13, John 14, John 15, Messiah, calling, purpose, cross, love, servant, servanthood,

#Poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #John 13 #John15 #Messiah #calling #purpose #cross #love #servant #servanthood