Poetry Where You Live

Saturday, February 21, 2026

if you are willing – 2 – v2 #poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #love #grace #faith #pray #prayer #isolation #fear #confession #secrets #trust #believe #forgive

God wants to heal you
as your loving Father,
as the sure Potter,
your life on His wheel,
if you are open,
if you are willing...
God loves you so much
more than you believe...

God wants to restore you,
to reshape, to mold you,
to break, to heal you,
if you are willing,
if you will listen...
God will bring you to wholeness
when you lay your life before Him,
if you will believe...

-----
Edited February 21, 2026
if you are willing – 2 – v2

Based on #Isaiah1:18-20
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 3, "Are you willing?”
Edited February 20, 2026
forgive those who have hurt you – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/forgive-those-who-have-hurt-you-v3.html
Based on #Ephesians4:32
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 4, “Forgiveness.”
Edited February 19, 2026
the pain deepens – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-pain-deepens-v2.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 2, "The Heart That’s Well Is the Heart That Tells”.
February 18, 2026
We are Stronger in the Fight
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/we-are-stronger-in-fight.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 1, "Feeling Different (Just Like the Rest of Us)."
February 17, 2026
Agar plates
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/agar-plates.html
February 16, 2026
throughout the day
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/throughout-day.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 2, "Talk to God (Pray)."
February 12, 2026
paralyzed, frozen
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/paralyzed-frozen.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 2, "Worry: Living in Fear."
February 11, 2026
the battleground
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-battleground.html
February 11, 2026
Hope
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/hope.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 1, “Faith That God Can Restore You.”
February 10, 2026
the breath of life
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-breath-of-life.html
February 10, 2026
We believe our hearts
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/we-believe-our-hearts.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, love, grace, regeneration, faith, pray, prayer, isolation, fear, confession, secrets, trust, believe, forgive,

#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #love #grace #faith #pray #prayer #isolation #fear #confession #secrets #trust #believe #forgive

a #cult of #depravity – v3 #poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #humility #love #Epstein #EpsteinFiles #EpsteinCoverup #MeTooMovement #children #innocents

We have become complicit,
complacent in our silence
The evil of these predators
has remained unchecked...
The justice that is required
has been sealed in files...
Silence of the victims, sorrow,
has been purchased with blood...

Evil is endemic, pervasive,
Satans are walking with us...
Victims numb with secrets...
a New Babylon, perversion,
depraved indifference, evil,
gathering power, prestige,
abusing children, destroying
all for their satanic lust...

They live by the flesh, desires
immoral, not fearing judgment,
oligarchs, the wealthy, politicians,
cloaked in our culture
where all sins are hidden...
silence of the files, agreements,
the cruelty of their power -
immune to justice...

A cult of depravity, pervasive,
poison within our body
metastasized and growing
no reconning, no trials,
hidden in the files,
allowed for a season...
The corruption of our culture
is on vivid display...

God, in His timing,
will stop this stain, this violence,
The powerful exposed as evil,
God, in His timing,
will mete out justice.
Their evil is being revealed
before the harsh culling...

--------------
Edited February 21, 2026
a cult of depravity – v3

Based on #Habakkuk1:1-11
Epstein Island, Epstein Files, Epstein Coverup,
All the horrible crimes by Epstein and co-conspirators,
and our culture that tolerates all of that...
Edited/ New Name February 1, 2026
Protect the children, the survivors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/protect-children-survivors.html
Epstein Files and Epstein Coverup
Edited January 19, 2026
Where are the Christians – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/where-are-christians_19.html
The Epstein Files and Epstein Coverup
January 19, 2026
Triggered
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/triggered.html
The Epstein Files and Epstein Coverup
January 13, 2026
the hiss of the serpent’s question
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-hiss-of-serpents-question.html
sermon, “Childlike Humility – 2”

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, Matthew 18, humility, love, Epstein, Epstein Files, Epstein Coverup, Me Too, children, innocents, abuse,

#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #humility #love #Epstein #EpsteinFiles #EpsteinCoverup #MeTooMovement #children #innocents

Friday, February 20, 2026

Three centuries, not Four years #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #tragedy #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #Poltava #Kharkiv #Kyiv #Lviv #DayofRemembrance #Ilovaisk #FlagDay #remembranceday #Holodomor #Tatar #BabiYar #DefendersDay #IndependenceDay #NationalAnthem #HeavenlyHundred

The world is blind, myopic,
believing their propaganda
the lie of their origin story
how they came to exist...

The battle is ancient,
for survival, for dignity,
three centuries, not four years,
trying to erase Ukraine...

The lie at the beginning
usurping history, truth,
the Tsars seeking empire
until they are crushed...

Now the people rise up
united in one purpose
standing against terror,
Russia’s genocide...

They will prevail,
momentum has shifted,
centuries of struggle
are now bearing fruit...

Ukraine will be whole
united as one people,
Russia will be defeated
their lie exposed...

-----------
February 20, 2026
Three centuries, not Four years

The genocide in Ukraine started with the Tsar’s decree
in 1721, renaming Muscovy to Russia, stealing the
legacy of Kyivan Rus...
edited/ new name February 19, 2026
Four years of terror, genocide
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/four-years-of-terror-genocide.html
Edited/change name February 18, 2026
Momentum Shifting
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/momentum-shifting.html
Edited December 1, 2025
Stealing History – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/stealing-history-v3.html
November 30, 2024
Sacred Days
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/sacred-days.html
Edited September 6, 2024
Flying from every flagpole – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/flying-from-every-flagpole-v2.html
September 6, 2024
Trampled, beaten, yet unbowed
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/trampled-beaten-yet-unbowed.html
August 27, 2024
The Flag of their Independence
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-flag-of-their-independence.html
National Day of Remembrance – August 29, 2024
Ukraine Independence Day – August 24, 2024
Ukraine National Flag Day – August 23, 2024
Edited August 30, 2024
The dead do not yet rest in peace – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-dead-do-not-yet-rest-in-peace-v2.html
Edited August 28, 2024
The whisper of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-whisper-of-dead-v2.html
edited August 27, 2024
The stain of innocent blood – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-stain-of-innocent-blood-v4.html
Edited/new name August 27, 2024
Streets of their cities run red with blood
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/streets-of-their-cities-run-red-with.html
Edited August 1, 2024
Resolve personified – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/resolve-personified-v3.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, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, tragedy, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Lviv, Day of Remembrance, Ilovaisk, Poltava, Independence Day, Holodomor, Defenders Day, National Anthem, Heavenly Hundred,

#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #tragedy #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #Poltava #Kharkiv #Kyiv #Lviv #DayofRemembrance #Ilovaisk #FlagDay #remembranceday #Holodomor #Tatar #BabiYar #DefendersDay #IndependenceDay #NationalAnthem #HeavenlyHundred

#Dignity, existence #poetry #Ukraine #Russia #NATO #war #invasion #terror #genocide #StandWithUkraine #FourYears #Europe #Zelenskyy #Trump #Putin #MomentofHonor #Вшануй #IrynaTsybukh #dignity #HeavenlyHundred

Dignity, existence
safe in their borders
the right to sovereignty
all of Ukraine...

Invaded, conquered,
again subjugated
but this time standing up
on the front lines, in the streets...

Remembrance, always
remembering the fallen
all who have suffered
against Russia’s genocide...

Standing, united,
a resolute people,
they will prevail
when dignity is won...

-------
February 20, 2026
Dignity, existence

The Heavenly Hundred heroes, the protesters killed during Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Instagram post by Olena_Ivanenko_rij
https://www.instagram.com/stories/olena_ivanenko_rij/3835849990073791731/
“Хвилина памʼяті
згадувала братів за якими дуже сумую
кожен день 9:00 честь”
“A moment of remembrance
remembered the brothers I miss so much
every day 9:00 honor.”
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26^th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited February 17, 2026
The present memory of that day – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-present-memory-of-that-day-v3.html
Memory of February 24, 2022,
the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion,
as described by a defender of Ukraine
on February 25, 2025
February 17, 2026
Justice must come
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/justice-must-come.html
Russia’s full scale-invasion of Ukraine,
Endless war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Edited February 17, 2026
Scorched Earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/scorched-earth-v2.html
Based on #Habakkuk1:5-11
Based on Habakkuk 1:2a
Based on Habakkuk 1:1-11
Sermon by Nate Labadorf
Griggs Memorial Baptist Church
Russia’s full scale-invasion of Ukraine, and their destruction
of cities and villages throughout Ukraine.
Edited February 16, 2026
eating like locusts – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/eating-like-locusts-v2.html
Russia’s full scale-invasion of Ukraine, and their destruction
of cities and villages throughout Ukraine.
Edited February 14, 2026
touching bleeding flesh – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v3.html
on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
and the thirty-fifth anniversary of my father’s black-ice fatal car accident, February 14, 1991.
Edited February 26, 2025
touching bleeding flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v2.html
"The present memory of that day" is both 2/24/2022 for Ukraine and Ukrainians
and 2/14/1991 for me personally. I am using my experience of detailed visceral
images of lifting the blood and brains of my father to give even a touch of
authenticity to this poem, merging my conversation with one defender and
the words of that other defender yesterday to write "touching bleeding flesh "
February 14, 2026
Days turned to Years
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/days-have-turned-to-years.html
On the Fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, February 24, 2026
Edited February 13, 2026
touching bleeding flesh – v2 – defender
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v2-written-by.html
(written by a decorated medic on the front lines in Ukraine)
Edited February 13, 2026
The Cost of Dignity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-cost-of-dignity-v2.html
Ukraine Olympic flagbearer and Skeleton slider, Vladyslav Heraskevych, and helmet of honor
Edited December 28, 2025
echoes of the metronome – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/echoes-of-metronome-v3.html
during Moment of Honor (Вшануй), at 9:00am daily in Ukraine
https://www.threads.com/@moment_of_honor
https://www.facebook.com/momentofhonor/
https://www.instagram.com/moment_of_honor/
“We are a team that promotes the Minute of Silence
Edited December 23, 2025
no minute of silence – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/no-minute-of-silence-v3.html
based on an Instagram post by Julia Kochetova,
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DRH98GHiKSp/
Edited August 20, 2025
Flying from every flagpole – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/flying-from-every-flagpole-v5.html
June 4, 2025
to remember the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/to-remember-dead.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
2,000 participants remembered fallen combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh,
who died May 29, 2024, days before her 26^th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited May 22, 2025
You hold each of them so closely – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v2.html
video (https://www.instagram.com/p/DHlbX7MtEjg/) of Ukrainian women defenders making Ukrainian Easter eggs with a picture of combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh on the table.
Edited April 4, 2025
sisters in arms – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/sisters-in-arms-v3.html
written after reading post by defender of Ukraine about serving as
a woman in the army, for International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025
February 27, 2025
touching bleeding flesh
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-defender.html
(written by a decorated medic on the front lines in Ukraine)
Edited February 26, 2025
touching bleeding flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v2.html
Edited February 26, 2025
The present memory of that day – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-present-memory-of-that-day-v2.html
February 25, 2025
Memory of February 24, 2022
as described by a defender of Ukraine, in uniform since 2013.
edited February 15, 2025
Three years of terror, of genocide – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/three-years-of-terror-genocide-v2.html
March 5, 2022
Don’t give Ukraine to the Madman
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/dont-give-ukraine-to-madman.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, Ukraine, Russia, NATO, war, invasion, Putin, terror, genocide, Crimea, 1000 Days, Four Years, Europe, Zelenskyy, Trump, Stand With Ukraine, full-scale invasion, Вшануй, Heavenly Hundred Heroes,

#poetry #Ukraine #Russia #NATO #war #invasion #terror #genocide #StandWithUkraine #FourYears #Europe #Zelenskyy #Trump #Putin #MomentofHonor #Вшануй #IrynaTsybukh #dignity #HeavenlyHundred

--------------
poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka,

#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko

#forgive those who have #hurt you – v3 #poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #love #grace #faith #pray #prayer #isolation #fear #confession #secrets #trust #believe #forgiveness

Release your hold upon them,
let your hands be at peace,
let your mind be at rest...
Give your pain to God,
Forgive those who have hurt you,
to reclaim your life…

Do not hold onto anger,
even for a moment,
the pain, the disquiet,
demons that ensnare you...
Let go of retribution,
give justice unto God…

God loves you deeply,
He wants to heal you,
Christ offers you salvation...
God wants you to be happy,
God has forgiven you completely,
through the sacrifice of Christ…

Forgive one another,
Let go of anger, forgive
each brother, each sister,
as you have been forgiven...
forgive those who have hurt you,
walk in God’s light…

God will take care of justice
for He alone is righteous,
out of His infinity mercy,
Every life is in his hands...
give your pain, your hurt to God,
to be healed, to have life…

-----
Edited February 20, 2026
forgive those who have hurt you – v3

Based on #Ephesians4:32
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 4, “Forgiveness.”
February 20, 2026
if you are willing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/if-you-are-willing-2.html
Based on #Isaiah1:18-20
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 3, "Are you willing?”
Edited February 19, 2026
the pain deepens – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-pain-deepens-v2.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 2, "The Heart That’s Well Is the Heart That Tells”.
February 18, 2026
We are Stronger in the Fight
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/we-are-stronger-in-fight.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 1, "Feeling Different (Just Like the Rest of Us)."
February 17, 2026
Agar plates
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/agar-plates.html
February 16, 2026
throughout the day
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/throughout-day.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 2, "Talk to God (Pray)."
February 12, 2026
paralyzed, frozen
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/paralyzed-frozen.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 2, "Worry: Living in Fear."
February 11, 2026
the battleground
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-battleground.html
February 11, 2026
Hope
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/hope.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 1, “Faith That God Can Restore You.”
February 10, 2026
the breath of life
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-breath-of-life.html
February 10, 2026
We believe our hearts
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/we-believe-our-hearts.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.

if you are willing - 2 #poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #love #grace #faith #pray #prayer #isolation #fear #confession #secrets #trust #believe

God wants to heal you
as our loving Father,
as the sure Potter,
if we are open,
if we are willing...
God loves us so much
more than we believe...

God wants to restore you
to break, to heal you,
if you are willing,
if you will listen...
God will bring you to wholeness
when we lay our lives before Him,
if you will believe...

-----
February 20, 2026
if you are willing – v2

Based on #Isaiah1:18-20
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 3, "Are you willing?”
Edited February 19, 2026
the pain deepens – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-pain-deepens-v2.html
Based on #Psalm32:3-5
Based on #1John1:9
Based on #James5:16
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 2, "The Heart That’s Well Is the Heart That Tells”.
February 18, 2026
We are Stronger in the Fight
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/we-are-stronger-in-fight.html
Based on #Proverbs18:1
Based on #Matthew10:30
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 1, "Feeling Different (Just Like the Rest of Us)."
February 17, 2026
Agar plates
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/agar-plates.html
Based on #Proverbs18:1
Based on #Matthew10:30
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 5, Day 1, "Feeling Different (Just Like the Rest of Us)."
February 16, 2026
throughout the day
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/throughout-day.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 2, "Talk to God (Pray)."
February 12, 2026
paralyzed, frozen
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/paralyzed-frozen.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 2, "Worry: Living in Fear."
February 11, 2026
the battleground
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-battleground.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 2, "Worry: Living in Fear."
February 11, 2026
Hope
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/hope.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 1, “Faith That God Can Restore You.”
February 10, 2026
the breath of life
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-breath-of-life.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 1, “Faith That God Can Restore You.”
February 10, 2026
We believe our hearts
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/we-believe-our-hearts.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 1, “Faith That God Can Restore You.”
February 10, 2026
Believe God loves us
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/believe-god-loves-us.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 4, Day 1, “Faith That God Can Restore You.”
Edited February 9, 2026
when the demons come – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/when-demons-come-v5.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 3, Day 5, “Phone A Friend.”
February 9, 2026
love one another - 4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/love-one-another-4.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 3, Day 3, “Facing Self-Centeredness.”

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, faith, pray, prayer, isolation, fear, confession, secrets, trust, believe,

#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #love #grace #faith #pray #prayer #isolation #fear #confession #secrets #trust #believe

In words our love has risen #Poetry #God #face #beauty #soul #romance #wife #husband #lovemaking

From great distance we have spoken

Our love has been kindled,
In words our love has risen,
Across language and miles...

My love for you was instant
The connection so intense
Called by the spirit
In my soul, in my heart...

I love you for who you are
Your spirit I know so well
I will love you to my dying breath
And in heaven above...

I long to hold you, to speak
Words without sounds,
To live beside you, my wife,
Forever, eternally, Amen.

------------
February 20, 2026
In words our love has risen

February 17, 2026
An undiscovered country
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/an-undiscovered-country.html
To my wife
January 9, 2026
Like a kitten to a bowl of warm cream
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/like-kitten-to-bowl-of-warm-cream.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, 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, face, beauty, soul, love, wife, husband, love making, romance,

#Poetry #God #face #beauty #soul #romance #wife #husband #lovemaking

Like a #kitten to a bowl of warm #cream #Poetry #God #face #beauty #soul #romance #wife #husband #lovemaking

Feeling you in your dream

Turning to touch, to enter you,
Smelling your waters rising,
In a dream ready to explode…

Drawn to your waters,
Your fountain of my delight,
Dipping my tongue inside you,
As the river flows of love…

Like a kitten to a bowl of warm cream,
Waking you from your passion,
Your dream is a reality together,
As we join in ecstasy…

-------------
January 9, 2026
Like a kitten to a bowl of warm cream

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Poetry, God, face, beauty, soul, love, wife, husband, love making, romance,

#Poetry #God #face #beauty #soul #romance #wife #husband #lovemaking

Thursday, February 19, 2026

You hold each of them so closely – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #Russia #NATO #war #invasion #terror #genocide #StandWithUkraine #FourYears #Europe #Zelenskyy #Trump #Putin #OlenaIvanenko #MomentofHonor #Вшануй #IrynaTsybukh

I see your deep love for one another,
for each one of your fallen, your comrades,
They are alive in you, so real, so precious,
a part of each one of you, present with you,
gathering your honored dead to you, lovingly,
ever present, today, now, alive, as close as breath…

They are part of you, your fabric, your identity,
part of you in each moment, in every breath,
alive with you now in the present, your fallen
as threads woven in a vyshyvanka, your culture,
hand to heart, to linen, washed in precious blood,
in their sacrifice for your homeland, your country
They are forever one, Ukraine…

I see how you honor them, in each moment,
In time standing still, in remembrance, each day,
in a continuous procession, rituals of memory, touching,
sacred days woven into your collective lives, together,
how you hold them to you, to your hearts, forever,
ever present, today, now, alive, as close as breath…

You hold each of them closely, forever, present,
you do not forget your fallen, your comrades,
holding each one of them as close as breath,
their legacy of love, of sacrifice, a bond sustaining,
Your honored dead are with you, present, living, alive,
in their sacrifice for your homeland, for your country,
They are forever one, Ukraine…

-------
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3

February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Instagram post by Olena_Ivanenko_rij
https://www.instagram.com/stories/olena_ivanenko_rij/3835849990073791731/
“Хвилина памʼяті
згадувала братів за якими дуже сумую
кожен день 9:00 честь”
“A moment of remembrance
remembered the brothers I miss so much
every day 9:00 honor.”
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26^th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited February 17, 2026
The present memory of that day – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-present-memory-of-that-day-v3.html
Memory of February 24, 2022,
the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion,
as described by a defender of Ukraine
on February 25, 2025
February 17, 2026
Justice must come
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/justice-must-come.html
Russia’s full scale-invasion of Ukraine,
Endless war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Edited February 17, 2026
Scorched Earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/scorched-earth-v2.html
Based on #Habakkuk1:5-11
Based on Habakkuk 1:2a
Based on Habakkuk 1:1-11
Sermon by Nate Labadorf
Griggs Memorial Baptist Church
Russia’s full scale-invasion of Ukraine, and their destruction
of cities and villages throughout Ukraine.
Edited February 16, 2026
eating like locusts – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/eating-like-locusts-v2.html
Russia’s full scale-invasion of Ukraine, and their destruction
of cities and villages throughout Ukraine.
Edited February 14, 2026
touching bleeding flesh – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v3.html
on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
and the thirty-fifth anniversary of my father’s black-ice fatal car accident, February 14, 1991.
Edited February 26, 2025
touching bleeding flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v2.html
"The present memory of that day" is both 2/24/2022 for Ukraine and Ukrainians
and 2/14/1991 for me personally. I am using my experience of detailed visceral
images of lifting the blood and brains of my father to give even a touch of
authenticity to this poem, merging my conversation with one defender and
the words of that other defender yesterday to write "touching bleeding flesh "
February 14, 2026
Days turned to Years
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/days-have-turned-to-years.html
On the Fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, February 24, 2026
Edited February 13, 2026
touching bleeding flesh – v2 – defender
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v2-written-by.html
(written by a decorated medic on the front lines in Ukraine)
Edited February 13, 2026
The Cost of Dignity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-cost-of-dignity-v2.html
Ukraine Olympic flagbearer and Skeleton slider, Vladyslav Heraskevych, and helmet of honor
Edited December 28, 2025
echoes of the metronome – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/echoes-of-metronome-v3.html
during Moment of Honor (Вшануй), at 9:00am daily in Ukraine
https://www.threads.com/@moment_of_honor
https://www.facebook.com/momentofhonor/
https://www.instagram.com/moment_of_honor/
“We are a team that promotes the Minute of Silence
Edited December 23, 2025
no minute of silence – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/no-minute-of-silence-v3.html
based on an Instagram post by Julia Kochetova,
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DRH98GHiKSp/
Edited August 20, 2025
Flying from every flagpole – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/flying-from-every-flagpole-v5.html
June 4, 2025
to remember the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/to-remember-dead.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
2,000 participants remembered fallen combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh,
who died May 29, 2024, days before her 26^th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited May 22, 2025
You hold each of them so closely – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v2.html
video (https://www.instagram.com/p/DHlbX7MtEjg/) of Ukrainian women defenders making Ukrainian Easter eggs with a picture of combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh on the table.
Edited April 4, 2025
sisters in arms – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/sisters-in-arms-v3.html
written after reading post by defender of Ukraine about serving as
a woman in the army, for International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025
February 27, 2025
touching bleeding flesh
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-defender.html
(written by a decorated medic on the front lines in Ukraine)
Edited February 26, 2025
touching bleeding flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v2.html
Edited February 26, 2025
The present memory of that day – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-present-memory-of-that-day-v2.html
February 25, 2025
Memory of February 24, 2022
as described by a defender of Ukraine, in uniform since 2013.
edited February 15, 2025
Three years of terror, of genocide – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/three-years-of-terror-genocide-v2.html
March 5, 2022
Don’t give Ukraine to the Madman
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/dont-give-ukraine-to-madman.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, Ukraine, Russia, NATO, war, invasion, Putin, terror, genocide, Crimea, 1000 Days, Four Years, Europe, Zelenskyy, Trump, Stand With Ukraine, full-scale invasion, Вшануй,

#poetry #Ukraine #Russia #NATO #war #invasion #terror #genocide #StandWithUkraine #FourYears #Europe #Zelenskyy #Trump #Putin #OlenaIvanenko #MomentofHonor #Вшануй #IrynaTsybukh

--------------
poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka,

#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko

Four years crying into the void #Poetry #Ukraine #terror #genocide #Kherson #Kyiv #Odesa #Poltava #Kharkiv #Bucha #Izium #Mariupol #StandWithUkraine #FourYears

So many moments, so much struggle,
striving to hold the attention of the world,
for them to care, for them to act,
in this their existential moment…

Four years crying into the void, exhausted,
seeking to help these noble people triumph...
too many leaders failing to lead, to act,
to rise to meet this moment, this challenge…

Evil is given sway, power, appeasement,
impunity through our indifference,
believing the threats of the bully,
keeping our arsenals in check…

Making of these people servants,
in a war we would not fight, attrition,
fighting our one common enemy,
but making them pay an awful price…

It is very late, but we can choose better,
standing now with these noble people,
standing for right against injustice,
to stop evil, this war of terror, of genocide…

===================
Edited/ new name February 19, 2026
Four years crying into the void

Edited February 7, 2025
three years crying into the void – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/three-years-crying-into-void-v3.html
Edited February 6, 2025
three years crying into the void – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/three-years-crying-into-void-v2.html
Edited February 6, 2025
open wounds bleeding – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/open-wounds-bleeding-v2.html
Edited February 6, 2025
Unwavering Support – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/unwavering-support-v2.html
Edited February 5, 2025
scars that never heal – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/scars-that-never-heal-v2.html
Edited December 12, 2024
The blood of the dead in Bucha – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-blood-of-dead-in-bucha-v6.html
Edited November 19, 2023
Crying for Crimea, for Ukraine – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/11/crying-for-crimea-for-ukraine-v2_19.html
Edited March 31, 2024
Ukraine must Win – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/ukraine-must-win-v2.html
March 19, 2024
Statement by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin
https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3710899/opening-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-20th-ukraine/
at Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Germany

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, Bucha, Izium, Mariupol, terror, genocide, Kharkiv, Kherson, Poltava, Odesa, Stand With Ukraine, Four Years,

#Poetry #Ukraine #terror #genocide #Kherson #Kyiv #Odesa #Poltava #Kharkiv #Bucha #Izium #Mariupol #StandWithUkraine #FourYears

Four years of #terror, #genocide #poetry #Ukraine #Russia #NATO #war #invasion #Putin #terror #genocide #Crimea #StandWithUkraine #RussiaIsATerroristState #1000Days #ThreeYears #FourYears

Another year added, sorrow,
A brutal invasion, a genocide, horrors,
Four years of terror growing, a crisis,
another unwanted anniversary, marking
twelve years, longer, under this threat,
knowing the bear is coming, rabid,
that imperial lust remains in its heart
the heart of the madman in the bunker…

Four years of war crimes, terror,
Blitzkrieg, an invasion, oppression,
attrition of their cities, horrible crimes,
their evil master returning, conquest,
his imperial lusts on display, present,
in the meat assaults, the missiles, drones,
genocide, crimes against humanity…

His cruelty is evident, this last Tsar of Russia,
an illegitimate dictator, a mad tyrant,
jailing his own people, grinding,
bent on exterminating these people,
horror, attrition, every day, repeating,
While we dither, appeasing; We must act,
We must arm Ukraine to defeat him,
the cruel madman in the bunker…