We choose not to die – v2 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #NATO #UnitedNations #UN #UNGA #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava #Zelenskyy #Oleshky #Holodomor

 
Words of resolve, of unity,
their leader speaking
on the world stage;
We choose not to die,
to surrender to terror...
 
We fight for our freedom,
our right to exist...
We will not submit
to subjugation –
We will stand and fight...
 
We will fight Moskal’s army
with resolve and innovation
We know the cost of submission
the pain of oppression...
 
We will stand for Ukraine
in the breach together,
We will fight for our homeland
for Ukraine forever...
 
--------
Edited September 26, 2026
We choose not to die – v2
 
Speech of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
before the United Nations General Assembly
https://gadebate.un.org/en/81/ukraine
September 24, 2026
We choose not to die
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/we-choose-not-to-die.html
September 20, 2026
They will rise
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/they-will-rise.html
after Twelve Years of War
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/each-night-he-flies-v3.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
December 27, 2024
Russia must be defeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/.../russia-must-be...
December 27, 2024
Hybrid War
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/hybrid-war.html
Edited December 24, 2024
There is only one Enemy, Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-one-enemy-russia-v3.html
Edited December 4, 2024
There is but one fight – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-but-one-fight-v2.html
Edited December 3, 2024
They fight the very same Evil – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/they-fight-very-same-evil-v2.html
Edited November 11, 2024
Attrition – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/attrition-v3.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
 
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, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, freedom, independence, history, Zelenskyy, NATO, United Nations, European Union, UN, UNGA, Oleshky, Holodomor
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #NATO #UnitedNations #UN #UNGA #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava #Zelenskyy #Oleshky #Holodomor

I #remember his #eyes #poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #sin #confession #repentance

you each kindled my memory,
raw, visceral, real,
through authentic witness...
You convicted my spirit
to reflect on my sin...
 
we must learn to forget
that which You have forgiven
but to remember these moments
to be transparent in testimony...
 
I remember his eyes
I cannot escape them
they cut right through me –
the pain I caused  –
The sin I had done...
 
you all spoke words that triggered
that ancient memory, that scar,
the moment I hit rock bottom -
The day I believed...
 
You welcomed this prodigal
after twenty-five years of running...
crying in the back pew...
knowing finally the damage I caused
the lies I told myself...
 
==============
September 23, 2026
I remember his eyes
 
Testimony at Overcomers Center Graduation
May 14, 2026
Kneeling before the pedestal
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/kneeling-before-pedestal.html
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
December 29, 2025
peace in confession
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/peace-in-confession.html
Written July 7, 2025
Based on re:generation, Step 5, Confess, Week 1, Day 4
Based on Psalm 51:10-17
Based on Job 22:21
Based on John 14:16-18 (Holy Spirit)
Edited December 29, 2025
kneeling in worship – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/kneeling-in-worship-v2.html
based on re:generation, Step 5, Confess, Week 1, Day 4
Edited December 19, 2025
we confess to You, Father – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/we-confess-to-you-father_19.html
based on re:generation, Step 5, Confess, Week 1, Day 4
December 18, 2025
We will stand before God
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/we-will-stand-before-god.html
based on re:generation, Step 5, Confess, Week 1, Day 4
Edited December 15, 2025
what do we hold onto – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/what-do-we-hold-onto-v2.html 
based on re:generation, June 30, 2025, large group
Step 6, Repent, teaching about Repentance and Confession
 
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, sin, confession, repentance,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #sin #confession #repentance

We choose not to die #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #NATO #UnitedNations #UN #UNGA #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava #Zelenskyy #EU

Words of resolve, of unity,
their leader speaking
on the world stage;
We choose not to die,
to surrender to terror...
 
We fight for our freedom,
our right to exist...
We will not submit
to subjugation –
We will stand and fight...
 
--------
September 24, 2026
We choose not to die
 
Speech of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
before the United Nations General Assembly
https://gadebate.un.org/en/81/ukraine
September 20, 2026
They will rise
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/they-will-rise.html
after Twelve Years of War
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/each-night-he-flies-v3.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
December 27, 2024
Russia must be defeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/.../russia-must-be...
December 27, 2024
Hybrid War
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/hybrid-war.html
Edited December 24, 2024
There is only one Enemy, Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-one-enemy-russia-v3.html
Edited December 4, 2024
There is but one fight – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-but-one-fight-v2.html
Edited December 3, 2024
They fight the very same Evil – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/they-fight-very-same-evil-v2.html
Edited November 11, 2024
Attrition – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/attrition-v3.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
 
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, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, freedom, independence, history, Zelenskyy, NATO, United Nations, European Union, UN, UNGA,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #NATO #UnitedNations #UN #UNGA #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava #Zelenskyy

Note: September 24, 2026 10:14pm

There were a series of comments on my Facebook post of the hand-written original version of this poem that it was actually written by President Zelenskyy.

I performed a Google search of the following:

This was the response:

"These are results for "How close is this language to the speech of President Zelensky at the United Nation's General Assembly? We choose not to die Words of resolve, of unity, their leader speaking on the world stage; We choose not to die, to surrender to terror... We fight for our freedom, our right to exist... We will not submit to subjugation – We will stand and fight..."

Show original results

AI Overview

The provided text heavily mirrors the real theme and specific key phrasing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2026.

While your text is structured as a poem or rhythmic interpretation rather than a word-for-word transcript, it accurately captures his exact core message. Here is how the lines stack up against his actual speech:

"We choose not to die": This is an exact quote. Zelenskyy prominently stated, "But Ukrainians did not choose this war. We choose not to die, not to lose our country, our families, not to lose our independence, our freedom, and we are defending ourselves."
"To surrender to terror... We fight for our freedom... We will not submit to subjugation": These capture the exact sentiment of his speech. In his address, he defended Ukraine's wartime actions, noted that Ukraine has no choice but to protect itself, and labeled Vladimir Putin as "Patient Zero" for spreading aggression, warning that the world will become unsafe if Russia is allowed to subjugate Ukraine.

Summary: Your text is a highly accurate thematic representation that incorporates Zelenskyy's literal, defining soundbite ("We choose not to die") from his 2026 UNGA speech."

If I could see what Taras sees #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave #Kobzar #fly

oh, to take flight with him

rising from his eternal slumber
to soar above the Dnipro –
His beloved Ukraine...
 
if I could see what Taras sees
I would know the honor,
the unity of his people –
Their fight to be free...
 
we can see more clearly
through the eyes of Shevchenko,
the noble cause they fight for –
The freedom of Ukraine...
 
oh, if I could fly beside Taras
I would see his face,
full of pride in his people –
His beloved Ukraine...
 
--------  
September 23, 2026
If I could see what Taras sees
 
September 20, 2026
They will rise
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/they-will-rise.html
after seeing the draft cover of Volume 1
of Twelve Years of War
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/each-night-he-flies-v3.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited September 10, 2026
The soul of the poet – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/the-soul-of-poet-v2.html
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon a mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
Edited October 6, 2025
The spell has been broken – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-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, 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, terror, genocide, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, muse, prison, grave, Kobzar, fly
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave #Kobzar #fly

Twelve Years of War, 3-volume set #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #Georgia #Moldova #Syria #Chechnya #Romania #Poland #Serbia #UnitedStates @NATO #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

Excited to share the launch of a 3-volume collection of poems about Ukraine's fight to defeat Russia's aggression. 

Release on September 30, 2026.

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.

by a #thread #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #Russia #peace #victory #Ukraine #hybridwar #NATO #hybridwar #miscalculation #provocation

pushing boundaries
tension present, rising...
provocation, escalation –
a toe stepping over a line –
a Sword of Damocles hanging
by a fiber-optic hair, a thread,
world war in the balance,
testing will, the resolve,
but testing self-control also
fingers near the button,
seeking to woo conflict
the other side first,
holding the lid on Pandora’s Box,
Staring into the abyss...
 
miscalculation is the greatest risk,
just above indifference,
who will blink first...
who will make a mistake...
a threat, real-but-fluid,
a front with many vectors,
across many borders,
many lines of contact,
different alert levels,
testing red lines, responses,
How quickly they will react...
Hybrid war is war
even if we deny it...
Bringing us close to the brink...
 
--------
September 21, 2026
by  a thread
 
Momocracy post
September 15, 2026
Russia Tests NATO: Warship Confronts Denmark as NATO Shoots Down Drone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCbBx8U5YAM
Momocracy post
July 27, 2026
Is World War III Already Beginning?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHgN3-3vp3Q
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited February 23, 2025
Europe must act – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/europe-must-act-v4.html
April 2, 2025
Equipoise
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/equipoise.html
December 27, 2024
Hybrid War
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/hybrid-war.html
Edited December 23, 2024
Ukraine must win – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/ukraine-must-win-v5.html
December 27, 2024
Russia must be defeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/.../russia-must-be...
Edited December 24, 2024
There is only one Enemy, Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-one-enemy-russia-v3.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
Written and posted October 12, 2024
In the crucible of war – 2 – v1
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-crucible-of-war-2-v1_25.html
Edited April 29, 2024
No more half-measures - v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/04/no-more-half-measures-v2.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, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, Russia, peace, victory, hybrid war, NATO, miscalculation, provocation
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #Russia #peace #victory #Ukraine #hybridwar #NATO #hybridwar #miscalculation #provocation

They will rise #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #Georgia #Moldova #Syria #Chechnya #Romania #Poland #Serbia #UnitedStates @NATO #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

They will rise...
Ukraine will rise
from the rubble
the anger of Moscow
from the terror
from the struggle,
Yes, they will rise...
 
As one people
united together
united as one
in this time
of struggle, of terror,
as one people united...
They will rise...
Yes, Ukraine will rise...
 
--------
September 20, 2026
They will rise
 
after seeing the draft cover of Volume 1
of Twelve Years of War
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/each-night-he-flies-v3.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
December 27, 2024
Russia must be defeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/.../russia-must-be...
December 27, 2024
Hybrid War
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/hybrid-war.html
Edited December 24, 2024
There is only one Enemy, Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-one-enemy-russia-v3.html
Edited December 4, 2024
There is but one fight – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-but-one-fight-v2.html
Edited December 3, 2024
They fight the very same Evil – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/they-fight-very-same-evil-v2.html
November 24, 2024
So incredibly sad that Ukraine is fighting the same terror and genocide today, that caused the Holodomor, the same Evil of Russia, and the world believes Russia can ever be negotiated with... Russia must be defeated.
Edited November 11, 2024
Attrition – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/attrition-v3.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
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_26.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, 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, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, freedom, independence, history, glory, Moldova, Georgia, Syria, Chechnya, Romania,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Ukraine #Georgia #Moldova #Syria #Chechnya #Romania #Poland #Serbia #UnitedStates @NATO #SlavaUkraini #HeroyamSlava

each night he flies – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave #Kobzar

Taras does not rest in his grave,
each night, Shevchenko stirs,
he rises, on the heights, the hill,
high above the Dnipro, the mighty river…
The Kobzar, the Bard, a living spirit,
watching from the heights,
from his open tomb…
 
Out into the night air,
over the great Dnipro,
he soars above the nation
flying above all of Ukraine,
his beloved homeland, his spirit…
From the heights, he watches
His kinsmen, his people below…
 
He is not held by his earthly tomb,
just as the Siberian fortress
could not hold him...
He rises from the heights,
given dominion over this land…
Allowed to linger with his people,
His beloved Ukraine…
 
The Bard, the Kobzar,
the soul, their conscience,
the Great Grave of their ancient glory,
their exemplar, their Father,
the essence of their culture…
His heart for Ukraine
does not truly rest…
 
Taras is watching, praying,
from the mountain heights,
flying over his Ukraina...
He rises from his slumber,
to guard his homeland, his people…
His prayer for Ukraine is eternal,
though he long left this life…
 
The soul of the Hetman,
The Bard, their poet -
Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko -
The embodiment of the
Cossacks, the Kobzars…
The song of his spirit
has never left Ukraine…
 
--------  
Edited September 19, 2026
Each night he flies – v3
 
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon a mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
Edited October 6, 2025
The spell has been broken – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v5.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 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, 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, terror, genocide, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, serfdom, muse, prison, grave, Kobzar
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #grave #Kobzar

#Treasure in its #simplicity – v4 #poetry #photography #Ukraine #leaf #Autumn #winter #EricaKabeava #TarasShevchenko #beauty #God #prayer #English #Ukrainian #Поезія #фотографія #Україна #листок #осінь #зима #ЕрікаКабеава #ТарасШевченко #краса #Бог #молитва #англійська #українська #мова

Revealing its true face,
A treasure in its simplicity,
the golden hue in her palms,
the ordinary passage of the seasons,
simple moments of reflection,
paying no heed to the chaos around,
war, the ceaseless storm…
 
A single leaf, picked from the field,
held, cradled in worn, weary palms,
a treasure in its simplicity, its purity,
a beautiful messenger, a whisper,
a harbinger of autumn, a prayer,
a premonition of winter’s approach,
the cold that will soon arrive…
 
Like wheat, sunflowers,
the colors of this nation,
held so freely, so tenderly,
ordinariness in simplicity,
the color yellow beneath the autumn-blue sky,
a symbol of Ukraine,
of their nation that yearns for peace…
 
----------------
Edited September 18, 2026
Treasure in its simplicity – v4
 
Translated back into English
Edited September 18, 2026
Скарб у своїй простоті – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/09/v3.html
Translating version 2 into Ukrainian
Edited October 25, 2025
Treasure in its simplicity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/treasure-in-its-simplicity-v2.html
October 22, 2025
Treasure in its simplicity
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/treasure-in-its-simplicity.html
Photograph posted October 21, 2025
By Erica Kabeava (https://www.instagram.com/ericakabaeva/ )
Edited October 23, 2025
Ukraina – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/ukraina-v3.html
Edited October 30, 2024
Had she known – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/had-she-known-v2.html
after poem, “Had she known”,
based on the poem, “The Poplar”,
about a maiden’s Kozak lover
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 2, 2024
after “Perebendya”
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/after-perebendya_23.html
after poem, “after “Perebendya””,
based on the poem, “Perebendya”,
the last of the Kobzars
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 2, 2024
Do the Kobzars sing
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/do-kobzars-sing_23.html
after poem, “the suffering of Ukraine”,
based on the Dedication to “The Kobzar”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 30, 2024
Sing to me, Taras – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/sing-to-me-taras-v2.html
a prayer to Taras Shevchenko
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Channeling Taras – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/channeling-taras-v2_26.html
About Taras Shevchenko speaking to my spirit,
through his life and poetry
 
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, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison
 
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Poetry, photography, Ukraine, leaf, Autumn, Winter, Erica Kabeava, Taras Shevchenko, beauty, God, prayer, English, Ukrainian, language
 
#poetry #photography #Ukraine #leaf #Autumn #winter #EricaKabeava #TarasShevchenko #beauty #God #prayer #English #Ukrainian #Поезія #фотографія #Україна #листок #осінь #зима #ЕрікаКабеава #ТарасШевченко #краса #Бог #молитва #англійська #українська #мова