Timeless

Timeless, his voice, his legacy,
his keen eye of witness, courageous,
willing to speak out against power,
to pay its awful costs for Ukraine…
 
Timeless, an enduring presence,
his words come to life before us,
transcending time and space,
encircling the globe but alive in Ukraine…
 
Timeless, witness, storyteller, chronicler,
no other voice sufficient, so prescient,
so urgent, so utterly compelling,
the Kobzar of his people, Ukraine…
 
Timeless, watching down upon them
pride in the heroes, the people together,
rising to the challenge of the moment, Russia,
resistant, resilient, resolute, united they stand…
 
-------------------
December 3, 2024
Timeless
 
Edited November 26, 2024
what a difference – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/what-difference-v3.html
after poem, “what a difference”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited and posted October 16, 2024
It makes no difference to me – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/it-makes-no-difference-to-me-v2_24.html
after poem, “It makes no difference to me”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 9, 2024
From the tomb a Kozak
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/from-tomb-kozak_24.html
after poem, “From the tomb a Kozak”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 2”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 9, 2024
alone, all alone
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/alone-all-alone-alone-all-alone-trapped.html
after poem, “alone, all alone”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 1”,
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Ukraina

Ukraina, not Ukraine,
more intimate in telling,
in offering her a warning,
caring for her as he does,
for loved his dear Ukraina…
 
She was his mother, his lover,
his sister, his north star, eternal,
she was the maiden, the orphan,
so much of the power, the longing,
he felt for his homeland, Ukraina…
 
His love for his lover knew no limit,
he cared for her like a father, a brother,
wanting only the best for her, warning,
sharing words from painful experience,
striving to let her know the truth, Ukraina…
 
Only in the feminine, the heroine of his stories,
finding her as she was, independent, reckless,
a harbinger, a witness to her destruction, her pain,
his love poured out in sorrow, in seeking, in calling,
strong against the battle, the struggle, oh sing, Ukraina…
 
----------------
December 3, 2024
Ukraina
 
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”
typed October 15, 2024
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
typed October 15, 2024
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Grounded

His spirit was planted in her black soil,
even when his body was taken from her,
Shevchenko never left his Ukraina,
even exiled he was forever at home….
 
Even in prison, no walls could hold him,
closing his eyes he was flying, soaring,
able to traverse the wildness, the distance,
grabbing a handful of that soil…
 
Grounded in the place of his birth,
no matter how many years he was distant,
in truth his spirit never left her,
his mother, his lover, Ukraine…
 
Pain when he did not see her, touching,
feeling the power of this space, this place,
but connected with his homeland forever,
her black soil deep in his soul…
 
---------------
December 3, 2024
Grounded
 
Edited October 29, 2024
Diaspora – 2- v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/diaspora-2-v2.html
about the 24 years Taras Shevchenko
spent away from Ukraine in his youth and imprisonment,
like the Babylonian Exile in Israel
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
The mother and the martyr
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-mother-and-martyr.html
after poem “the mother and the martyr”, based on the poem,
“Neophytes”, by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
The Great Catastrophe
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-great-catastrophe.html
based on sentence and imprisonment of Taras Shevchenko
for ten years, 1847 (age 33) until 1857 (age 43)
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
the ruin of his country
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-ruin-of-his-country.html
after poem “the ruin of his country”, based on the poems,
“The Dream” and “The Great Grave”, by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
unhappy with their lies
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/unhappy-with-their-lies.html
about Taras Shevchenko’s life and poetry
&
Edited October 29, 2024
A revolutionary, a subversive – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-revolutionary-subversive-v2.html
after poem “A revolutionary, a subversive”, based on the poem,
“The Dream, by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 29, 2024
A voice against injustice – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v2.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/15/24
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

My God, my muse, my protector

My God, my muse, my protector,
seeing God in his writing, infused,
his wrestling with God in his misery,
feeling God has forsaken him,
but cleaving to God as well,
the source of his strength…
 
Wicking the word into his writing, scripture,
a cautionary tale, a warning, judgment,
bringing the ancient work into his speaking,
his crying out to his people, his brethren,
to not fall into the trap of the ancients,
to heed the lessons, to trust more fully in God…
 
An ongoing dialogue, central to a calling,
feeling God gifting him words, longing,
to hear his voice more clearly, urgent,
walking right beside him, hearing his call,
a separate vision, whispering, calling,
speaking to him constantly, evermore…
 
-------------
December 3, 2024
My God, my muse, my protector
 
Edited November 26, 2024
Listen to the Prophet – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/listen-to-prophet-v3.html
after poem, “Listen to the Prophet”,
based on the poem, “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
November 4, 2024
A song of Mary – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/a-song-of-mary-v2.html
after poem, “A song of Mary”,
based on the poem, “Mary”,
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history
 
----------------
 
My god, my muse, my protector is his wrestling with God in his misery.
2. Shevchenko’s Relationship with Faith
 
 • Why It Fits: Shevchenko’s spirituality is an undercurrent in his works. Given your own strong faith, a reflection on how his religious convictions shaped his resistance could enrich the manuscript.
 • Possible Themes:
 • His use of biblical allegory to challenge oppression.
 • A comparison of Shevchenko’s faith to your perspective as a Christian writer.

Stealing his identity

Imprisoned, cut off, silenced,
stealing his identity, cast into exile,
no longer able to use his gifts, his talents,
to write about his homeland, to conjure Ukraine…
 
His sentence was perfect, the most awful crime,
no longer expressing his love, his loyalty to Ukraine,
the words he offered so freely, naturally, from his heart,
his love for her a cruel sentence, a cross to bear, so heavy…
 
What whispers there must have been in his spirit, his mind,
repeating words in his heart to remember, to hold fast,
his resistance, his courage, his legacy, what they hold onto,
the same fight they have being silenced, denied the right to exist,
stealing their identity, history, culture, but they will never break them…
 
--------------
December 3, 2024
Stealing his identity
 
Edited October 30, 2024
A death sentence – v2
 https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-v2.html
About the 10-year prison sentence against
Taras Shevchenko, which included the barring
from any writing or sketches, by the Tsar himself…
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
a loving tribute
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-loving-tribute_24.html
after poem, “a loving tribute”,
based on the poem, “To the Eternal Memory
of Kotlarevsky”, written in 1838, before Kobzar,
published in the almanac, “Swallow”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
Tales of Ukraina
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/tales-of-ukraina_24.html
after poem, “Tales of Ukraina”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited and posted October 3, 2024
I sing what thou hast whispered – v2
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-sing-what-thou-hast-whispered-v2.html
after poem, “I sing what thou hast whispered – v2”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
A word of caution
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-word-of-caution_24.html
after poem, “A word of caution”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
and John 4: 5-30 (woman at the well)
&
Written and posted October 2, 2024
my black-haired maiden
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-black-haired-maiden_24.html
after poem, “my black-haired maiden”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted September 29, 2024
A voice against injustice
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-voice-against-injustice.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/15/24
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

They fight the very same Evil - v2

They fight the very same Evil, the same enemy,
the same actors, the Tsar or the dictators,
using the same terror, the same genocide,
against the same people, Ukraine…
 
Their fight, Ukraine, our allies,
far more than freedom alone,
they fight to defeat the curse of Russia,
to quench this stain of Evil afoot…
 
In the West, we say we remember,
that we will never forget, the atrocities,
but we gave a seat of power,
to those with Evil lusts…
 
We must stand with Ukraine,
even more so in this hour,
to never see Muscovy, Russia,
as anything but Evil…
 
They are not legitimate,
a failed, corrupt nation-state,
built on the fallen, the nations,
their imperial lust, Evil intent…
 
--------  
Edited December 3, 2024
They fight the very same Evil – v2
 
December 3, 2024
There is but one fight
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-but-one-fight.html
December 3, 2024
The very same evil – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of 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, Holodomor, United Nations, Security Council,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Holodomor #UnitedNations #SecurityCouncil #BudapestMemorandum #StandWithGeorgianPeople #StandWithUkraine #StandwithSyria #StandwithMoldova #StandwithChechnya #StandwithRomania #RussiaIsCollapsing #RussianBankCollapse #RussiaIsATerroristState

pour out Your blessing – v2

give Your answer, Lord,
to my fervent prayers,
my petitions, my cries,
from the spiritual realm,
where they have been written,
impart them to me now,
here in the physical realm…
 
give to me, Lord, my God,
in Your mercy, Your power,
all that I have dreamed of,
all that I have prayed for,
all You have already answered,
may they come true in my life,
today, starting right now…
 
--------
Edited December 3, 2024
pour out Your blessing – v2
 
Edited December 3, 2024
fulfilling our purpose – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/fulfilling-our-purpose-v2.html
Edited December 3, 2024
filled to be poured – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/filled-to-be-poured-v2.html
Edited December 3, 2024
Mountains will move – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/mountains-will-move-v2.html 
Based on #Mark11:24
Based on #Mark11:22-26
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, prayer, Christ, Spirit, faith, believe, trust, Mark 11:24, calling, purpose,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #prayer #faith #believe #trust #calling #purpose

There is but one fight

There is one source of evil,
we all fight the same fight,
for freedom, for independence,
for them, for all of us…
 
There is one actor, one evil,
one nation-state, corrupt,
leading the world in terror,
fed by their imperial lust…
 
So many conflicts, so many places,
hybrid war, propaganda,
feeding division, hate,
hope descended to the grave…
 
There is one fight for freedom,
all of us need to pull together,
all oars in the water, pulling,
we must defeat Russia, now…
 
--------  
December 3, 2024
There is but one fight
 
December 3, 2024
The very same evil – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of 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, Holodomor, United Nations, Security Council,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #Holodomor #UnitedNations #SecurityCouncil #BudapestMemorandum #StandWithGeorgianPeople #StandWithUkraine #StandwithSyria #StandwithMoldova #StandwithChechnya #StandwithRomania #RussiaIsCollapsing #RussianBankCollapse #RussiaIsATerroristState

fulfilling our purpose – v2

through prayers, through persistence,
by committing ourselves, our lives fully,
we put ourselves, our bodies, our lives,
as an offering on the altar of God…
 
we fulfill our calling, our purpose,
we use our God-given talents for His glory,
when we are open, when we offer ourselves,
to God’s holy plan for our lives…
 
Oh Lord let living waters, love,
flow within me, through me, a blessing,
make me a worthy vessel, Lord, for You,
fill me so I may be poured…

--------
Edited December 3, 2024
fulfilling our purpose – v2
 
Edited December 3, 2024
filled to be poured – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/filled-to-be-poured-v2.html
Edited December 3, 2024
Mountains will move – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/mountains-will-move-v2.html  
Based on #Mark11:24
Based on #Mark11:22-26
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, prayer, Christ, Spirit, faith, believe, trust, Mark 11:24, calling, purpose,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #prayer #faith #believe #trust #calling #purpose

filled to be poured – v2

We each are empty and broken,
fragile, yet filled by almighty God,
we are filled with living waters of love,
when we are a willing vessel for God…
 
We are filled to be poured, to be offered,
humbly, to be useful in the hands of God,
we offer others life-giving waters, our hope,
we become a fount of God’s love…
 
We sing of rivers in the deserts, our dry places,
we offer seeds, scattered to the ether,
we throw up into the wind, a gift from,
hoping they will find eager hearts…
 
We are filled to be poured as a blessing,
while I am broken with hard jagged edges,
I ever seek to be an empty vessel, to be ready,
to be an offering in the hands of God…

--------
Edited December 3, 2024
filled to be poured – v2
 
November 24, 2024
fulfilling our purpose
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/fulfilling-our-purpose.html
Edited December 3, 2024
Mountains will move – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/mountains-will-move-v2.html
Based on #Mark11:24
Based on #Mark11:22-26
 
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, prayer, Christ, Spirit, faith, believe, trust, Mark 11:24, calling, purpose, prayer,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #prayer #faith #believe #trust #calling #purpose #prayer,

The very same evil – v2 #Russia #Ukraine

They fight the very same Evil, again
the same actors on the stage, reincarnated,
terror, genocide of the aggressor, Russia,
against the same people, Ukraine…
 
Their fight, Ukraine, her people,
much more than for freedom, independence,
they fight to defeat the curse of Russia,
to quench this stain of Evil from the earth…
 
We may say we remember their sacrifice,
we will never forget the pain they suffered,
but we give a seat of power, a veto,
to those with Evil lusts in their hearts…
 
We must stand with Ukraine more fully,
even more so in this hour, this exigency,
to never see Muscovy, Russia, their leaders,
as anything but Evil, a Satan on this earth…
 
They were not legitimate from their begin,
a failed empire, a corrupt nation-state,
built on the fallen, on conquered nations,
their imperial lust, their Evil intent…
 
--------  
December 3, 2024
The very same evil – v2
 
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of 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, Holodomor, United Nations, Security Council,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #Holodomor #UnitedNations #SecurityCouncil

Mountains will move – v2

If we would but have faith, dear friends,
if we truly believed with our whole hearts,
that our prayers had power to change the world,
how much more we would do today…
 
Mountains will move from their axis, alight,
doors will be opened to new promise to praise,
rivers will flow in the driest desert, a hope reborn,
God will make a way through the waters today…

Why don’t we believe with our whole hearts, fully
why do we choose to put fetters on our spirits,
how much more could we accomplish, fulfilling
our purpose, if we believed, if we trust in God today…

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Edited December 3, 2024
Mountains will move – v2
 
Based on #Mark11:24
Based on #Mark11:22-26
 
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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, prayer, Christ, Spirit, faith, believe, trust, Mark 11:24, calling, purpose,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #prayer #faith #believe #trust #calling #purpose

Sacred Days - v2 #Ukraine

Sacred Days, moments, frozen, in silence,
the calendar full, a constant, a drumbeat,
somber times of remembrance, honor, resolve,
pausing as a body, united, as a nation, mourning,
to remember as a people, to never forget,
that their freedom has not yet perished…
 
Pain, they have suffered, resilience, silence,
in the crucible of time, in war, repeating,
mass deportations, man-made starvations,
endless Russian crimes across centuries,
stealing their identity, their names, culture,
their own true sovereign history…
 
Each human death a tragedy, pausing in silence,
stopping their daily lives, together,
falling to their knees in reverence, honor,
the price of their identity, their independence,
more certain in their cause every day, resistance,
ever true to their call, their creed…
 
Sacred days of pride, of fealty to their nation,
sacred rituals, symbols, continuity, faithfulness,
carrying bouquets, candles, flying the colors,
always honoring the dead, the fallen, the heroes,
a nation united in loss, in ongoing struggle,
remembering the price they have paid…
 
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Edited December 2, 2024
Sacred Days – v2
 
&
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
&
August 29, 2014
Edited August 28, 2024
The whisper of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-whisper-of-dead-v2.html
July 16, 2024
The Sound of Lviv Cemetery
https://x.com/United24media/status/1813323219954241935
X (formerly Twitter) post by United24 Media
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
&
August 27, 2024
Freezing in the Darkness
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/freezing-in-darkness.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, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of 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,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #tragedy #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #Poltava #Kharkiv #Kyiv #Lviv #DayofRemembrance #Ilovaisk #FlagDay #remembranceday #Holodomor #Tatar #BabiYar #DefendersDay #IndependenceDay #NationalAnthem