Hunched Over in Her Grief – v2

The sadness heavy

hanging down on her

a lead cloak

draped over her frame

pulling downward

Hope turned to sadness

joy to loss

weighing her down

her feet barely touching

yet anchored to the ground

=====

edited November 8, 2014

Hunched Over in Her Grief – v2

March 30, 2011

Hunched Over in Her Grief

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/03/hunched-over-in-her-grief.html

and poem: When Hope Died

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/03/when-hope-died.html

from March 30, 2011

talking to Shyanne’s friend

sitting on the swings, but not swinging

at the bus stop

on the death of a few-days-old kitten,

smothered by its mother this morning

March 30, 2011

&

poem: Lessons of the Cherry Blossoms

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/03/lessons-of-cherry-blossoms.html

March 29, 2011

story on cherry blossoms

on Morning Edition on NPR

at about 7:42am

http://www.npr.org/2011/03/25/134824522/japans-cherry-blossoms-in-brief-beautiful-bloom

Japan's Cherry Blossoms In Brief, Beautiful Bloom

http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2011/03/17/festival-invites-public-to-stand-with-japan/

March 25, 2011

&

poem: Rachel Crying

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/01/rachel-crying.html

posted to www.christianpoetry.org

March 30, 2011

from January 29, 2010

Matthew 2:16-18

Isaiah 40:1-12 (Call to Worship)

Lord’s Prayer

service after Our Family’s Table

led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson

sermon, “Meditation on Six Days after Epiphany Day”,

focused on the earthquake in Haiti

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

January 27, 2010

&

Genesis 8:21b-22,

Genesis 9:12-16

Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13

Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)

Psalm 46:1-11

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

Worship Theme: There is Hope in God

Children’s Message

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson

and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

“God’s Whisper” blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

January 24, 2010

&

Psalm 23:1-6

Romans 8:28, 31-30

“Prayers for Haiti”,

http://michellemalkin.com/2010/01/17/prayers-for-haiti/

by Michelle Malkin,

Luke 10:35 (the last verse of Good Samaritan story)

service after Our Family’s Table

led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson

focused on the earthquake in Haiti

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

January 20, 2010

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 33,380+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Enormity of Their Sorrow – v4

Witnesses before us

speaking of our history

the truth painful

of the ripples, the consequence

war on this world

The whole nation

in memory, in sorrow

people of their country

all of them swept away

shaken by disaster

Reeling from the power

sudden, in an instant

unleashing of the atoms

the enormity of their sorrow

more than they can stand

Edited August 11, 2013

“The Enormity of Their Sorrow – v4”

October 13, 2011

“The Enormity of Their Sorrow – v3”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/10/enormity-of-their-sorrow-v3.html

focused on the Poems for Peace,

about war

&

March 20, 2011

part Pastoral Prayer by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson

about the people of Japan, suffering earthquake,

tsunami, and nuclear disaster

&

“Fourth Man” at Fukushima Dai-ichi

http://www.gbod.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=nhLRJ2PMKsG&b=6613031&ct=9193603

poem by Daniel Benedict

&

in part based on the testimony

http://www.nhepiscopal.org/index.php?view=article&id=125:testimony&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=

of The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson,

Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire

March 10, 2011

&

James 5:13-16

Ephesians 6:10-20

James 1:5-8

Psalm 100 (Call to Worship)

Prayer of Adoration

Prayer of Dedication

message of Bishop Peter Weaver

of March 17, 2011 at a Rolling Ridge workshop

comparing Lent and Advent

Mark 9:24 and John 20:27-29

(hymn, “We Walk by Faith”, The Faith We Sing #2196)

Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Prayer is Faith”

(2^nd in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:

  “The fruit of Silence is Prayer,

   The fruit of Prayer is Faith

   The Fruit of Faith is Love

   The fruit of Love is Service

   The Fruit of Service is Peace”)

and sermon: “A.S.A.P.” (James 5:13-16)

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

March 20, 2011

Second Sunday in Lent

&

1 Kings 19:11-13

Matthew 6:5-6 (God’s Word Translation)

Psalm 95:1-3 (God’s Word Translation)(Call to Worship)

Prayer of Adoration

Prayer of Dedication

Psalm 86:12

(hymn “Glorify Thy Name”, The Faith We Sing, #2016)

John 12:21 and Ephesians 1:17-18

(hymn “Open My Eyes”, The Faith We Sing, #2086)

(hymn “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”, The Faith We Sing, #2193)

(hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”, The Faith We Sing, #2128)

Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Silence is Prayer”

(1^st in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:

  “The fruit of Silence is Prayer,

   The fruit of Prayer is Faith

   The Fruit of Faith is Love

   The fruit of Love is Service

   The Fruit of Service is Peace”)

and sermon: “Silence is Golden”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

March 13, 2011

First Sunday in Lent

&

Joel 2:12-17a

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

John 20:11-18

(“In the Garden”, United Methodist Hymnal, #314)

Prelude

Call to Worship

Prayer for Peace

Communion

Distribution of Ashes

and Ash Wednesday Meditation

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

March 9, 2011

Ash Wednesday

&

Facebook message

by Barack Obama

March 9, 2011

http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/

“Michelle and I join with millions of Christians

here and across the world to mark Ash Wednesday.

As we observe the season of Lent, we receive

with thanksgiving this opportunity for grace and repentance,

recommit ourselves to our faith, and

remember our obligations to one another.”

http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/posts/10150107573326749

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 24,400+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Awakening Their Spirits – v2

Musings from the survivors
crying out for their nation
remembering our folly
when nation fights nation

For the dead we pray
joining with their people
sharing the words with them
our energy with theirs

That they would be calmed
their kinsmen released
awakening their spirits
as we fall to our knees

In this we hope for our neighbors
that love would flow like honey
that rivers of joy surrounding
lifting their loved ones up

Awakening their spirits
set free from this life
the toils and struggles
cast off, left behind
as they are lifted up


October 13, 2011
Poems for Peace
&
March 22, 2011
a prayer for the dead
from the Japan earthquake and tsunami
&
story of Talk of the Nation
http://www.npr.org/programs/talk-of-the-nation/
“Deaths Overwhelm Japanese Burial Process”
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/22/134768738/Deaths-Overwhelm-Japanese-Burial-Process
March 22, 2011
&
Pastoral Prayer by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook, NH
March 20, 2011
&
“Fourth Man” at Fukushima Dai-ichi
http://www.gbod.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=nhLRJ2PMKsG&b=6613031&ct=9193603
prayer poem by Daniel Benedict
on the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship website
http://www.gbod.org/

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 13,670+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Enormity of Their Sorrow – v3

Witnesses before us
speaking of our history
of the ripples, the consequence
war on this world

The whole nation
people of their country
all of them swept away
shaken by disaster

Reeling from the power
unleashing of the atoms
the enormity of their sorrow
more than they can stand

October 13, 2011
focused on the Poems for Peace,
about war
&
March 20, 2011
part Pastoral Prayer by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
about the people of Japan, suffering earthquake,
tsunami, and nuclear disaster
&
“Fourth Man” at Fukushima Dai-ichi
http://www.gbod.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=nhLRJ2PMKsG&b=6613031&ct=9193603
poem by Daniel Benedict
&
in part based on the testimony
http://www.nhepiscopal.org/index.php?view=article&id=125:testimony&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=
of The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson,
Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire
March 10, 2011
&
James 5:13-16
Ephesians 6:10-20
James 1:5-8
Psalm 100 (Call to Worship)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Dedication
message of Bishop Peter Weaver
of March 17, 2011 at a Rolling Ridge workshop
comparing Lent and Advent
Mark 9:24 and John 20:27-29
(hymn, “We Walk by Faith”, The Faith We Sing #2196)
Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Prayer is Faith”
(2nd in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer,
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The Fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”)
and sermon: “A.S.A.P.” (James 5:13-16)
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 20, 2011
Second Sunday in Lent
&
1 Kings 19:11-13
Matthew 6:5-6 (God’s Word Translation)
Psalm 95:1-3 (God’s Word Translation)(Call to Worship)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Dedication
Psalm 86:12
(hymn “Glorify Thy Name”, The Faith We Sing, #2016)
John 12:21 and Ephesians 1:17-18
(hymn “Open My Eyes”, The Faith We Sing, #2086)
(hymn “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”, The Faith We Sing, #2193)
(hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”, The Faith We Sing, #2128)
Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Silence is Prayer”
(1st in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer,
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The Fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”)
and sermon: “Silence is Golden”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 13, 2011
First Sunday in Lent
&
Joel 2:12-17a
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
John 20:11-18
(“In the Garden”, United Methodist Hymnal, #314)
Prelude
Call to Worship
Prayer for Peace
Communion
Distribution of Ashes
and Ash Wednesday Meditation
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday
&
Facebook message
by Barack Obama
March 9, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/
“Michelle and I join with millions of Christians
here and across the world to mark Ash Wednesday.
As we observe the season of Lent, we receive
with thanksgiving this opportunity for grace and repentance,
recommit ourselves to our faith, and
remember our obligations to one another.”
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/posts/10150107573326749


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 13,660+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Enormity of Their Sorrow – v2

Witnesses before us
speaking of our history
of the ripples, the consequence
war on this world

The whole nation
the people of their country
all of them swept away
shaken by the disasters

Reeling from the power
unleashing of the atoms
the enormity of their sorrow
more than they can stand

October 13, 2011
focused on the Poems for Peace,
about war
&
March 20, 2011
part Pastoral Prayer by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
about the people of Japan, suffering earthquake,
tsunami, and nuclear disaster
&
“Fourth Man” at Fukushima Dai-ichi
http://www.gbod.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=nhLRJ2PMKsG&b=6613031&ct=9193603
poem by Daniel Benedict
&
in part based on the testimony
http://www.nhepiscopal.org/index.php?view=article&id=125:testimony&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=
of The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson,
Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire
March 10, 2011
&
James 5:13-16
Ephesians 6:10-20
James 1:5-8
Psalm 100 (Call to Worship)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Dedication
message of Bishop Peter Weaver
of March 17, 2011 at a Rolling Ridge workshop
comparing Lent and Advent
Mark 9:24 and John 20:27-29
(hymn, “We Walk by Faith”, The Faith We Sing #2196)
Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Prayer is Faith”
(2nd in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer,
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The Fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”)
and sermon: “A.S.A.P.” (James 5:13-16)
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 20, 2011
Second Sunday in Lent
&
1 Kings 19:11-13
Matthew 6:5-6 (God’s Word Translation)
Psalm 95:1-3 (God’s Word Translation)(Call to Worship)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Dedication
Psalm 86:12
(hymn “Glorify Thy Name”, The Faith We Sing, #2016)
John 12:21 and Ephesians 1:17-18
(hymn “Open My Eyes”, The Faith We Sing, #2086)
(hymn “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”, The Faith We Sing, #2193)
(hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”, The Faith We Sing, #2128)
Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Silence is Prayer”
(1st in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer,
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The Fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”)
and sermon: “Silence is Golden”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 13, 2011
First Sunday in Lent
&
Joel 2:12-17a
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
John 20:11-18
(“In the Garden”, United Methodist Hymnal, #314)
Prelude
Call to Worship
Prayer for Peace
Communion
Distribution of Ashes
and Ash Wednesday Meditation
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday
&
Facebook message
by Barack Obama
March 9, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/
“Michelle and I join with millions of Christians
here and across the world to mark Ash Wednesday.
As we observe the season of Lent, we receive
with thanksgiving this opportunity for grace and repentance,
recommit ourselves to our faith, and
remember our obligations to one another.”
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/posts/10150107573326749


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 13,660+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Hunched Over in Her Grief

The sadness heavy
hanging down on her
a lead cloak
draped over her frame

Hope turned to sadness
weighing her down
her feet barely touching
yet anchored to the ground

March 30, 2011
and poem: When Hope Died
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/03/when-hope-died.html
from March 30, 2011
talking to Shyanne’s friend
sitting on the swings, but not swinging
at the bus stop
on the death of a few-days-old kitten, Hope,
smothered by its mother this morning
March 30, 2011
&
poem: Lessons of the Cherry Blossoms
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/03/lessons-of-cherry-blossoms.html
March 29, 2011
story on cherry blossoms
on Morning Edition on NPR
at about 7:42am
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/25/134824522/japans-cherry-blossoms-in-brief-beautiful-bloom
Japan's Cherry Blossoms In Brief, Beautiful Bloom
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2011/03/17/festival-invites-public-to-stand-with-japan/
March 25, 2011
&
poem: Rachel Crying
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/01/rachel-crying.html
posted to www.christianpoetry.org
March 30, 2011
from January 29, 2010
Matthew 2:16-18
Isaiah 40:1-12 (Call to Worship)
Lord’s Prayer
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
sermon, “Meditation on Six Days after Epiphany Day”,
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 27, 2010
&
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 2010
&
Psalm 23:1-6
Romans 8:28, 31-30
“Prayers for Haiti”,
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/01/17/prayers-for-haiti/
by Michelle Malkin,
Luke 10:35 (the last verse of Good Samaritan story)
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 20, 2010


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 11,300+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Lessons of the Cherry Blossoms

Seeping into our consciousness
the images, the smells
the lessons of the cherry blossoms
the truths we know so well

The fragility of life
the briefness of this candle
like rice paper in a thunderstorm
shattering to pieces

Here for such a short time
soon to return to dust
calm in our spirits
when God walks with us
with us on the journey
the journey of this life


March 29, 2011
story this morning on cherry blossoms
on Morning Edition on NPR
at about 7:42am
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/25/134824522/japans-cherry-blossoms-in-brief-beautiful-bloom
Japan's Cherry Blossoms In Brief, Beautiful Bloom
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2011/03/17/festival-invites-public-to-stand-with-japan/
March 25, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Fragility of Life

Somehow appropriate
the imagery of destruction
the counterpoint of the blossoms
the sacred cherry trees

Something precious
in the transience of springtime
in the few days of beauty
wrapped in each blossom

Metaphoric
the fragility of life
gone in an instant
a thief in the night

March 25, 2011
story this morning on cherry blossoms
on Morning Edition on NPR
at about 7:42am
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/25/134824522/japans-cherry-blossoms-in-brief-beautiful-bloom
Japan's Cherry Blossoms In Brief, Beautiful Bloom
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2011/03/17/festival-invites-public-to-stand-with-japan/
March 25, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Like Bolls of Color

Like bolls of color
yet falling from the branches
the heavy blossoms
of the cherry tree

Beauty in each cluster
of March and April
ushering in the springtime
before the heat of summer

Something so telling
in the cherry blossom
something so beautiful
in the coming of spring


March 25, 2011
story this morning on cherry blossoms
on Morning Edition on NPR
at about 7:42am
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/25/134824522/japans-cherry-blossoms-in-brief-beautiful-bloom
Japan's Cherry Blossoms In Brief, Beautiful Bloom
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2011/03/17/festival-invites-public-to-stand-with-japan/
March 25, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

On the Screens Painted

In my mind’s eye remembering
some that I had seen
the words on the radio
speaking to me

In lines and colors
on the screens painted
the beauty of the blossoms
ushering in springtime

The native beauty
the seasons unfurling
too soon falling
heavy to the ground

The land yet crying
the scene fast changing
the despair of the water
flood took away this scene

The screens remaining
better than pictures
preserved for us to see
in lines and colors
the beauty of this land.

March 25, 2011
story this morning on cherry blossoms
on Morning Edition on NPR
at about 7:42am
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/25/134824522/japans-cherry-blossoms-in-brief-beautiful-bloom
Japan's Cherry Blossoms In Brief, Beautiful Bloom
March 25, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

In the Falling Blossoms

A reminder of mortality
in the falling blossoms
captured on images
the spirit of their nation

The ancient screens
images of beauty
the cherry blossoms
the pines
and the coastlines

Today’s reality
changing the imagery
destruction and the turning
the coming of the blossoms
in this new season

The wastelands, the water
not removing the beauty
Sill there within them
the spirit of their nation

Rising again, the coming of the blossoms
to bloom again in colors
to surely sooth the senses
yet reminding us ever
of the fragility of life

March 25, 2011
story this morning on cherry blossoms
on Morning Edition on NPR
at about 7:42am
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/25/134824522/japans-cherry-blossoms-in-brief-beautiful-bloom
Japan's Cherry Blossoms In Brief, Beautiful Bloom
March 25, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Awakening Their Spirits

For the dead we pray
joining with their people
sharing the words with them
our energy with theirs

That they would be calmed
their kinsmen released
awakening their spirits
as we fall to our knees

In this we hope for our neighbors
that love would flow like honey
that rivers of joy surrounding
lifting their loved ones up

Awakening their spirits
set free from this life
the toils and struggles
cast off, left behind
as they are lifted up

March 22, 2011
a prayer for the dead
from the Japan earthquake and tsunami
&
story of Talk of the Nation
http://www.npr.org/programs/talk-of-the-nation/
“Deaths Overwhelm Japanese Burial Process”
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/22/134768738/Deaths-Overwhelm-Japanese-Burial-Process
March 22, 2011
&
Pastoral Prayer by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook, NH
March 20, 2011
&
“Fourth Man” at Fukushima Dai-ichi
http://www.gbod.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=nhLRJ2PMKsG&b=6613031&ct=9193603
prayer poem by Daniel Benedict
on the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship website
http://www.gbod.org/

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Calming Their Spirits

Joining in the praying
the energy shifting
sending our prayers
joining with them

Lifted up for the people
that the dead would be at peace
calming their spirits
able to leave this earth
to the greener pastures
to find rest
for eternity

March 22, 2011
a prayer for the dead
from the Japan earthquake and tsunami
&
story of Talk of the Nation
http://www.npr.org/programs/talk-of-the-nation/
“Deaths Overwhelm Japanese Burial Process”
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/22/134768738/Deaths-Overwhelm-Japanese-Burial-Process
March 22, 2011
&
Pastoral Prayer by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook, NH
March 20, 2011
&
“Fourth Man” at Fukushima Dai-ichi
http://www.gbod.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=nhLRJ2PMKsG&b=6613031&ct=9193603
prayer poem by Daniel Benedict
on the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship website
http://www.gbod.org/

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Enormity of Their Sorrow

The whole nation
the people of their country
all of them swept away
shaken by the disasters
Reeling from the power
nature casting them asunder
washing away whole community
the enormity of their sorrow
more than they can stand

March 20, 2011
part Pastoral Prayer by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
about the people of Japan, suffering earthquake,
tsunami, and nuclear disaster
&
“Fourth Man” at Fukushima Dai-ichi
http://www.gbod.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=nhLRJ2PMKsG&b=6613031&ct=9193603
poem by Daniel Benedict
&
in part based on the testimony
http://www.nhepiscopal.org/index.php?view=article&id=125:testimony&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=
of The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson,
Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire
March 10, 2011
&
James 5:13-16
Ephesians 6:10-20
James 1:5-8
Psalm 100 (Call to Worship)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Dedication
message of Bishop Peter Weaver
of March 17, 2011 at a Rolling Ridge workshop
comparing Lent and Advent
Mark 9:24 and John 20:27-29
(hymn, “We Walk by Faith”, The Faith We Sing #2196)
Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Prayer is Faith”
(2nd in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer,
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The Fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”)
and sermon: “A.S.A.P.” (James 5:13-16)
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 20, 2011
Second Sunday in Lent
&
1 Kings 19:11-13
Matthew 6:5-6 (God’s Word Translation)
Psalm 95:1-3 (God’s Word Translation)(Call to Worship)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Dedication
Psalm 86:12
(hymn “Glorify Thy Name”, The Faith We Sing, #2016)
John 12:21 and Ephesians 1:17-18
(hymn “Open My Eyes”, The Faith We Sing, #2086)
(hymn “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”, The Faith We Sing, #2193)
(hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”, The Faith We Sing, #2128)
Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Silence is Prayer”
(1st in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer,
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The Fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”)
and sermon: “Silence is Golden”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 13, 2011
First Sunday in Lent
&
Joel 2:12-17a
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
John 20:11-18
(“In the Garden”, United Methodist Hymnal, #314)
Prelude
Call to Worship
Prayer for Peace
Communion
Distribution of Ashes
and Ash Wednesday Meditation
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday
&
Facebook message
by Barack Obama
March 9, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/
“Michelle and I join with millions of Christians
here and across the world to mark Ash Wednesday.
As we observe the season of Lent, we receive
with thanksgiving this opportunity for grace and repentance,
recommit ourselves to our faith, and
remember our obligations to one another.”
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/posts/10150107573326749


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Enormity of Their Suffering

Utter devastation
the loss of their nation
nothing will be the safe
for many years to come

The enormity of their suffering
hard to even imagine
the pictures on the flickering screen
only a taste, a morsel

The people shattered
confidence in tatters
worried about their immediate needs
and the radiation
in the background,
a shadow on their land


March 20, 2011
Pastoral Prayer by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
&
“Fourth Man” at Fukushima Dai-ichi
http://www.gbod.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=nhLRJ2PMKsG&b=6613031&ct=9193603
poem by Daniel Benedict
&
in part based on the testimony
http://www.nhepiscopal.org/index.php?view=article&id=125:testimony&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=
of The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson,
Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire
March 10, 2011
&
James 5:13-16
Ephesians 6:10-20
James 1:5-8
Psalm 100 (Call to Worship)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Dedication
message of Bishop Peter Weaver
of March 17, 2011 at a Rolling Ridge workshop
comparing Lent and Advent
Mark 9:24 and John 20:27-29
(hymn, “We Walk by Faith”, The Faith We Sing #2196)
Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Prayer is Faith”
(2nd in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer,
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The Fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”)
and sermon: “A.S.A.P.” (James 5:13-16)
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 20, 2011
Second Sunday in Lent
&
1 Kings 19:11-13
Matthew 6:5-6 (God’s Word Translation)
Psalm 95:1-3 (God’s Word Translation)(Call to Worship)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Dedication
Psalm 86:12
(hymn “Glorify Thy Name”, The Faith We Sing, #2016)
John 12:21 and Ephesians 1:17-18
(hymn “Open My Eyes”, The Faith We Sing, #2086)
(hymn “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”, The Faith We Sing, #2193)
(hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”, The Faith We Sing, #2128)
Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Silence is Prayer”
(1st in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer,
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The Fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”)
and sermon: “Silence is Golden”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 13, 2011
First Sunday in Lent
&
Joel 2:12-17a
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
John 20:11-18
(“In the Garden”, United Methodist Hymnal, #314)
Prelude
Call to Worship
Prayer for Peace
Communion
Distribution of Ashes
and Ash Wednesday Meditation
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday
&
Facebook message
by Barack Obama
March 9, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/
“Michelle and I join with millions of Christians
here and across the world to mark Ash Wednesday.
As we observe the season of Lent, we receive
with thanksgiving this opportunity for grace and repentance,
recommit ourselves to our faith, and
remember our obligations to one another.”
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/posts/10150107573326749


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Their Choice to Sacrifice

Something so noble
more than altruistic
making themselves to suffer
their choice to sacrifice
So unworthy
we who benefit
from their gift to the planet
to suffer in our place

Caring for their neighbors
their nation
their people
yet all of us better
for them being willing
choosing to be the sacrifice
risking their own lives
that others may live

March 20, 2011
Pastoral Prayer by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
&
“Fourth Man” at Fukushima Dai-ichi
http://www.gbod.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=nhLRJ2PMKsG&b=6613031&ct=9193603
poem by Daniel Benedict
&
in part based on the testimony
http://www.nhepiscopal.org/index.php?view=article&id=125:testimony&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=
of The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson,
Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire
March 10, 2011
&
James 5:13-16
Ephesians 6:10-20
James 1:5-8
Psalm 100 (Call to Worship)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Dedication
message of Bishop Peter Weaver
of March 17, 2011 at a Rolling Ridge workshop
comparing Lent and Advent
Mark 9:24 and John 20:27-29
(hymn, “We Walk by Faith”, The Faith We Sing #2196)
Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Prayer is Faith”
(2nd in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer,
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The Fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”)
and sermon: “A.S.A.P.” (James 5:13-16)
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 20, 2011
Second Sunday in Lent
&
1 Kings 19:11-13
Matthew 6:5-6 (God’s Word Translation)
Psalm 95:1-3 (God’s Word Translation)(Call to Worship)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Dedication
Psalm 86:12
(hymn “Glorify Thy Name”, The Faith We Sing, #2016)
John 12:21 and Ephesians 1:17-18
(hymn “Open My Eyes”, The Faith We Sing, #2086)
(hymn “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”, The Faith We Sing, #2193)
(hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”, The Faith We Sing, #2128)
Worship Theme: “The Fruit of Silence is Prayer”
(1st in 5 part Lenten Worship Theme series on Mother Teresa’s quote:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer,
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The Fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The Fruit of Service is Peace”)
and sermon: “Silence is Golden”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 13, 2011
First Sunday in Lent
&
Joel 2:12-17a
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
John 20:11-18
(“In the Garden”, United Methodist Hymnal, #314)
Prelude
Call to Worship
Prayer for Peace
Communion
Distribution of Ashes
and Ash Wednesday Meditation
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday
&
Facebook message
by Barack Obama
March 9, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/
“Michelle and I join with millions of Christians
here and across the world to mark Ash Wednesday.
As we observe the season of Lent, we receive
with thanksgiving this opportunity for grace and repentance,
recommit ourselves to our faith, and
remember our obligations to one another.”
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/posts/10150107573326749


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.