A death sentence – 2 – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay

The Sanctity of life, existence,
for these good and noble people,
standing against the tyrant,
the oppressor, his evil, his lust…
 
A death sentence, destruction,
That is what you offer, a false peace,
land for peace, a canard, a lie,
danger, an existential threat…
 
Self-determination, freedom,
the rights of these brave people…
We must be in the vanguard,
of what is good, right, and just…
 
A death sentence, appeasement,
acquiescing to terror, to genocide,
selling the souls of these noble people,
to sin, to darkness, to death…
 
The restoration of hope, peace,
freedom for these people, now…
That must be our position,
our righteous call…
 
--------
Edited December 2, 2025
A death sentence – 2 – v3
 
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_26.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.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
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. 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, Mental Health Day,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay

Skin in the game – v3 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay

Not just in theory, in fact,
I have skin in the game,
a dog in this fight…
I am nothing like neutral
in this war, this terror,
picking one side…
 
My heart is in Ukraine,
Her black soil, her people,
a flag of blue and yellow,
of the wheat and the sky,
even though I bleed our colors,
of red, white, and blue…
 
My heart grieves for these people,
for their suffering from terror,
such terrible cost, war crimes,
so many killed, lives shattered,
so much lost but not forgotten,
so much to restore, to be rebuilt…
 
Victory will come through attrition,
the grueling face of war, terror,
inch by inch, and mile by mile,
giving ground to save lives,
until that day comes, suddenly,
when the tipping point is breached…
 
I am not neutral, complacent,
I have skin in the game,
I believe in freedom for them,
just as Taras believed,
crying for his people,
and his Beloved, Ukraina…
 
--------
Edited December 1, 2025
Skin in the game – v3
 
Edited November 1, 2024
Attrition – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/attrition-v2.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
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
In the crucible of war – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-crucible-of-war-2-v2_26.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, Mental Health Day,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay

Attrition – v3

Death, destruction, terror
In so many villages, towns, and cities.
the reverse of the Dresden bombings,
but the same level of destruction, death,
innocent cities and towns, history, culture,
all are being turned to dust…
 
Attrition they say, war,
will lead us out of madness,
a tipping point will come,
to defeat the evil tyrant
that internal forces will stop him,
that he will relent…
 
But what about the martyrs,
those killed in their beds,
the soldiers, the medics,
their best sons and daughters,
what about every defender,
killed in a cruel double-tap…
 
How long can we expect them,
to defend our freedom alone,
to stand in the gap for us,
for freedom for all, peace,
when we sit in our own comfort,
fear at arm’s reach, hidden…
 
Attrition but a word, truly,
on the news, in a policy paper,
except for the people living,
dying, injured, shattered,
in the cross-hairs of evil,
feeling this war is all too much…
 
We must do more, better,
all of us, their partners,
to stand beside them, helping,
giving them what they need,
so that attrition’s awful cost,
will finally bring victory…
 
--------  
Edited November 11, 2024
Attrition – v3
 
November 1, 2024
Skin in the game
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/skin-in-game.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
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.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
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

Skin in the game – v2

Not just in theory, in fact,
I have skin in the game,
a dog in this fight,
nothing like neutral
in this war, this terror,
picking one side…
 
My heart is in Ukraine,
black soil, the people,
a flag of blue and yellow,
of the wheat and the sky,
even though I bleed our colors,
of red, white, and blue…
 
My heart grieves for these people,
for their suffering facing terror,
such terrible cost, war crimes,
so many killed, lives shattered,
so much lost, but not forgotten,
so much to restore, to be rebuilt…
 
Victory will come through attrition,
the grueling face of war, terror,
inch by inch, and mile by mile,
giving ground to save lives,
until that day comes, suddenly,
when the tipping point is breached…
 
I am not neutral, complacent,
I have skin in the game,
I believe in freedom for them,
just as Taras believed,
crying for his people,
and his Beloved, Ukraina…
 
--------
Edited November 2, 2024
Skin in the game
 
Edited November 1, 2024
Attrition – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/attrition-v2.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
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
In the crucible of war – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-crucible-of-war-2-v2_26.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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

Attrition – v2

Death, destruction, terror
like the Dresden bombings,
cities and towns, history, culture,
all are being turned to dust…
 
Attrition they say, war,
will lead us out of madness,
a tipping point will come,
to defeat the evil tyrant…
 
But what about the martyrs,
their best sons and daughters,
what about every defender,
killed in a cruel double-tap…
 
How long can we expect them,
to defend our freedom alone,
when we sit in our own comfort,
fear at arm’s reach, hidden…
 
Attrition but a word, truly,
except for the people living,
dying, injured, shattered,
feeling this war is all too much…
 
We must do more, better,
to stand beside them, helping,
so that attrition’s awful cost,
will finally bring victory…
 
--------  
Edited November 1, 2024
Attrition – v2
 
November 1, 2024
Skin in the game
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/skin-in-game.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
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.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
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

Attrition

Death, destruction,
like the Dresden bombings,
cities and towns, history, culture,
are all turned to dust…
 
Attrition they say,
will lead us out of madness,
a tipping point will come,
to defeat the tyrant…
 
But what about the martyrs,
their best sons and daughters,
what about every defender,
killed in a cruel double-tap…
 
How long can we expect them,
to alone defend our freedom,
When we sit in our comfort,
Fear at arm’s reach, hidden…
 
Attrition but a word,
except for the people living,
dying, injured, shattered,
feeling this is all too much…
 
We must do more, better,
to stand beside them,
so that attrition’s awful cost,
will finally bring victory…

--------  
November 1, 2024
Attrition
 
November 1, 2024
Skin in the game
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/skin-in-game.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
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.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
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

Skin in the game

I have skin in the game,
a dog in this fight,
nothing like neutral
in this war, this terror,
picking a side…
 
My heart is in Ukraine,
a flag of blue and yellow,
the wheat and the sky,
even though I bleed colors,
of red, white, and blue…
 
My heart grieves for their suffering,
such a terrible cost, crimes,
so many killed, lives shattered,
so much lost, but not forgotten,
so much to restore, to rebuild…
 
Victory will come through attrition,
the grueling face of war, terror,
inch by inch, and mile by mile,
until that day comes, suddenly,
when the tipping point is breached…
 
I am not neutral, complacent,
I believe in freedom for them,
just as Taras believed,
crying for his people,
and his Beloved, Ukraina…
 
--------
November 1, 2024
Skin in the game
 
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
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.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
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

In this moment of madness – v2

We must awake from our slumber,
an axis of evil is rising together
attacking freedom, this one country,
but sowing chaos, division, attacks,
undermining the world order,
hungry for more, unsatiable,
a lust for land, for power,
while the world sleeps…
 
In this moment of madness,
this time of the aggressor,
we cry for leadership, boldness,
for a greater resolve, for courage,
against their terror, their bluster,
seeing them for who they are,
a nuclear power, a paper tiger,
propped up by our appeasement…
 
We must shake off fear, complacency,
we must urgently seize this moment,
too long have they stood alone,
against the evil, the maelstrom,
the existential threat for survival,
a coalition of the brave needed,
to stop this tide of chaos,
to end the age of the tyrants;
This is our prayer, oh Lord….
 
--------
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
In this moment of madness – v2
 
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_26.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.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
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

In the crucible of war – 2 – v2

In the crucible of war,
fire of this moment,
they have been tried,
they have been tested,
too far, too long, too many,
beyond their breaking point…
 
So unfair, so wrong, alone,
a whole nation in peril,
standing against our enemy,
never again we told them,
but this promise was a lie, a ruse,
marshalling in the terror…
 
In the crucible of war,
our failings revealed, manifest,
silent witness to their resolve,
but our appeasement, our delay
to support our allies, this country
fighting for freedom, for all of us…
 
So unfair, our weakness,
they are holding back the tide,
terror of the fascists, the Russians,
fighting against the West, all of us,
but they are the ones fighting,
for freedom, independence,
for a just peace to come…
 
--------
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
In the crucible of war – 2 – v2
 
Written and posted October 12, 2024
In the crucible of war – 2 – v1
Typed October 17, 2024
Posted October 26, 2024
A death sentence - 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

A death sentence – 2

The Sanctity of life,
for this good and noble people,
standing against the tyrant,
the oppressor, his evil…
 
A death sentence, destruction,
that is what you offer,
land for peace a canard,
an existential threat…
 
Self-determination, freedom,
the rights of this brave people,
we must be in the vanguard,
of what is good and just…
 
A death sentence, appeasement,
acquiescing to terror,
selling the soul of these people,
to sin, to darkness, to death…
 
The restoration of hope,
freedom for these people,
that must be our position,
our righteous call…
 
--------
Posted October 26, 2024
A death sentence - 2
 
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_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, Mental Health Day,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay

A death sentence – 2 – v2

The Sanctity of life, existence,
for this good and noble people,
standing against the tyrant,
the oppressor, his evil, his lust…
 
A death sentence, destruction,
that is what you offer, a false peace,
land for peace a canard, a lie,
an existential threat…
 
Self-determination, freedom,
the rights of this brave people,
we must be in the vanguard,
of what is good, right, and just…
 
A death sentence, appeasement,
acquiescing to terror, to genocide,
selling the souls of this noble people,
to sin, to darkness, to death…
 
The restoration of hope, peace,
freedom for these people, now,
that must be our position,
our righteous call…
 
--------
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
 
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.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
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

The anguished words of the defenders – v2

Listen to the anguished words of the defenders,
hear the anguished cries of civilians, of the children,
they are all of them pushing forward,
even beyond their breaking points…
 
We can hear them pleading for assistance,
for governments, for nation-states,
to help them defeat terror,
To grant their spirits rest…
 
Far too long have they struggled,
for freedom, for their existence,
beating back the terror,
Russia’s goal of genocide…
 
These are a good and noble people,
but they have reached their limit,
something manifestly must change,
To grant their spirits rest…
 
The world must stop their foot dragging,
the moment for caution has passed,
bold action is needed now,
before winter comes…
 
We must come up beside them,
their best sons and daughters,
we must yoke ourselves to them,
To grant their spirits rest…
 
--------
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
 
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.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
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

Ten years under the gun – v2

Ten years under the gun,
fighting a threat of extinction,
defending against an animal, a beast,
bent on a war of terror, or genocide,
the existential threat unending…
 
Ten years under the gun,
bearing the weight of humanity,
caught between superpowers,
no time for warnings, to prepare
to stop the mindless terror…
 
Ten years under the gun,
standing on a trip wire,
sirens sounding incessantly,
no place of peace, of rest,
to protect them from terror…
 
Ten years under the gun,
no time to pause for grieving,
physical, emotional exhaustion
staying busy to tamp down thoughts
of what has been lost already…
 
--------
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
 
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness_25.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
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

In this moment of madness

we must awake from our slumber,
an axis of evil rising together
attacking freedom, this one country,
but sowing chaos, division,
undermining the world order,
hungry for more, unsatiable,
a lust for land, for power,
while the world sleeps…
 
in this moment of madness,
the time of the aggressor,
we long for leadership, boldness,
for a greater resolve, for courage,
against their terror, their bluster,
seeing them for what they are,
a nuclear power, a paper tiger,
propped up by our appeasement…
 
we must shake off fear, complacency,
we must urgently seize this moment,
too long have they stood alone,
against the evil, the maelstrom,
the existential threat for survival,
a coalition of the brave needed,
to stop this tide of chaos,
to end the age of the tyrants….
 
--------
Written and posted October 15, 2024
in this moment of madness
Typed October 18, 2024
 
&
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
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris

In the crucible of war – 2 – v1

In the crucible of war,
the fire of this moment,
they have been tried,
they have been tested,
too far, too long, too many,
beyond their breaking point…
 
So unfair, so wrong, alone,
standing against our enemy,
never again we told them,
but that promise a lie, a ruse,
marshalling in the terror,
a whole nation in peril…
 
In the crucible of war,
our failings revealed, manifest,
silent witness to their resolve,
but our appeasement, our delay
to support our allies, this country
fighting for freedom, for all of us…
 
--------
Written and posted October 12, 2024
In the crucible of war – 2 – v1
Typed October 17, 2024
 
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_25.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay

A death sentence – 2 – v2

The Sanctity of life, existence,
for this good and noble people,
standing against the tyrant,
the oppressor, his evil, his lust…
 
A death sentence, destruction,
that is what you offer, a false peace,
land for peace a canard, a lie,
an existential threat…
 
Self-determination, freedom,
the rights of this brave people,
we must be in the vanguard,
of what is good, right, and just…
 
A death sentence, appeasement,
acquiescing to terror, to genocide,
selling the souls of this noble people,
to sin, to darkness, to death…
 
The restoration of hope, peace,
freedom for these people, now,
that must be our position,
our righteous call…
 
--------
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
 
&
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders.html
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay

The anguished words of the defenders

The anguished words of the defenders,
the anguished cries of civilians,
all of them pushing forward,
beyond their breaking points…
we can hear them begging,
for governments, for nations
to help them defeat terror,
to grant their spirits rest…
 
Far too long have they struggled,
for freedom, for existence,
beating back the terror,
Russia’s goal of genocide…
these are a good and noble people,
but they have reached their limit,
something manifestly must change,
to grant their spirits rest…
 
--------
written and posted October 11, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
typed October 17, 2024
 
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun_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, Mental Health Day,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay

Ten years under the gun

Ten years under the gun,
the threat of extinction,
defending against an animal, a beast,
bent on a war of terror…
 
Ten years under the gun,
bearing the weight of the world
caught between superpowers,
no time for warnings…
 
Ten years under the gun,
standing on a trip wire,
sirens sounding incessantly,
no place of rest…
 
Ten years under the gun,
physical, emotional exhaustion
staying busy to tamp down thoughts
of what they have lost already…
 
--------
written and posted October 11, 2024
Ten years under the gun
typed October 17, 2024
 
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 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, Mental Health Day,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #freedom #independence #history #MentalHealthDay

The anguished words of the defenders - v2

The anguished words of the defenders - v2

#poetry #war #Ukraine #LetUkraineStrikeBack #MentalHealthDay

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. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Ten years under the gun - v2

Ten years under the gun - v2

#poetry #war #Ukraine #LetUkraineStrikeBack #MentalHealthDay 

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. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.