#Protective #Clothing – Version 2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

The fallen go into battle with them
under their body armor
a vyshyvanka, a prayer...
They are protected by their fallen comrades...
 
Every thread is hand-dyed,
dipped in the defender’s blood...
Unwound from the spool, woven,
creating a protective shield...
 
Each shirt, invisible, made of pure linen,
the prayer of this people...
The fabric for each pattern –
the truth of their culture...
 
The memory of the fallen,
a thread in the fabric,
sprinkled with the blood of the defenders...
They guard their hearts...
 
Every thread is woven with love,
creating a chain-mail embroidered shirt,
clinging to the skin of every defender...
They march with a whispered prayer for life...
 
-----------
Edited May 20, 2026
protective clothing – v2
 
Відредаговано 20 травня 2026 року
одяг захисту – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/2.html
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited May 20, 2026
a garment of protection – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection-v2.html
May 19, 2026
a garment of protection
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection.html
Edited, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html
New name, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html
Edited December 1, 2025
A cloak of the dead – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html
In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent
identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 
Edited May 24, 2024
Designs of their culture – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, threads, blood,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

#Одяг, що #захищає – версія 2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood #Поезія #Україна #перемога #надія #мужність #герої #перемога #Писанки #Вишиванка #Валгалла #захист #броня #ДеньВишиванки #честь #нитки #кров

Полеглі йдуть з ними в бій
під їхнім бронежилетом
вишиванка, молитва...
Їх захищають їхні полеглі...
 
Кожна нитка пофарбована вручну,
занурена в кров захисника...
Витягнута з котушки, виткана,
створюючи захисний щит...
 
Кожна сорочка, невидима, з чистого льону,
молитва цього народу...
Полотно для кожного візерунка –
істина їхньої культури...
 
Пам'ять про полеглих,
нитка у тканині,
окроплена кров'ю захисників...
Вони охороняють їхні серця...
 
Кожна нитка з любов'ю виткана,
створюючи кольчужну вишиванку,
що прилягає до шкіри кожного захисника...
Вони йдуть із шепотінням молитви про життя...
 
-----------
Відредаговано 20 травня 2026 року
одяг захисту – v2
 
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited May 20, 2026
a garment of protection – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection-v2.html
May 19, 2026
a garment of protection
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection.html
Edited, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html
New name, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html
Edited December 1, 2025
A cloak of the dead – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html
In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent
identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 
Edited May 24, 2024
Designs of their culture – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, threads, blood,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

#Поезія #Україна #перемога #надія #мужність #герої #перемога #Писанки #Вишиванка #Валгалла #захист #броня #ДеньВишиванки #честь #нитки #кров

a #garment of #protection – v2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

The dead go into battle with them
under their body armor
a vyshyvanka, a prayer...
They are protected by their fallen...
 
Every thread is hand-colored,
dipped in the blood of a defender...
Pulled from the spool, woven,
creating a hedge of protection...
 
Each shirt, invisible, pure linen,
a prayer of this nation...
A canvas for each design
the truth of their culture...
 
The memory of the fallen,
a thread in the fabric
washed in defenders' blood...
They guard their hearts...
 
Each thread is lovingly woven,
creating a chain mail vyshyvanka,
against the skin of each defender...
They go with a whispered prayer of life...
 
-----------
Edited May 20, 2026
a garment of protection – v2
 
May 19, 2026
a garment of protection
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-garment-of-protection.html
Edited, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html
New name, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html
Edited December 1, 2025
A cloak of the dead – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html
In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent
identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Death from the skies – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 
Edited May 24, 2024
Designs of their culture – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, threads, blood,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

The #Mantle of the #Dead – v2 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor

Sacrifice,
second skin,
a breath-prayer,
woven steel armor,
a mantle of the fallen
living shield of protection,
an embroidered breastplate...
Honored warriors descending
roused from their rest in Valhalla
a hand-woven love, their memory,
an embroidered shirt, Vyshyvanka,
The threads of their fibers, memory
woven with their precious blood,
All Ukrainians march with them,
destroying their enemy, terror,
as bombs fall upon them,
protecting the warriors,
heroes in their stories
their revered dead
 Every one…
 
-----------

Edited, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html 

New name, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html

Edited December 1, 2025

A cloak of the dead – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html

In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,

Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new

Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the

white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads

of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.

They are your shield, your invisible armor.

I tried to write the poem in the shape of a

Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.

Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent

identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.

Edited May 24, 2024

A cloak of the dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html

The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.

May 23, 2024

A cloak of the dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Death from the skies – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Lord, watch over these heroes – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 

Edited May 24, 2024

Designs of their culture – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html

May 23, 2024

X post by The Angry Cat

“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”

May 23, 2024

Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces

 

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com

Poetry Where You Live.

 

Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor,

 

#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor

 

The #Mantle of the #Dead #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor

 
A breath-prayer,
woven steel armor,
the mantle of the fallen,
a living shield of protection,
an embroidered breastplate...
 
Honored warriors descend
roused from their rest in Valhalla,
a hand-woven fabric, a memory,
an embroidered shirt, Vyshyvanka...
Threads of their fibers, memory,
woven with their precious blood,
 
All of Ukraine marches with them,
destroying their enemy, terror,
as bombs fall upon them,
protected by the warriors,
heroes in their stories
their revered dead
every one…
 

-----------

Edited, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html

New name, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html

Edited December 1, 2025

A cloak of the dead – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html

In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,

Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new

Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the

white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads

of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.

They are your shield, your invisible armor.

I tried to write the poem in the shape of a

Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.

Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent

identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.

Edited May 24, 2024

A cloak of the dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html

The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.

May 23, 2024

A cloak of the dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Death from the skies – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Lord, watch over these heroes – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 

Edited May 24, 2024

Designs of their culture – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html

May 23, 2024

X post by The Angry Cat

“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”

May 23, 2024

Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces

 

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com

Poetry Where You Live.

 

Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor,

 

#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor

The #Mantle of the #Dead #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #defenders #blood

A breath-prayer,
woven steel armor,
the mantle of the fallen,
a living shield of protection,
an embroidered breastplate...
 
Honored warriors descend
roused from their rest in Valhalla,
a hand-woven fabric, a memory,
an embroidered shirt, Vyshyvanka...
Threads of their fibers, memory,
woven with their precious blood,
 
All of Ukraine marches with them,
destroying their enemy, terror,
as bombs fall upon them,
protected by the warriors,
heroes in their stories
their revered dead
every one…
 

-----------

Edited, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html

New name, May 19, 2026

The Mantle of the Dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html

Edited December 1, 2025

A cloak of the dead – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html

In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,

Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new

Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the

white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads

of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.

They are your shield, your invisible armor.

I tried to write the poem in the shape of a

Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.

Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent

identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.

Edited May 24, 2024

A cloak of the dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html

The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.

May 23, 2024

A cloak of the dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Death from the skies – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Lord, watch over these heroes – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 

Edited May 24, 2024

Designs of their culture – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html

May 23, 2024

X post by The Angry Cat

“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”

May 23, 2024

Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces

 

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com

Poetry Where You Live.

 

Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, blood, threads, defenders,

 

#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor

a #garment of protection #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood #defenders

Each shirt, invisible, pure linen,
a prayer of this nation...
A canvas for each design
the truth of their culture...
 
Every thread hand-colored,
dipped in the blood of a defender...
Pulled from the spool, woven,
creating a hedge of protection...
 
The memory of the fallen,
a thread in the fabric
of the defenders' blood...
Guarding their hearts...
 
Each thread lovingly woven,
creating a chain mail fabric,
against the skin of each defender...
A whispered prayer of life...
 
-----------
May 19, 2026
a garment of protection
 
Edited, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead-v2.html
New name, May 19, 2026
The Mantle of the Dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-mantle-of-dead_0234711049.html
Edited December 1, 2025
A cloak of the dead – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-cloak-of-dead-v3.html
In this poem, I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
Your heroes are cloaking every warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery has been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
Both are so symbolic of Ukraine, the independent
identity of your culture, just as your unique language and history are.
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
The poem is a prayer for Ukraine.
May 23, 2024
A cloak of the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Death from the skies – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html
Edited May 24, 2024
Lord, watch over these heroes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 
Edited May 24, 2024
Designs of their culture – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html
May 23, 2024
X post by The Angry Cat
“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”
May 23, 2024
Video posted by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor, Vyshyvanka Day, honor, threads, blood,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor #VyshyvankaDay #honor #threads #blood

A cloak of the dead – v3 #Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor

A prayer,
a fabric of steel,
a cloak of the dead,
a hedge of protection,
a breastplate of armor
 
Their warriors descending
drawn from rest in Valhalla,
creating a garment, a memory,
new embroidered Vyshyvanka,
 
Stitches of their fiber, memory,
woven with their precious blood,
 
their homeland goes with them,
vanquishing the enemy, terror,
bombs raining down on them,
protected by the warriors,
heroes in their stories
their revered dead
 each one…
 

-----------

Edited December 1, 2025

A cloak of the dead – v3

 

In this poem I am trying to convey that the dead of #Ukraine,

your #heroes, are cloaking every #warrior, as if with a new

#Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the

white fabric's embroidery have been woven with threads

of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.

They are your shield, your invisible armor.

 

I tried to write the #poem in the shape of a

#Ukrainian Easter Egg, a #Pysanky.

 

Both of these are so symbolic of #Ukraine, the independent

#identity of your #culture, just as your unique #language and #history are.

Edited May 24, 2024

A cloak of the dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html

The #poem is a #prayer for #Ukraine.

May 23, 2024

A cloak of the dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Death from the skies – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Lord, watch over these heroes – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 

Edited May 24, 2024

Designs of their culture – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html

May 23, 2024

X post by The Angry Cat

“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”

May 23, 2024

Video posted by Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces

 

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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, US, NATO, terror, genocide, self-defense,

 

#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #US #NATO #terror #genocide #selfdefense

 

---------------

Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor,

 

#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor

A cloak of the dead – v2

A garment,
fabric of steel,
a cloak of the dead,
a hedge of protection,
a breastplate of armor
 
Their warriors descending
drawn from rest in Valhalla,
creating a fabric, a memory,
new embroidered Vyshyvanka,
 
Stitches of their fiber, memory,
woven with their precious blood,

their homeland goes with them,
vanquishing the enemy, terror,
bombs raining down on them,
protected by the warriors,
heroes in their stories
their revered dead
 each one…

 

-----------

Edited May 24, 2024

A cloak of the dead – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html 

In this poem I am trying to convey that the dead of #Ukraine, 

your #heroes, are cloaking every #warrior, as if with a new 

#Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the 

white fabric's embroidery have been woven with threads 

of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you. 

They are your shield, your invisible armor. 

I tried to write the #poem in the shape of a 

#Ukrainian Easter Egg, a #Pysanky. 

Both of these are so symbolic of #Ukraine, the independent 

#identity of your #culture, just as your unique #language and #history are. 

The #poem is a #prayer for #Ukraine.

&

Edited May 24, 2024

Death from the skies – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies-v2.html

Edited May 24, 2024

Lord, watch over these heroes – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/lord-watch-over-these-heroes-v2.html 

Edited May 24, 2024

Designs of their culture – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture-v2.html

May 23, 2024

A cloak of the dead

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead.html

May 23, 2024

X post by The Angry Cat

“Ukrainians don't die, they go to Valhalla.”

And

May 23, 2024

Video posted by

Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces

&

May 23, 2024

Death from the skies

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/death-from-skies.html

Edited May 22, 2024

Streets of Kharkiv run red with blood

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/streets-of-kharkiv-run-red-with-blood.html

&

May 22, 2024

Free the hands of our ally – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/free-hands-of-our-ally-v3.html

Edited May 22, 2024

While their bombers are in the air

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/while-their-bombers-are-in-air.html

&

May 22, 2024

In the crucible of history

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/in-crucible-of-history.html

About President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський,

and the Ukrainian people

May 20, 2024

X post by Тетяна Denford

and my responses

&

May 22, 2024

The streets of Kharkiv run red with the blood

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-streets-of-kharkiv-run-red-with.html

May 22, 2024

X Post by Iryna Volchuk.

"The streets of Kharkiv run red with the blood of innocents, victims of the genocide being perpetrated by russia."

(Forwarded by me to POTUS)

&

May 20, 2024

Do the mothers in Russia know? – v7 (converting Ukrainian back to English)

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/do-mothers-in-russia-know-v7.html

Edited May 20, 2024

Чи знають матері в Росії? – v6 (in Ukrainian)

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/v6.html

Edited May 20, 2024

Знают ли мамы в России? – v5 (in Russian)

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/v5.html

May 20, 2024

Do the mothers in Russia know? – v4

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/do-mothers-in-russia-know-v4.html

(In English)

&

Edited/merged May 20, 2024

Free the hands of our ally – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/free-hands-of-our-ally-v2.html

Edited May 20, 2024

While the bombers are in the air – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/while-bombers-are-in-air-v2.html

Edited May 20, 2024

Blood of the innocents – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/blood-of-innocents-v2.html

Edited May 20, 2024

We grieve for the innocents – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/we-grieve-for-innocents-v2.html

&

Edited May 16, 2024

Чи знають матері в #Росії? – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/v3.html

(in Ukrainian)

Edited May 16, 2024

Знают ли мамы в России? – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/v2.html

(in Russian)

&

May 16, 2024

Designs of their culture

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/designs-of-their-culture.html

&

May 15, 2024

Do mothers in Russia know?

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/blog-post.html

(in English and Russian)

As of 5/15/2024, reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine,

#Russian military casualties, including deaths and loss of combat capability due to injuries.

- 1,510 personnel yesterday,

- 9,510 in the last week,

- 32,520 in the last 30 days,

- 87,850 in the last 3 months, and

- 486,940 over the course of the war...

&

May 13, 2024

Hasten Ukraine’s Victory

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/hasten-ukraines-victory.html

Edited April 29, 2024

No more half-measures - v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/04/no-more-half-measures-v2.html

April 29, 2024

Defeated by half-measures

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/04/defeated-by-half-measures.html

April 29, 2024

Edited April 22, 2024

Ukraine cannot wait – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/04/ukraine-cannot-wait-v3.html

April 4, 2024

a proxy bleeding

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/04/a-proxy-bleeding.html

Edited April 2, 2024

Ukraine must win – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/04/ukraine-must-win-v3.html

Edited March 31, 2024

The blood of the dead of Bucha – v4

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-blood-of-dead-in-bucha-v4.html

&

Edited November 19, 2023

Crying for Crimea, for Ukraine – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/11/crying-for-crimea-for-ukraine-v2_19.html

 

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, victory, hope, courage, heroes, US, NATO, terror, genocide, self-defense,

 

#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #US #NATO #terror #genocide #selfdefense

 

---------------

Poetry, Ukraine, victory, hope, courage, heroes, victory, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka, Valhalla, protection, armor,

 

#Poetry #Ukraine #victory #hope #courage #heroes #victory #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka #Valhalla #protection #armor