#Triggered #poetry #God #regeneration #childhood #bullies #assault #sin #anger #fight #flight #SachaRiley #Epstein #EpsteinFiles #EpsteinCoverup

Ripping off scar tissue,
far deeper than Band-Aids,
Layer upon layer,
cut through like butter,
to the kernel of grit inside,
the center of my pain struggle…
 
Triggered in an instant
by the failure of authorities,
those in power, responsible,
to keep each child safe,
to protect the innocent
from the wolves in our midst…
 
An unhealed wound festering,
given oxygen to grow,
feeling vulnerable as before,
the same fight or flight moment,
the cries into my pillow,
the command to fight back…

-----
January 19, 2026
Triggered
 
The Epstein Files and Epstein Coverup
and every act against me, my dignity,
and my sense of self-worth and safety…
January 19, 2026
They did not keep us safe
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/they-did-not-keep-us-safe.html
re:generation, 1^st and 2nd sentence of Groundwork, page 4
Adults at Abner Gibbs Elementary School
1965 - 1971
Edited January 19, 2026
Protect the children – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/protect-children-v2.html
Based on Matthew 18:1-9,
The Epstein Files and Epstein Coverup
January 17, 2026
release me from my response!
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/release-me-from-my-response.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 1, Day 3, “Sober 24 Hours.”
January 17, 2026
free for this day
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/free-for-this-day.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 1, Day 3, “Sober 24 Hours.”
January 15, 2026
mining deeper
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/mining-deeper.html
re:generation, Groundwork, page 4
January 15, 2026
hurt and angry
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/hurt-and-angry.html
re:generation, 1^st and 2nd sentence of Groundwork, page 4
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com 
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, God, regeneration, childhood, bullies, assault, sin, anger, fight, flight, Sascha Riley, Epstein, Epstein Coverup, Epstein Files,
 
#poetry #God #regeneration #childhood #bullies #assault #sin #anger #fight #flight #SachaRiley #Epstein #EpsteinFiles #EpsteinCoverup 

They did not keep us safe #poetry #God #regeneration #childhood #bullies #assault #sin #anger #fight #flight

They did not keep us safe
on the playground,
in that asphalt jungle…
We were at the mercy of them,
the bullies, our tormentors…
 
They failed all of us,
all the children in their care…
Our only choice to fight back
to stand up to the bullies,
the instruction of our parents…
 
Anger and scar tissue,
over the hurt unanswered,
unaddressed in healthy ways…
Limiting my vision, safety,
the struggle of fight or flight…

-----
January 19, 2026
They did not keep us safe
 
Adults at Abner Gibbs Elementary School
1965 - 1971
January 19, 2026
We are not alone
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/we-are-not-alone-poetry-god-christ.html
Based on Ecclesiastes 4:12
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 1, Day 5, “You Are Not Alone.”
January 19, 2026
remove every barrier
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/remove-every-barrier.html
Based on 1 Peter 5:10
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 1, Day 4, “Keep Coming Back.”
January 17, 2026
a life of freedom
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-life-of-freedom.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 1, Day 3, “Sober 24 Hours.”
January 17, 2026
release me from my response!
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/release-me-from-my-response.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 1, Day 3, “Sober 24 Hours.”
January 17, 2026
free for this day
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/free-for-this-day.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 1, Day 3, “Sober 24 Hours.”
edited January 16, 2026
For just today – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/for-just-today-v4.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 1, Day 3, “Sober 24 Hours.”
edited January 16, 2026
every single good thing
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/every-single-good-thing-v2-poetry-god.html
re:generation, Groundwork, Week 1, Day 2, “God Loves You.”
January 15, 2026
mining deeper
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/mining-deeper.html
re:generation, Groundwork, page 4
January 15, 2026
hurt and angry
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/hurt-and-angry.html
re:generation, 1^st and 2nd sentence of Groundwork, page 4
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com 
Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, God, regeneration, childhood, bullies, assault, sin, anger, fight, flight,
 
#poetry #God #regeneration #childhood #bullies #assault #sin #anger #fight #flight

A dogwood grew over there - v2

The front of our old house so sterile,
siding where clapboards were,
not like I remember it, alive, part of us,
stout bushes rising up to the windows,
verdant grasses, flagstones in the walk,
where there is now cement only,
curved where it was straight...
blue paint where there was white,
remembering scraping and sanding,
To get the painting just right…

The pool she always wanted consumed,
filled the back yard, where we once played,
a maple stood in the margin, the verge,
between the sidewalk and the road,
a dogwood grew over there, to the left,
a treasure of our mother, the blossoms,
tending her hens and chickens, edging,
crushed marble stones around its base,
her one jack-in-the-pulpit hidden,
Under the bushes, around to the right…

------------------------
Edited March 29, 2024
A dogwood grew over there – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-dogwood-grew-over-there-v2.html
March 28, 2024
A dogwood grew over there
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-dogwood-grew-over-there.html
Edited March 28, 2024
The dormer of my room – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-dormer-of-my-room-v2.html
March 27, 2024
The dormer of my room
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-dormer-of-my-room.html
57 Squawfield Road,
Westfield, MA
1963 to 1976
30 X 24 cape
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/57-Squawfield-Rd_Westfield_MA_01085_M47891-49185
https://gis.vgsi.com/westfieldma/Parcel.aspx?pid=3274
&
Merged March 19, 2024
Builder – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/builder-v3.html
Me playing with blocks on our porch, 1964,
Building a tower in the living room, 1965,
Playing with Legos outside, 1966
March 19, 2024
I was an architect, a builder
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/i-was-architect-builder.html
&
edited November 17, 2018
Builder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/11/builder-v2.html
&
edited March 19, 2024
Behind the broken barbed wire – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/behind-broken-barbed-wire-v2.html
drawing by me
falling out of the tree when the board kicked up
&
Edited March 19, 2024
On white butcher block paper – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/on-white-butcher-block-paper-v2.html
Cantell's Supermarket
11 Franklin Street
Westfield, MA
Owned by Richard L. Cantell
Matchbook cover - https://www.ebay.com/itm/364698495439
&
Edited February 22, 2024
Willing the ball Fair – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair-v2.html
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing-v2.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Roads in the dirt – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/roads-in-dirt-v3.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
winged samaras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/winged-samaras-v3.html
&
February 1, 2024
A metal slug
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-metal-slug-coin.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, family, imagination, childhood, imagination, creation, creator, God, joy, play, faith, home,
 
#Poetry #family #imagination #childhood #imagination #creator #God #joy #play #Faith #home

A dogwood grew over there

The front of the house so sterile,
not like I remember it, alive,
stout bushes rising up to the windows,
verdant grasses, flagstones in the walk,
where there is now cement only,
blue paint where there was white,
remembering scraping and sanding,
To get the painting just right…
 
A maple stood in the margin, the verge,
between the sidewalk and the road,
a dogwood grew over there, to the left,
a treasure of our mother, the blossoms,
tending her hens and chickens, edging,
crush marble stones around its base,
the one jack-in-the-pulpit hidden,
Under the bushes around to the right…

 
------------------------
March 28, 2024
A dogwood grew over there
 
Edited March 28, 2024
The dormer of my room – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-dormer-of-my-room-v2.html
March 27, 2024
The dormer of my room
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-dormer-of-my-room.html
57 Squawfield Road,
Westfield, MA
1963 to 1976
&
Merged March 19, 2024
Builder – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/builder-v3.html
Me playing with blocks on our porch, 1964,
Building a tower in the living room, 1965,
Playing with Legos outside, 1966
March 19, 2024
I was an architect, a builder
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/i-was-architect-builder.html
&
edited November 17, 2018
Builder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/11/builder-v2.html
&
edited March 19, 2024
Behind the broken barbed wire – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/behind-broken-barbed-wire-v2.html
drawing by me
falling out of the tree when the board kicked up
&
Edited March 19, 2024
On white butcher block paper – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/on-white-butcher-block-paper-v2.html
Cantell's Supermarket
11 Franklin Street
Westfield, MA
Owned by Richard L. Cantell
Matchbook cover - https://www.ebay.com/itm/364698495439
&
Edited February 22, 2024
Willing the ball Fair – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair-v2.html
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing-v2.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Roads in the dirt – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/roads-in-dirt-v3.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
winged samaras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/winged-samaras-v3.html
&
February 1, 2024
A metal slug
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-metal-slug-coin.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, family, imagination, childhood, imagination, creation, creator, God, joy, play, faith, home,
 
#Poetry #family #imagination #childhood #imagination #creator #God #joy #play #Faith #home

The dormer of my room - v2

Where my desk sat,
in the light, under the roof,
my imagination, my thoughts,
my homework, my first draft,
of a new translation, a bible,
new Good News, speaking to me,
within the dormer of my room...

Writing my papers, my homework,
that mom would inevitably type,
on great grampa's desk (that I still have)
tucked in by the window, by the light,
dark stain on the oak wood, richly,
my drawing, my dreams there with me,
within the dormer of my room...

------------------------
Edited March 28, 2024
The dormer of my room – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-dormer-of-my-room-v2.html
March 27, 2024
The dormer of my room
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-dormer-of-my-room.html
57 Squawfield Road,
Westfield, MA
1963 to 1976
&
Merged March 19, 2024
Builder – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/builder-v3.html
Me playing with blocks on our porch, 1964,
Building a tower in the living room, 1965,
Playing with Legos outside, 1966
March 19, 2024
I was an architect, a builder
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/i-was-architect-builder.html
&
edited November 17, 2018
Builder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/11/builder-v2.html
&
edited March 19, 2024
Behind the broken barbed wire – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/behind-broken-barbed-wire-v2.html
drawing by me
falling out of the tree when the board kicked up
&
Edited March 19, 2024
On white butcher block paper – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/on-white-butcher-block-paper-v2.html
Cantell's Supermarket
11 Franklin Street
Westfield, MA
Owned by Richard L. Cantell
Matchbook cover - https://www.ebay.com/itm/364698495439
&
Edited February 22, 2024
Willing the ball Fair – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair-v2.html
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing-v2.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Roads in the dirt – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/roads-in-dirt-v3.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
winged samaras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/winged-samaras-v3.html
&
February 1, 2024
A metal slug
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-metal-slug-coin.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, family, imagination, childhood, imagination, creation, creator, God, joy, play, faith, home,
 
#Poetry #family #imagination #childhood #imagination #creator #God #joy #play #Faith #home

The dormer of my room

Where my desk sat,
in the light, under the roof,
my imagination,  my thoughts,
my homework, my first draft,
of a new translation, a bible,
new Good News, speaking to me,
within the dormer of my room...

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

March 27, 2024
The dormer of my room
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-dormer-of-my-room.html

57 Squawfield Road,

Westfield, MA

1963 to 1976
&
Merged March 19, 2024
Builder – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/builder-v3.html
Me playing with blocks on our porch, 1964,
Building a tower in the living room, 1965,
Playing with Legos outside, 1966
March 19, 2024
I was an architect, a builder
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/i-was-architect-builder.html
&
edited November 17, 2018
Builder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/11/builder-v2.html
&
edited March 19, 2024
Behind the broken barbed wire – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/behind-broken-barbed-wire-v2.html
drawing by me
falling out of the tree when the board kicked up
&
Edited March 19, 2024
On white butcher block paper – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/on-white-butcher-block-paper-v2.html
Cantell's Supermarket
11 Franklin Street
Westfield, MA
Owned by Richard L. Cantell
Matchbook cover - https://www.ebay.com/itm/364698495439
&
Edited February 22, 2024
Willing the ball Fair – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair-v2.html
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing-v2.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Roads in the dirt – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/roads-in-dirt-v3.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
winged samaras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/winged-samaras-v3.html
&
February 1, 2024
A metal slug
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-metal-slug-coin.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, family, imagination, childhood, imagination, creation, creator, God, joy, play, faith, home,
 
#Poetry #family #imagination #childhood #imagination #creator #God #joy #play #Faith #home

Builder – v3

I was a builder,
creating in the playroom,
blocks rising, balanced,
one upon another,
creating structures, towers,
in bright living colors…
 
I could have been an architect
easel and pad, sketching,
compass and straight edge,
vision and design,
at least that’s what my
childhood photos indicate…
 
Pride of the builder, the artisan
for the precision, the challenge
whether wooden blocks, Lincoln Logs,
my tools, an Erector Set, or my Legos,
building from my imagination,
creating world that don’t exist…
 
Laughing now at the smile reflected back
form without knowledge of function
but part of the joy of this child
when I could get lost in the simple pleasures
of play, on my schedule, focused,
when time had less meaning and
you just did it when you wanted to do...

------------------------
Merged March 19, 2024
Builder – v3
 
Me playing with blocks on our porch, 1964,
Building a tower in the living room, 1965,
Playing with Legos outside, 1966
March 19, 2024
I was an architect, a builder
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/i-was-architect-builder.html
&
edited November 17, 2018
Builder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/11/builder-v2.html
&
edited March 19, 2024
Behind the broken barbed wire – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/behind-broken-barbed-wire-v2.html
drawing by me
falling out of the tree when the board kicked up
under me when I spilled water out of
my cousins’ canteen…
Steve, Jeff and Eric…
at Aunt Chris and Uncle Larry’s house
Laurence F. Ring, Jr. and Christine H. Ring
20 Pratts Junction Road
Sterling, MA
Probably about 1970 or 1971
&
Edited March 19, 2024
On white butcher block paper – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/on-white-butcher-block-paper-v2.html
Cantell's Supermarket
11 Franklin Street
Westfield, MA
Owned by Richard L. Cantell
Matchbook cover - https://www.ebay.com/itm/364698495439
&
Edited February 22, 2024
Willing the ball Fair – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair-v2.html
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing-v2.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Roads in the dirt – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/roads-in-dirt-v3.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
winged samaras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/winged-samaras-v3.html
&
February 1, 2024
A metal slug
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-metal-slug-coin.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, family, blocks, toybox, toys, imagination, architect, builder, childhood, imagination, creation, creator, God, joy, play, Legos, Erector Set, Lincoln Logs,
 
#Poetry #family #blocks #toybox #toys #imagination #architect #builder #childhood #imagination #creator #God #joy #play #Legos #ErectorSet #LincolnLogs

I was an architect, a builder

I was an architect, a builder,
creating in the playroom,
blocks rising, balanced,
one upon another,
creating structures,
in bright colors…

------------------------
March 19, 2024
I was an architect, a builder
 
Me playing with blocks on our porch
1964, 1965, and 1966

&

edited November 17, 2018

Builder – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/11/builder-v2.html

&

edited March 19, 2024
Behind the broken barbed wire – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/behind-broken-barbed-wire-v2.html
falling out of the tree when the board kicked up
under me when I spilled water out of
my cousins’ canteen…
Steve, Jeff and Eric…
at Aunt Chris and Uncle Larry’s house
20 Pratts Junction Road
Sterling, MA
Probably about 1970 or 1971
&
Edited March 19, 2024
On white butcher block paper – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/on-white-butcher-block-paper-v2.html
Cantell's Supermarket
11 Franklin Street
Westfield, MA
Owned by Richard L. Cantell
Matchbook cover - https://www.ebay.com/itm/364698495439
&
Edited February 22, 2024
Willing the ball Fair – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair-v2.html
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing-v2.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Roads in the dirt – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/roads-in-dirt-v3.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
winged samaras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/winged-samaras-v3.html
&
February 1, 2024
A metal slug
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-metal-slug-coin.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, family, childhood, play, blocks, toybox, toys, imagination, architect, builder,
 
#Poetry #family #childhood #play #blocks, toybox #toys #imagination #architect #builder

On white butcher block paper – v2

I remember how I felt,
marveling at the look of it,
the way mom interacted,
the banter, the repartee,
being known in the gate,
a friend, not just a customer,
returning again and again…
 
Coming to the meat counter
to take our order, moving,
diving into conversation,
the local butcher at Cantell's market,
remembering his working hands,
brusquely, wiping them on a towel,
the nub of his thick pencil at the ready…
 
His scrawl on white butcher block paper,
writing the details of mom’s order,
his white apron tied in the front,
starched but covered,
with blood, all the juices,
working quickly, a line behind us
meats wrapped in white butcher block paper ...
 
------------------------
Edited March 19, 2024
On white butcher block paper – v2
 
Edited March 17, 2024
On white butcher block paper
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/on-white-butcher-block-paper.html
March 17, 2024
On butcher block paper
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/on-butcher-block-paper.html
Cantell's Supermarket
11 Franklin Street
Westfield, MA
Owned by Richard L. Cantell
Matchbook cover - https://www.ebay.com/itm/364698495439
&
Edited February 22, 2024
Willing the ball Fair – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair-v2.html
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing-v2.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Roads in the dirt – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/roads-in-dirt-v3.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
winged samaras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/winged-samaras-v3.html
&
February 1, 2024
A metal slug
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-metal-slug-coin.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, family, childhood, play, Westfield, MA, Cantells, butcher,
 
#Poetry #family #childhood #play #Westfield #MA #Cantells #butcher

On white butcher block paper

Coming to the meat counter
to take our order, moving,
diving into conversation,
the local butcher at Cantell's Market,
remembering his working hands,
wiping them on a towel,
the nub of his thick pencil…
 
His scrawl on white butcher block paper,
the details of mom’s order,
his white apron tied in the front,
starched but covered,
with blood, all of the juices,
working quickly, a line behind us
meats wrapped in white butcher block paper ...
 
------------------------
Edited March 17, 2024
On white butcher block paper
 
March 17, 2024
On butcher block paper
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/on-butcher-block-paper.html
Cantell's Super Market
11 Franklin Street
Westfield, MA
Matchbook cover - https://www.ebay.com/itm/364698495439
&
Edited February 22, 2024
Willing the ball Fair – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair-v2.html
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing-v2.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Roads in the dirt – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/roads-in-dirt-v3.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
winged samaras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/winged-samaras-v3.html
&
February 1, 2024
A metal slug
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-metal-slug-coin.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, family, childhood, play, Westfield, MA, Cantells, butcher,
 
#Poetry #family #childhood #play #WestfieldMA #Cantells #butcher

On butcher block paper

Coming to the counter

To take our order, moving,

The local butcher at Cantell's Market,

Remembering his hands,

The nub of his pencil, 

His scrawl on the butcher block paper,

His white apron covered,

With blood, all of the juices,

Working quickly, a line behind us ...

------------------------
March 17, 2024
On butcher block paper
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/on-butcher-block-paper.html
Cantell's Super Market
11 Franklin Street
Westfield, MA
Matchbook cover - https://www.ebay.com/itm/364698495439
&
Edited February 22, 2024
Willing the ball Fair – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair-v2.html
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing-v2.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Roads in the dirt – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/roads-in-dirt-v3.html
&
Edited February 13, 2024
winged samaras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/winged-samaras-v3.html
&
February 1, 2024
A metal slug
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-metal-slug-coin.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, family, childhood, play, Westfield, MA, Cantells, butcher,
 
#Poetry #family #childhood #play #WestfieldMA #Cantells #butcher

Willing the ball Fair – v2 #PudgeFisk #WorldSeries #homerun #MLB

Could it really be happening,
his line shot to the corner,
the game, the World Series on the line,
late inning heroics, it all came to this,
To this moment, to this one hit…
 
A crack of the bat, excitement,
everyone rising to their feet,
a whole nation joining with him,
jumping, praying, pushing, waving,
Willing the ball Fair...
 
Jubilation, exaltation,
rising to crescendo,
happiness in this moment,
jumping for joy, leaping, our hero,
Around the bases, oh how He ran…
 
-------------------  
Edited February 22, 2024
Willing the ball Fair – v2
 
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing-v2.html
February 17, 2024
Learning to Swing
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing.html
Film from 1966, (24:48 minutes)
"Batting With Ted Williams"
sponsored by Sears, Roebuck and Company
&
In 1967, as part of a promotion for a new line of
“Ted Williams Approved Baseball equipment,”
Williams and Sears released a 20-page booklet,
titled “Batting Tips from Ted: How to Be a Better Hitter”
and corresponding phonograph record,
“Tips on How to Become a Better Hitter.”
The record is narrated by Williams himself;
a copy in the Baseball Hall of Fame,
&
February 17, 2024
Willing the ball Fair
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair.html
Carlton Fisk’s 12^th inning walk-off homerun,
for the Boston Red Sox, in the 6^th game of the
1975 World Series, just hitting the foul pole,
October 21, 1975
 
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, 1975 World Series, Carlton Fisk, Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Game 6, homerun, heroes, childhood, Red Sox Nation, joy, happiness, baseball, MLB, 
 
#Poetry #1975WorldSeries #WorldSeries #CarltonFisk #RedSox #CincinnatiReds #homerun #heroes #childhood #RedSoxNation #joy #happiness #baseball #MLB
 
---------------
Poetry, Ted Williams, Red Sox, heroes, childhood, Red Sox Nation, hitting, baseball, MLB, ‎Carl Yastrzemski,
 
#Poetry #TedWilliams #RedSox #heroes #childhood #RedSoxNation #hitting #baseball #MLB #CarlYastrzemski

Learning to Swing – v2 #TedWilliams #RedSox #baseball #MLB

I still remember playing catch with Dad,
out in our back yard, between the pine and fir trees,
the old first basemen’s glove of my father,
wanting to be like a Red Sox, our heroes,
Giving up Wonder, eating Yaz Bread religiously,
as if that would make them win,
the Impossible Dream, their games,
baseball cards clickety clacking on our bicycle tires.
 
In the pantheon of our heroes,
one name stood out, higher,
the epitome of hitting, of perfection,
Ted Williams and Sears Roebuck,
a match made in marketing heaven,
before computers, a giant catalog,
full showrooms, our eyes all agog.
 
A baseball bat, a ball, a glove,
with his name emblazoned upon them,
oiled just so (according to instructions),
a booklet to be studied, to measure up,
a record with his voice, teaching us how to hit,
Learning to Swing, as Ted did, his science, his art,
All of us future Red Sox, (like Pudge, like Jerry)
Growing up in their shadows…
 
-------------------  
Edited February 22, 2024
Learning to Swing – v2
 
February 17, 2024
Learning to Swing
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/learning-to-swing.html
Film from 1966, (24:48 minutes)
"Batting With Ted Williams"
...
sponsored by Sears, Roebuck and Company
&
In 1967, as part of a promotion for a new line of
“Ted Williams Approved Baseball equipment,”
Williams and Sears released a 20-page booklet,
titled “Batting Tips from Ted: How to Be a Better Hitter”
and corresponding phonograph record,
“Tips on How to Become a Better Hitter.”
The record is narrated by Williams himself;
a copy in the Baseball Hall of Fame,
...
&
February 17, 2024
Willing the ball Fair
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/willing-ball-fair.html
Carlton Fisk’s 12^th inning walk-off homerun,
for the Boston Red Sox, in the 6^th game of the
1975 World Series, just hitting the foul pole,
October 21, 1975
 
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, 1975 World Series, Carlton Fisk, Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Game 6, homerun, heroes, childhood, Red Sox Nation, joy, happiness, baseball, MLB, 
 
#Poetry #1975WorldSeries #WorldSeries #CarltonFisk #RedSox #CincinnatiReds #homerun #heroes #childhood #RedSoxNation #joy #happiness #baseball #MLB
 
---------------
Poetry, Ted Williams, Red Sox, heroes, childhood, Red Sox Nation, hitting, baseball, MLB, ‎Carl Yastrzemski,
 
#Poetry #TedWilliams #RedSox #heroes #childhood #RedSoxNation #hitting #baseball #MLB #CarlYastrzemski