A decisive year beginning – v2 #poetry #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Kyiv #resolve #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk #ChristinaKydrava #EricaKabaeva #MykhailoFedorov

We see decisive actions, momentum,
something in the air, the water,
a change in the balance of power…
The tide of the war is shifting,
perhaps almost imperceptibly,
But nonetheless real…
 
Asymmetric war, innovation,
a different year ended, turning,
a decisive year beginning, unfolding…
Quickly seeing the fruits of their efforts,
The resolve of their partners,
Ukraine’s will to survive, to adapt…
 
General Winter is attacking, General Frost,
Russia’s size has become its weakness…
Their power is muted by Ukraine’s strength…
Homegrown weapons are so effective
destroying strategic targets
Their Achilles Heel…
 
Asymmetric warfare, drones, and missiles,
Hunting on their homeland, unprotected…
They will be defeated in attrition,
vulnerable in their vastness,
a field rich with targets
Too many to protect…
 
---------------
Edited January 25, 2026
A decisive year beginning – v2
 
Based on my post to Mykhailo Fedorov on LinkedIn,
“In the poem below, I called 2025, "A different year ended"; but that makes 2026, "A decisive year begun". I pray this is the year for Ukraine to achieve victory and a just and lasting peace. ”
Edited January 5, 2026
A different year ended – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-different-year-ended-v2.html
Inspired by post of Christina Kydrava, December 31, 2025,
https://www.instagram.com/stories/kydrava_/3799867793609373927/
reposting her post of December 31, 2024
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQD199tBfb/
“There will be no results, only conclusions: the struggle continues.”
 
I replied: “Another year ending but different than last December 31. This year ending was like 1942/1943 in the United States, where military production and attacks on Japanese positions began after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The parallels aren't perfect, but Ukraine is now producing more of its own weapons and taking the fight to Russia. 2026 will be decisive for Ukraine’s victory.”
Edited December 31, 2025
Despite everything
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/despite-everything.html
December 30, 2025 Instagram post by Oleksandra Matviichuk
https://www.instagram.com/p/DS7HP6aDOC3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Edited December 27, 2025
Courage to Step Outside – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/courage-to-step-outside-v3.html
Images and videos of Christmas celebrations and parades
In Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine and
Erica Kabaeva post on Instagram November 4, 2025
 
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, courage, life, Ukraine, war, Christmas, Kyiv, resolve, New Year, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Christina Kydrava, Mykhailo Fedorov,
 
#poetry #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Kyiv #resolve #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk #ChristinaKydrava #EricaKabaeva #MykhailoFedorov

A decisive year beginning #poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk #ChristinaKydrava

Something in the air, the water,
a change in the balance of power,
The tide of the war is shifting,
perhaps almost imperceptibly,
But nonetheless real…
 
A different year ended, turning,
a decisive year beginning, unfolding,
Quickly seeing the fruits of their efforts,
The resolve of their partners,
Ukraine’s will to survive, to adapt…
 
Russia’s size has become its weakness,
Their power is muted by innovation,
Homegrown weapons are so effective
against the expanse of targets
Their Achilles Heel…
 
Asymmetric warfare, drones, and missiles,
hunting their homeland, unprotected,
Vulnerable in their vastness,
a field rich with targets
Too many to protect…
 
---------------

January 10, 2026

A decisive year beginning

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-decisive-year-beginning.html

Based on my post to Mykhailo Fedorov on LinkedIn,

“In the poem below, I called 2025, "A different year ended"; but that makes 2026, "A decisive year begun". I pray this is the year for Ukraine to achieve victory and a just and lasting peace. ”

Edited January 5, 2026
A different year ended – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-different-year-ended-v2.html
Inspired by post of Christina Kydrava, December 31, 2025,
https://www.instagram.com/stories/kydrava_/3799867793609373927/
reposting her post of December 31, 2024
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQD199tBfb/
“There will be no results, only conclusions: the struggle continues.”
 
I replied: “Another year ending but different than last December 31. This year ending was like 1942/1943 in the United States, where military production and attacks on Japanese positions began after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The parallels aren't perfect, but Ukraine is now producing more of its own weapons and taking the fight to Russia. 2026 will be decisive for Ukraine’s victory.”
Edited December 31, 2025
Despite everything
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/despite-everything.html
December 30, 2025 Instagram post by Oleksandra Matviichuk
https://www.instagram.com/p/DS7HP6aDOC3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Edited December 27, 2025
Courage to Step Outside – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/courage-to-step-outside-v3.html
Images and videos of Christmas celebrations and parades
In Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine and
Erica Kabaeva post on Instagram November 4, 2025
 
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, fear, courage, life, Ukraine, war, Christmas, Kyiv, culture, joy, resolve, New Year, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Christina Kydrava,
 
#poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk #ChristinaKydrava

Despite Everything – v2 #poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk #ChristinaKydrava

Resistance, staring at challenges…

Courage in one door closing,

A turn of the calendar’s pages…

Resolve in the face of terror, evil,

Determination, disregarding betrayal,

Unified at all costs, rising as one…

A people, a nation together,

Despite everything, standing,

Knowing what they have faced,

Standing resilient because they must…

Clear-eyed about terror, this genocide…

Despite everything standing strong,

Determined to persevere, to achieve…

Hope in the struggle, the maelstrom,

Never backing down, defiant, resourceful…

Life continues always, together,

Standing, kneeling as one people,

United within their territory, their nation,

Until victory is won for their people…

Until a just peace rises like the sun...

---------------
Edited January 5, 2026
Despite Everything – v2
 
December 30, 2025 Instagram post by Oleksandra Matviichuk
https://www.instagram.com/p/DS7HP6aDOC3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
·         “@theukrainians proposed naming a word of the year, as leading dictionaries around the world do. Our word of 2025 is ‘despite everything’. It is about character.
Another year of a genocidal war in Europe, launched by Russia to destroy us, is coming to an end. Any illusions that the civilized world would be outraged by such injustice and decisively stop Putin’s imperial ambitions have faded.
Ukraine has found itself at the epicenter of events that will shape a new international order. And despite everything, people in Ukraine continue to fight for even the slightest chance — for themselves and their children — to have the freedom to live without fear of violence and to have a long-term perspective,” — @avalaina_ua head of the @center_for_civil_liberties.
«@theukrainians запронували назвати слово року як це роблять провідні словники світу. Наше слово 2025 року – це «всупереч». І воно про характер.
Закінчується черговий рік геноцидальної війни в Європі, яку розпочала Росія для нашого знищення. Якщо у когось й були ілюзії, що цивілізований світ обуриться такою несправедливістю та рішуче зупинить імперські амбіції Путіна, то вони поблякли. 
Україні випало бути в епіцентрі подій, які визначать новий міжнародний порядок. І всупереч усьому люди в Україні продовжують боротися за найменший шанс для себе та своїх дітей мати свободу жити без страху насильства та мати довгу перспективу на майбутнє», — @avalaina_ua голова @center_for_civil_liberties.
Edited January 5, 2026
A different year ended – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-different-year-ended-v2.html
Inspired by post of Christina Kydrava, December 31, 2025,
https://www.instagram.com/stories/kydrava_/3799867793609373927/
reposting her post of December 31, 2024
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQD199tBfb/
“There will be no results, only conclusions: the struggle continues.”
I replied: “Another year ending but different than last December 31. This year ending was like 1942/1943 in the United States, where military production and attacks on Japanese positions began after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The parallels aren't perfect, but Ukraine is now producing more of its own weapons and taking the fight to Russia. 2026 will be decisive for Ukraine’s victory.”
Edited December 27, 2025
Courage to Step Outside – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/courage-to-step-outside-v3.html
Images and videos of Christmas celebrations and parades
In Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine and
Erica Kabaeva post on Instagram November 4, 2025
 
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, fear, courage, life, Ukraine, war, Christmas, Kyiv, culture, joy, resolve, New Year, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Christina Kydrava,
 
#poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk #ChristinaKydrava

A different year ended – v2 #poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk #ChristinaKydrava

A different year ended,
unlike a year ago, holding…
Changes on the battlefield,
their war footing as a nation…
The tide is changing, rising,
their own munitions production,
targeting oil infrastructure, power,
strikes the enemy cannot stop…
 
No longer defensive,
caught waiting, flat-footed,
with timid allies, frozen,
compromised by oil and gas…
Building their own security
their own native power…
Taking the fight to the enemy,
more than Russia can stop…
 
Momentum is changing in battle
redefining a war of attrition,
drones and intelligence,
matched by their boldness…
Deep strikes in their rear…
A rising tide of judgment
against their war crimes…
Timid allies galvanized
around Ukraine’s will to live…
 
---------------
Edited January 5, 2026
A different year ended – v2
 
January 1, 2026
A different year ended
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-different-year-ended.html
Inspired by post of Christina Kydrava, December 31, 2025,
https://www.instagram.com/stories/kydrava_/3799867793609373927/
reposting her post of December 31, 2024
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQD199tBfb/
“There will be no results, only conclusions: the struggle continues.”
 
I replied: “Another year ending but different than last December 31. This year ending was like 1942/1943 in the United States, where military production and attacks on Japanese positions began after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The parallels aren't perfect, but Ukraine is now producing more of its own weapons and taking the fight to Russia. 2026 will be decisive for Ukraine’s victory.” And “
Edited December 31, 2025
Despite everything
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/despite-everything.html
December 30, 2025 Instagram post by Oleksandra Matviichuk
https://www.instagram.com/p/DS7HP6aDOC3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Edited December 27, 2025
Courage to Step Outside – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/courage-to-step-outside-v3.html
Images and videos of Christmas celebrations and parades
In Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine and
Erica Kabaeva post on Instagram November 4, 2025
 
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, fear, courage, life, Ukraine, war, Christmas, Kyiv, culture, joy, resolve, New Year, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Christina Kydrava,

#poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk #ChristinaKydrava

A different year ended #poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #courage #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk #ChristinaKydrava

A different year ended,
unlike a year ago, holding…
Changes on the battlefield…
The tide is changing, rising,
their own munitions production,
the strikes the enemy cannot stop…
 
No longer defensive,
caught waiting, flat-footed…
Building their own security
their own native power…
Taking the fight to the enemy,
more than Russia can stop…
 
Momentum is changing in the battle
redefining a war of attrition…
Deep strikes in their rear…
A rising tide of judgment
against their war crimes…
Timid allies galvanized
around Ukraine’s will to live…
 
---------------
January 1, 2026
A different year ended
 
Inspired by post of Christina Kydrava, December 31, 2025,
https://www.instagram.com/stories/kydrava_/3799867793609373927/
reposting her post of December 31, 2024
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQD199tBfb/
“There will be no results, only conclusions: the struggle continues.”
 
I replied: “Another year ending but different than last December 31. This year ending was like 1942/1943 in the United States, where military production and attacks on Japanese positions began after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The parallels aren't perfect, but Ukraine is now producing more of its own weapons and taking the fight to Russia. 2026 will be decisive for Ukraine’s victory.” And “
Edited December 31, 2025
Despite everything
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/01/despite-everything.html
December 30, 2025 Instagram post by Oleksandra Matviichuk
https://www.instagram.com/p/DS7HP6aDOC3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Edited December 27, 2025
Courage to Step Outside – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/courage-to-step-outside-v3.html
Images and videos of Christmas celebrations and parades
In Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine and
Erica Kabaeva post on Instagram November 4, 2025
 
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, fear, courage, life, Ukraine, war, Christmas, Kyiv, culture, joy, resolve, courage,  New Year, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Christina Kydrava,
 
#poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #courage #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk #ChristinaKydrava

Despite everything #poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #courage #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk

 
Courage in one door closing,
A turn of the calendar’s pages…
Resolve in the face of terror, evil,
Determination, disregarding betrayal,
Unified at all costs, rising as one…
A people, a nation together,
Despite everything, standing,
Knowing what they have faced,
Resilient because they must…
 
Despite everything standing strong,
Determined to persevere, to achieve,
Hope in the struggle, the maelstrom,
Never backing down, defiant, resourceful…
Life continues always, together,
Standing, kneeling as one people,
United within their territory, their nation,
Until victory is won for their people…
Until a just peace rises like the sun…
 
---------------
Edited December 31, 2025
Despite everything
 
December 30, 2025 Instagram post by Oleksandra Matviichuk
https://www.instagram.com/p/DS7HP6aDOC3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
·         “@theukrainians proposed naming a word of the year, as leading dictionaries around the world do. Our word of 2025 is ‘despite everything’. It is about character.
Another year of a genocidal war in Europe, launched by Russia to destroy us, is coming to an end. Any illusions that the civilized world would be outraged by such injustice and decisively stop Putin’s imperial ambitions have faded.
Ukraine has found itself at the epicenter of events that will shape a new international order. And despite everything, people in Ukraine continue to fight for even the slightest chance — for themselves and their children — to have the freedom to live without fear of violence and to have a long-term perspective,” — @avalaina_ua head of the @center_for_civil_liberties.
«@theukrainians запронували назвати слово року як це роблять провідні словники світу. Наше слово 2025 року – це «всупереч». І воно про характер.
Закінчується черговий рік геноцидальної війни в Європі, яку розпочала Росія для нашого знищення. Якщо у когось й були ілюзії, що цивілізований світ обуриться такою несправедливістю та рішуче зупинить імперські амбіції Путіна, то вони поблякли. 
Україні випало бути в епіцентрі подій, які визначать новий міжнародний порядок. І всупереч усьому люди в Україні продовжують боротися за найменший шанс для себе та своїх дітей мати свободу жити без страху насильства та мати довгу перспективу на майбутнє», — @avalaina_ua голова @center_for_civil_liberties.
Edited December 27, 2025
Courage to Step Outside – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/courage-to-step-outside-v3.html
Images and videos of Christmas celebrations and parades
In Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine and
Erica Kabaeva post on Instagram November 4, 2025
 
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, fear, courage, life, Ukraine, war, Christmas, Kyiv, culture, joy, resolve, courage,  New Year, Oleksandra Matviichuk,
 
#poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #courage #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk

in spite of everything #poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #courage #NewYear #OleksandraMatviichuk

Courage in the one door closing,
A turn of the calendar’s pages.
Resolve in the face of terror,
Determination, disregarding betrayal,
Unified at all costs…
A people, a nation together,
In spite of everything, standing,
Knowing what they have faced,
Resilient because they must…
 
In spite of everything standing strong,
Determined to persevere, to achieve,
Hope in the struggle, the maelstrom,
Never backing down…
Life continuing always, together,
Standing, kneeling as one people,
United within their territory, their nation,
Until victory is won for their people…
Until a just peace rises like the sun…
 
---------------
December 31, 2025
in spite of everything
 
December 30, 2025 Instagram post by Oleksandra Matviichuk
https://www.instagram.com/p/DS7HP6aDOC3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
·         “@theukrainians proposed naming a word of the year, as leading dictionaries around the world do. Our word of 2025 is ‘despite everything’. It is about character.
Another year of a genocidal war in Europe, launched by Russia to destroy us, is coming to an end. Any illusions that the civilized world would be outraged by such injustice and decisively stop Putin’s imperial ambitions have faded.
Ukraine has found itself at the epicenter of events that will shape a new international order. And despite everything, people in Ukraine continue to fight for even the slightest chance — for themselves and their children — to have the freedom to live without fear of violence and to have a long-term perspective,” — @avalaina_ua head of the @center_for_civil_liberties.
«@theukrainians запронували назвати слово року як це роблять провідні словники світу. Наше слово 2025 року – це «всупереч». І воно про характер.
Закінчується черговий рік геноцидальної війни в Європі, яку розпочала Росія для нашого знищення. Якщо у когось й були ілюзії, що цивілізований світ обуриться такою несправедливістю та рішуче зупинить імперські амбіції Путіна, то вони поблякли. 
Україні випало бути в епіцентрі подій, які визначать новий міжнародний порядок. І всупереч усьому люди в Україні продовжують боротися за найменший шанс для себе та своїх дітей мати свободу жити без страху насильства та мати довгу перспективу на майбутнє», — @avalaina_ua голова @center_for_civil_liberties.
Edited December 27, 2025
Courage to Step Outside – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/courage-to-step-outside-v3.html
Images and videos of Christmas celebrations and parades
In Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine and
Erica Kabaeva post on Instagram November 4, 2025
 
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, fear, courage, life, Ukraine, war, Christmas, Kyiv, culture, joy, resolve, courage,  New Year,
 
#poetry #fear #courage #life #Ukraine #war #Christmas #Kyiv #culture #joy #resolve #courage #NewYear

We have made our choice – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #DmyrtoKuleba #freedom #independence #fight

In a state of war, of devastation,
a moment of reflection, of clarity,
one nation, one people, a democracy,
speaking to the whole world…
 
“We have made our choice,”
words of defiance, of resolve,
on the cusp, the start of a new year,
continuation of war, of invasion…
 
He made a statement for his nation
no matter what others may choose
standing defiant before the aggressor
while the missiles still rain down…
 
“We have made our choice.”
even if our friends grow weary…
We will regain our ground, our land,
We will not back down, united,
“As long as we have breath” …
 
-----------------
Edited December 2, 2025
We have made our choice – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/we-have-made-our-choice-v4.html
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmyrto Kuleba
Interview by Mary Louise Kelly
On NPR’s Consider This
https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1149167871
January 18, 2023
We have made our choice
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/01/we-have-made-our-choice.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, America, NATO, EU, Russia, war, aggression, resolve, choice, Dmyrto Kuleba,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #DmyrtoKuleba

We have made our choice – v3

In a state of war, of devastation,
a moment of reflection, of clarity,
one nation, one people, a democracy,
speaking to the whole world…
 
“We have made our choice,”
his words of defiance, of resolve,
on the cusp, the start of a new year,
continuation of war, of invasion…
 
He made a statement for his nation
no matter what others may choose
standing defiant before the aggressor
while the missiles still rain down…
 
“We have made our choice”,
even if our friends grow weary
we will regain our ground, our land,
we will not back down, united,
“as long as we have breath”…
 
-----------------
Edited January 13, 2025
We have made our choice – v3
 
Edited January 18, 2023
We have made our choice – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/01/we-have-made-our-choice-v2.html
January 18, 2023
We have made our choice
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/01/we-have-made-our-choice.html
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmyrto Kuleba
Interview by Mary Louise Kelly
On NPR’s Consider This
https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1149167871
 
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, America, NATO, EU, Russia, war, aggression, resolve, choice, Dmyrto Kuleba,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #DmyrtoKuleba

as my world fell into darkness – v2

As my world fell into darkness,
I ventured outside, quickly,
to the corner of the driveway,
closest to you, Sweetheart…
 
I spoke into the ether,
across the time and space,
I repeated three times, “I love you”,
your name, aloud three times…
 
Each time I spoke these words,
an echo in my spirit, your words,
hearing your answer to me,
“I love you more…”
 
I spoke into the ether, night growing,
and you gifted me your answer,
as my world fell into darkness,
I felt held by your love…
 
-------------
Edited October 30, 2024
as my world fell into darkness – v2
 
about the night of October 2, 2024
&
Edited October 30, 2024
A word of caution – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-word-of-caution-v2.html
after poem, “A word of caution”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
and John 4: 5-30 (woman at the well)
&
Edited October 30, 2024
my black-haired maiden – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-black-haired-maiden-v2.html
after poem, “my black-haired maiden”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
In that battle where they vanquished – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-that-battle-where-they-vanquished-v2.html
after poem, “in that battle where they vanquished”,
based on the poem, “Night of Taras”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
the blue sea, an angry monster – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-blue-sea-angry-monster-v2.html
after poem, “the blue sea, an angry monster”,
based on the poem, “Ivan Pidkova”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
Gone the ancient freedom – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/gone-ancient-freedom-v2.html
after poem, “Gone the ancient freedom”,
based on the poem, “Osnovyanenko”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
All my people are strangers – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/all-my-people-are-strangers-v2.html
after poem, “All my people are strangers”,
based on the poem, “Dumka”,
lament of an orphan girls,
successor to “The Poplar”,
and introduction to “Osnovyanenko”
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, face, images, Ukraine, beauty, love, resolve, war, service, sacrifice, dress, model, wife, husband, Taras Shevchenko, love making, romance,
 
#Poetry #face #images #Ukraine #beauty #love #resolve #war #service #sacrifice #dress #model #romance #wife #TarasShevchenko #husband #lovemaking

If I ever stop telling you…

 
I want us to be happy,
to be connected together
to never make the same mistakes,
with you, my love…
 
If I ever stop telling you,
how important you are to me,
how much I love you,
every single day…
 
Stop me in my tracks,
confront me, for it is important,
for I long to cherish, to tell you
that I will love you forever…
 
Don’t let the moment slip,
if I become complacent,
if I speak a hard word,
even one word…
 
Speak your truth honestly,
because you are that important,
for I love you more,
than anything but God…
 
-------------
Written and posted October 19, 2024
If I ever stop telling you…
Typed October 19, 2024
 
Edited and posted October 20, 2024
I imagine our lovemaking – v2
Typed October 20, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-imagine-our-lovemaking-v2_28.html
Edited and posted October 19, 2024
My body aches for you – v2
Typed October 19, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-body-aches-for-you-v2_27.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Tell them that you love them – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/tell-them-that-you-love-them-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
our hearts no longer separate – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/our-hearts-no-longer-separate-v2.html
&
Edited October 15, 2024
In my dream, darling
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-my-dream-darling_25.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-my-dream-darling_23.html
&
Written and posted October 1, 2024
In my dream
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-my-dream_23.html
&
Edited October 15, 2024
Standing before you – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/standing-before-you-v2_25.html
Written and posted September 30, 2024
Standing before you
Typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/standing-before-you.html
The dress
&
Edited October 15, 2024
Capturing images – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/capturing-images-v2_25.html
&
Written and posted October 15, 2024
You are my lifeline
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/you-are-my-lifeline_25.html
&
Written and posted October 12, 2024
Tell them that you love them
Typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/tell-them-that-you-love-them_25.html
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
she is my goddess, my muse – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/she-is-my-goddess-my-muse-v2_25.html
&
Written and posted October 11, 2024
she is my goddess, my muse
typed on word October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/she-is-my-goddess-my-muse.html
&
Written and posted October 11, 2024
our hearts no longer separate
typed on word October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/our-hearts-no-longer-separate_25.html
&
Written and posted October 8, 2024
My body aches for you
Typed October 19, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-body-aches-for-you_24.html
&
Written and posted October 8, 2024
I imagine our lovemaking
Typed October 19, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-imagine-our-lovemaking.html
&
Written and posted October 4, 2024
You are my dream
typed on word October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/you-are-my-dream_24.html
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
as my world fell into darkness
typed on word October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/as-my-world-fell-into-darkness_24.html  
about the night of October 2, 2024
&
Written and posted October 2, 2024
my black-haired maiden
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-black-haired-maiden_24.html
after poem, “my black-haired maiden”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 15, 2024
In my dream, darling
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-my-dream-darling_23.html
Written and posted October 1, 2024
In my dream
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-my-dream_23.html
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
Standing before you
Typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/standing-before-you.html
The dress
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
Capturing images
Typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/capturing-images.html
&
Edited and posted September 29, 2024
Your Face – 2 – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/your-face-2-v3.html
Edited and posted September 29, 2024
Your Face – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/your-face-2-v2.html
Written and posted September 29, 2024
Your face - 2
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/your-face-2.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, face, images, Ukraine, beauty, love, resolve, war, service, sacrifice, dress, model, wife, husband, Taras Shevchenko, love making, romance,
 
#Poetry #face #images #Ukraine #beauty #love #resolve #war #service #sacrifice #dress #model #romance #wife #TarasShevchenko #husband #lovemaking

I imagine our lovemaking – v2

Do you ever have waking dreams,
thinking about the future
I do, when I dream of you…
 
I was with you in our home,
dreaming about our kitchen,
dim after a candlelight dinner
fragrances of the cooking
still lingering, thick in the kitchen,
pans on the stove,,,
 
our goblets on the granite butcher block,
wine half-finished in our rush,
our dishes placed on the counter,
with tomorrow’s leftovers,
next to the deep farmer’s sink for later,
as we had gone to our bedroom
not to sleep but to make love…
 
I imagine our love making,
our bodies woven together,
moving together in rhythm,
feeling myself inside you,
my fingers touching you,
urging you to orgasm,
to a moment of release…
 
Your back arches, tighter, rising,
our lips, our tongues exploring,
the words, “harder, faster,”
bubble around your tongue,
moans of climax, of release, a cascade
of pleasure, as you collapse with me
sweating in ecstasy…
 
-------------
Edited and posted October 20, 2024
I imagine our lovemaking – v2
Typed October 20, 2024
 
Edited and posted October 19, 2024
My body aches for you – v2
Typed October 19, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-body-aches-for-you-v2_27.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Tell them that you love them – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/tell-them-that-you-love-them-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
our hearts no longer separate – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/our-hearts-no-longer-separate-v2.html
&
Edited October 15, 2024
In my dream, darling
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-my-dream-darling_25.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-my-dream-darling_23.html
&
Written and posted October 1, 2024
In my dream
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-my-dream_23.html
&
Edited October 15, 2024
Standing before you – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/standing-before-you-v2_25.html
Written and posted September 30, 2024
Standing before you
Typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/standing-before-you.html
The dress
&
Edited October 15, 2024
Capturing images – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/capturing-images-v2_25.html
&
Written and posted October 15, 2024
You are my lifeline
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/you-are-my-lifeline_25.html
&
Written and posted October 12, 2024
Tell them that you love them
Typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/tell-them-that-you-love-them_25.html
&
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
she is my goddess, my muse – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/she-is-my-goddess-my-muse-v2_25.html
&
Written and posted October 11, 2024
she is my goddess, my muse
typed on word October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/she-is-my-goddess-my-muse.html
&
Written and posted October 11, 2024
our hearts no longer separate
typed on word October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/our-hearts-no-longer-separate_25.html
&
Written and posted October 8, 2024
My body aches for you
Typed October 19, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-body-aches-for-you_24.html
&
Written and posted October 8, 2024
I imagine our lovemaking
Typed October 19, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-imagine-our-lovemaking.html
&
Written and posted October 4, 2024
You are my dream
typed on word October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/you-are-my-dream_24.html
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
as my world fell into darkness
typed on word October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/as-my-world-fell-into-darkness_24.html  
about the night of October 2, 2024
&
Written and posted October 2, 2024
my black-haired maiden
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-black-haired-maiden_24.html
after poem, “my black-haired maiden”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 15, 2024
In my dream, darling
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-my-dream-darling_23.html
Written and posted October 1, 2024
In my dream
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-my-dream_23.html
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
Standing before you
Typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/standing-before-you.html
The dress
&
Written and posted September 30, 2024
Capturing images
Typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/capturing-images.html
&
Edited and posted September 29, 2024
Your Face – 2 – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/your-face-2-v3.html
Edited and posted September 29, 2024
Your Face – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/your-face-2-v2.html
Written and posted September 29, 2024
Your face - 2
Typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/your-face-2.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, face, images, Ukraine, beauty, love, resolve, war, service, sacrifice, dress, model, wife, husband, Taras Shevchenko, love making, romance,
 
#Poetry #face #images #Ukraine #beauty #love #resolve #war #service #sacrifice #dress #model #romance #wife #TarasShevchenko #husband #lovemaking