Touching Her Face – v3

A whisper of a smile,
rising on my face,
thinking once again
of that moment 18 years ago…
 
Like white-gloved hands,
at a summer cotillion,
sipping a mint julep
so were the petals of the sunflower
touching her face, her cheek…
 
Oh so delicately, so demurely,
brushing her face, as in a whisper,
pensive pose, thoughtful girl, watchful,
perhaps for an appropriate suitor…
 
Getting the vapors
at the sight of him,
shyly touching the corner
of her pursed mouth, her cheek,
at the sight of him...
 
-------------------
Edited March 16, 2025
Touching Her Face – v3
 
edited March 24, 2022
Touching Her Face – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/touching-her-face-v2.html
August 25, 2007 8:15
Touching Her Face
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/08/touching-her-face.html
sunflower opening
 
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, love, Nature, creator, hands, senses, touch, Faith, hope, sun, summer, God, sunflower,
 
#poetry #love #Nature #creator #hands #senses #touch #Faith #hope #sun #summer #God #sunflower

A #Sunflower Grows – v3 #Ukraine

Day by day, stronger,
a seed grows, a hope,
taller and taller, resurgent,
climbing toward the sun
yearning, striving, into the light…
 
Ants and beetles, locusts,
nibble, shred its leaves, injured;
but it grows, it still grows, stronger,
chartreuse, bright green, vibrant green
verdant green, youthful, living, alive…
 
Needing the sky, the sun, the light,
four feet and more still, growing,
a single head, ready to unfurl
to burst forth, in glory, in praise,
singing a song for our Creator God…
 
Triumphant in blooming
vivid yellow, like the sun,
the beauty of their nation, their people
standing tall against the clear blue sky,
never far from the rich black soil,
the land they fight for, they love...

 
--------------
Edited March 15, 2025
A Sunflower Grows – v3
 
edited March 15, 2022
A Sunflower Grows – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-sunflower-grows-v2.html
July 29, 2006 21:15
edited July 30, 2006 9:33
A Sunflower Grows
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/07/sunflower-grows_30.html
&
edited May 8, 2018
Flowers Ablaze – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/05/flowers-ablaze-v2.html
October 15, 2006 15:56
Flowers Ablaze
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/10/flowers-ablaze.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
creator, Faith, faith poetry, Family, flowers, God, hope, light, Nature, senses, blue, yellow, poem, poetry, Shanequa, Ukraine,
 
#creator #Faith #Family #flowers #God #hope #light #Nature #blue #yellow #sunflowers #poetry #poem #Ukraine #StandWithUkraine

Sausage - v5

A short tale of whimsy, a trifle,

a bit of confection, of spice,

Forget the frank, the hot dog - 

Give me the Fenway sausage.

Lansdowne or Yawkey, just give me the street, 

the crowds, the carts, the smells.

Sausage you shrug, you, the reader,

of this trifle, this whimsy - 

What do I mean, me the storyteller?

Read on, won’t you please.

Sliced bell peppers and big chunks of onions

gathered, lathered on the fresh bun,

they tempt the palate, tease the tongue,

open wide the bun and spread hot mustard

set the stage, the moment, for the star,

the scorched and blackened piece of meat

reminds me of every sausage, each one, 

I have ever eaten before...

So much memory, in the tastes,

treasure beyond measure, of family and fun

of ballgames, tailgates, and the carnie;

a cacophony of moments

dripping with that t same grease.

Do you smell it too, sizzling,

on the smoky hot grill?

My lips curl with a smirk, a laugh,

as i write these lines for you,

as I laugh to myself, again,

of the pleasures of excess

and the lusty gluttony

of eating. . . another one.

============== 

Edited October 8, 2024

Sausage - v6

Edited August 21, 2023

Sausage – v4

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/08/sausage-v4.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. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

On the side of their house – v3

On the side of their house,
around the bulkhead,
between their yard,
and their neighbor’s driveway,
not much there in general,
A forgotten space…
 
But there, as they were long before,
the sweet nectar of the lilies,
Lilies of the Valley, ready
which went in her bouquet,
when she became his wife,
there still long after, fragrance,
rising to my eyes, to my nose,
A delight for my senses…
 
Picking them, pulled,
out of the earth, pebbles and moss,
below the gutters of the house,
Running in their backdoor, breathless,
through the porch, over the threshold,
and around the dogs, jumping,
handing her my little bouquet,
her face smiling, aglow…
 
Back outside, into the sun,
running with siblings and cousins,
playing, running, hiding,
spending part of the day,
at my grandparents’ home,
Maybe when I was six or seven…
 
---------------------
Edited June 18, 2024
On the side of their house – v3
 
My mother and grandmother
Edited May 30, 2024
On the side of their house – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/on-side-of-their-house-v2.html
February 12, 2010
On the side of their house
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/on-side-of-their-house-repost.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/02/on-side-of-their-house.html
Mid to later in the 1960’s
15 Bates Street, Westfield, MA
Edited May 29, 2024
A Line of Chartreuse Blooms – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-line-of-chartreuse-blooms-v3.html
edited April 7, 2022
Little White Bells – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/little-white-bells-lanterns-hanging.html
edited April 6, 2022
Gathering her mother’s lilies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/gathering-her-mothers-lilies-v3.html
&
October 9, 2010
In Their Fragrance and Their Colors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-their-fragrance-and-their-colors.html
written as birthday gift
for my mother, Patricia Cobb,
on the occasion of her 75th birthday
October 9, 2010
&
May 21, 2009
Little White Bells
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/05/little-white-bells.html
corner of Prospect and Broadway,
Suncook, NH
&
May 1, 2008
A Line of Chartreuse Blooms
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/05/line-of-chartreuse-blooms.html
&
May 22, 2005
Lily of the Valley – 1999
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2005/08/lily-of-valley-1999.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, family, memories, nature, senses, Poetry Where You Live, sun, God, creation, grace, beauty, faith, smell, lily of the valley, bouquet, flowers, mother, grandmother, wedding, lilies,
 
#poetry #family #memories #nature #senses #sun #God #creation #grace #beauty #faith #smell #lilyofthevalley #bouquet #flowers #mother #grandmother #wedding #lilies

On the side of their house – v2

On the side of their house,
around the bulkhead,
between their yard,
and their neighbor’s driveway,
not much there in general,
A forgotten space…
 
But there, as they had been long before,
the sweet nectar of the lilies,
Lilies of the Valley,
which went in her bouquet,
when she became his wife,
there still long after, fragrance,
rising to my eyes, to my nose,
A delight for my senses…
 
Picking them, pulled,
up out of the earth,
small rocks and moss,
below the gutters of the house,
Coming in their backdoor,
through the porch, the threshold,
and around the dogs, jumping,
handing her my little bouquet,
Her face smiling, aglow…
 
Back outside, into the sun,
running with siblings and cousins,
playing, running, hiding,
spending part of the day,
at my grandparents’ home,
Maybe when I was six or seven…
 
---------------------
Edited May 30, 2024
On the side of their house – v2
 
February 12, 2010
On the side of their house
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/on-side-of-their-house-repost.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/02/on-side-of-their-house.html
Mid to later in the 1960’s
15 Bates Street, Westfield, MA
Edited May 29, 2024
A Line of Chartreuse Blooms – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-line-of-chartreuse-blooms-v3.html
edited April 7, 2022
Little White Bells – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/little-white-bells-lanterns-hanging.html
edited April 6, 2022
Gathering her mother’s lilies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/gathering-her-mothers-lilies-v3.html
&
October 9, 2010
In Their Fragrance and Their Colors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-their-fragrance-and-their-colors.html
written as birthday gift
for my mother, Patricia Cobb,
on the occasion of her 75th birthday
October 9, 2010
&
May 21, 2009
Little White Bells
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/05/little-white-bells.html
corner of Prospect and Broadway,
Suncook, NH
&
May 1, 2008
A Line of Chartreuse Blooms
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/05/line-of-chartreuse-blooms.html
&
May 22, 2005
Lily of the Valley – 1999
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2005/08/lily-of-valley-1999.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, family, memories, nature, senses, Poetry Where You Live, sun, God, creation, grace, beauty, faith, smell, lily of the valley, bouquet, flowers, mother, grandmother, wedding, lilies,
 
#poetry #family #memories #nature #senses #sun #God #creation #grace #beauty #faith #smell #lilyofthevalley #bouquet #flowers #mother #grandmother #wedding #lilies

Holding onto #Time – v2

Gazing off toward the rising light
catching my eager eyes, morning,
a trunk, not yet fallen, erect, in death,
a regal birch remains, ramrod straight…
 
Beyond the edge of this still glade,
illumined by the morning sunlight,
poison ivy climbing up its truck,
fungus tiered up its side,
nests of birds dwelling inside…
 
No longer are there limbs,
yet worthy none the less,
the regal birch within the glade
has yet much to teach to us…
 
Standing through life’s trials,
ever changing, still usefulness,
teaching us about life, aging,
of living within community,
and accepting the part we play…
 
-----------------
Edited May 29, 2024
Holding onto Time – v2
 
September 28, 2011
Holding onto Time
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/09/holding-onto-time.html
Rolling Ridge Day Apart Retreat
www.rollingridge.org
“Poetry, Nature, and the Language of the Land”
http://www.rollingridge.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/WEB-Poetry-Nature-and-Language.pdf
led by Ray McGinnis
http://www.writetotheheart.com/
Write to the Heart workshops
 
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, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, nature, memories, God, creation, sky, night, writing poetry, river, water, imagination, senses, eyes, cold, sight, hearing, faith, sound,
 
#Poetry #nature #memories #God #creation #sky #night #writing #river #water #imagination #senses #eyes #cold #sight #hearing #faith #sound

A Line of Chartreuse Blooms – v3

Chartreuse blooms, living for a week at most,
flowers of the maple trees lining Maple Street
little bells, green lilies of the valleys,
bright yellow-green buttercups on the branches,
striving, yearning skyward, joyful, emotive,
bouquets, bursting, shining in the April-May sun…
 
Soon they will fall away and the supple new leaves
will stiffen, turgid like butterfly wings,
with Kelly green, darker hues of summer
But for a regal moment, even the trees bloom
in vivid bright colors, awakening,
a line of chartreuse blooms alive, glowing....
 
----------------
Edited May 29, 2024
A Line of Chartreuse Blooms – v3
 
edited April 7, 2022
Little White Bells – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/little-white-bells-lanterns-hanging.html
edited April 6, 2022
Gathering her mother’s lilies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/gathering-her-mothers-lilies-v3.html
&
October 9, 2010
In Their Fragrance and Their Colors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-their-fragrance-and-their-colors.html
written as birthday gift
for my mother, Patricia Cobb,
on the occasion of her 75th birthday
October 9, 2010
&
February 12, 2010
On the side of their house
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/02/on-side-of-their-house.html
Mid to later in the 1960’s
15 Bates Street, Westfield, MA
&
May 21, 2009
Little White Bells
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/05/little-white-bells.html
corner of Prospect and Broadway,
Suncook, NH
&
May 1, 2008
A Line of Chartreuse Blooms
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/05/line-of-chartreuse-blooms.html
&
May 22, 2005
Lily of the Valley – 1999
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2005/08/lily-of-valley-1999.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, family, memories, nature, senses, Poetry Where You Live, sun, God, creation, grace, beauty, faith, smell, lily of the valley, bouquet, flowers, mother, grandmother, wedding, lilies,
 
#poetry #family #memories #nature #senses #sun #God #creation #grace #beauty #faith #smell #lilyofthevalley #bouquet #flowers #mother #grandmother #wedding #lilies

Resolute in her defiance

Staring straight at the camera,
resolute in her defiance, certain,
she would not let the cancer diagnosis,
define her, her life,
her path, her choices,
next steps she would take...
 
She was scared, terrified,
crying, shaken, devastated,
as in an abusive relationship,
but she was strong, defiant,
ready for what came next,
for whatever it takes...
 
Ten years later, thinking,
about that awful moment,
the cancer long in remission,
two children later, a future,
what she had dreamed of,
what she had made at last...
 
--------------
March 25, 2024
Resolute in her defiance
 
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1772288426726863138
March 25, 2024
post on the Realistic Poetry Twitter page,
https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry
short video of woman in tears
“How poetic can you be?
Take a few minutes to write a short poem
about what you see! Have fun and be creative!”
https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry/status/1772284473838879074
https://www.realisticpoetry.com/communitypage/poetry-picture-prompts/how-poetic-can-you-be-15
 
poetry, writing poetry, woman, crying, cancer, remission, survival, triumph, imagination, art, beauty, senses, eyes, power, Realistic Poetry, video prompt, writing prompt,
 
poetry #writing poetry #woman #crying #cancer #remission #survival #triumph #imagination #art #beauty #senses #eyes #power #RealisticPoetry #videoprompt #writingprompt

the skin of an ancient reptile – v5

bright green, various shades,
the skin of an ancient reptile, conjured,
a DNA sample, reborn, alive, a cityscape,
of arteries and capillaries, pulsing,
in close-up, under the microscope,
far from its razor-sharp teeth…
 
a creature, a life force, reborn,
alive in the image, this moment,
captured before it withered, dying,
separated from the vine, water, life-force,
knitted within time, in space,
in the blessings of this place…
 
supple leather of the leaf, its flesh,
the skin of an ancient reptile,
revealed before its all-to-soon dying,
pulling the eye to drink, to linger,
to ponder, to revel in its beauty.
fleeting though it may be…
 
==================
Edited March 11, 2024
the skin of an ancient reptile – v5
 
edited September 28, 2019
the skin of an ancient reptile – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-skin-of-ancient-reptile-v4.html
edited July 7, 2018
the skin of an ancient reptile – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-skin-of-ancient-reptile-v3.html
adding a third stanza
edited July 7, 2018
the skin of an ancient reptile – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-skin-of-ancient-reptile-v2.html
July 7, 2018
late spring, early summer
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/late-spring-early-summer.html
July 7, 2018
the living map rolled out – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-living-map-rolled-out-v2.html
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1015571474508341248
July 7, 2018
the living map rolled out
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-living-map-rolled-out.html
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1015567765057474560
July 7, 2018
the skin of an ancient reptile
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-skin-of-ancient-reptile.html
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1015560459808894976
challenge post on twitter page
“How poetic can you be? Write a short poem about what you see!”
picture of a leaf
https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry/status/1015271966268198912
Realistic Poetry
https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry/
 
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, color, description, writing poetry, shade, hue, language, nature, image, imagination, photograph, art, beauty, alive, senses, eyes, power,
 
#poetry #color #description #writingpoetry #shade #hue #words #language #nature #image #imagination #photograph #art #beauty #alive #senses #eyes #power
 
-----------------
poetry, spring, summery, green, autumn, creator, Faith, God, good soil, grace, hope, leaves, maple trees, Nature, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, senses, sight, touch, Writing Poetry,
 
#poetry #spring #summer #autumn #brown #creator #Faith #God #grace #green #hope #leaves #maple #Nature #senses #sight #touch #Writing #photograph #photography #imagination #colors #vibrant #alive #life #living #joy #dinosaurs

Seeking to #describe #Color – v2 #poetry #writingpoetry

In so many poems, too many to number,

seeking to describe color, to explain,
nuance, variations, shades, and hues,
textures even, weight, and wetness…
 
Speaking in language of senses, of truth, finality,
when there is no anchor, whimsy only,
no scale to measure, no frame of reference,
no gage, no wheel, really, nothing to reference…
 
So much is subjective, proprietary language,
a palette for merchandise, another for nature,
living color on a canvas, on living sculpture,
in living things, creatures, in the natural world…
 
In shapes, alive in the moment, my experience,
in woods, on the seashore, in frozen images,
too many to number, striving, yearning,
to make the color, the words just right…
 
---------------------
New March 11, 2024
Painting with a brush filled with Stars
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/painting-with-brush-filled-with-stars.html
Edited March 11, 2024
A Boldness of the Colors – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-boldness-of-colors-v3.html
Edited/New March 11, 2024
Painting with a brush filled with dew
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/painting-with-brush-filled-with-dew.html
New March 11, 2024
Each droplet of dew placed
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/each-droplet-of-dew-placed.html
Edited March 11, 2024
Each drop breathed, a prayer – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/each-drop-breathed-prayer-v2.html
Edited March 11, 2024
A Cup of Berries – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-cup-of-berries-v6.html
Edited March 11, 2024
Open and Inviting – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/open-and-inviting-v2.html
Edited March 10, 2024
Living flesh shimmering – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/living-flesh-shimmering-v2.html
&
Edited March 8, 2024
Seeking to describe Color
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/seeking-to-describe-color.html
March 8, 2024
Seeking to define Color
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/seeking-to-define-color.html
&
edited March 4, 2017
The Colors of Our Gardens – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-colors-of-our-gardens-v2.html
&
edited August 2, 2014
Why is Blue, Blue – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/08/why-is-blue-blue-v2.html
&
edited October 20, 2018
Reds – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/reds-v4.html
edited September 30, 2017
&
Edited October 6, 2023
Dipping my brush – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/10/dipping-my-brush-v2.html
September 1, 2023
About range of art on display at
Art Studio, by the Pier,
St. Augustine, Florida
&
Edited February 1, 2024
Painting in shades of light – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/painting-in-shades-of-light-v2.html
&
edited October 27, 2015
His Palette of Autumn – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/his-palette-of-autumn-v5.html
&
March 8, 2024
Living flesh shimmering
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/living-flesh-shimmering.html
Inspired by picture of
JL Black Ruby plumeria bloom
March 8, 2024
posted by Clark Little
on his Facebook page
&
March 7, 2024
Kissed by the breath of morning – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/kissed-by-breath-of-morning-v4.html
Inspired by picture of
Nebels Gold Plumeria bloom
March 6, 2024
posted by Clark Little
on his Facebook page
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Kissed by the breath of morning – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/kissed-by-breath-of-morning-v3.html
inspired by picture of
Light yellow Plumeria bloom
February 12, 2024
posted by Clark Little
on his Facebook page
 
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.
---------------
faith, God, God’s purpose, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, Christ, father, son, love, The Shack, trinity, Holy Spirit, wisdom, Proverbs, light, mother, garden, dance,
 
#faith #God #purpose #Christ #father #son #love #TheShack #trinity #Spirit #mother #Savior #dance #communion
 
----------------
apple, blood, blue, brown, creator, Faith, God, gold, green, hope, Nature, orange, Poetry Where You Live, rainbow, red, sky, taste, texture, white, yellow, spectrum,
 
#apple #blood #blue #brown #creator #Faith #God #gold #green #Nature #orange #rainbow #red #sky #taste #texture #white #yellow #spectrum
 
---------------
blood, Faith, fire, home, hope, light, memories, Nature, New Hampshire, October, Photos, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, rainbow, sky, sun, autumn, color, America, reds,
 
#blood #eyes #Faith #fire #fruit #home #hope #light #memories #Nature #NH #October #orange #Photos #poetry #rainbow #sky #sun #yellow #autumn #color #America #candyapple #merlot #burgundy #fireengine #leaves #maple #poplar #birch
 
---------------------
Poetry, spirit, light, water, wind, earth, fire, air, sky, wood, metal, beach, ocean, art, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, artists, St. Augustine,
 
#poetry #poetrycommunity #writerslift #spirit #light #water #earth #fire #wind #air #sky #wood #metal #elements #beach #ocean #sculpture #ceramics #art #photography #artists #StAugustine
 
--------------------
poetry, painting, art, nature, baseball, photography, face portrait painting, light, sunshine, Graig Kreindler,
 
#poetry #painting #art #nature #baseball #photography #face #portraitpainting #light #sunshine #poetrycommunity #poetrytwitter
------------------
sun, nature, New Hampshire, Poetry Where You Live, Faith, Raymond A. Foss, God, color,  winter, spring, summer, flowers, bright, pastel, light green, slumber, awakening, autumn, fall,
 
‪#sun ‪#nature ‪#NH ‪#Faith ‪#God ‪#color #winter ‪#spring ‪#sky #blue #green #awakening #rising #hope #promise #autumn #fall
 
---------------
poetry, flower, Hawaii, beauty, Nebels Gold, plumeria, blossom, morning, awakening, dew, gelato, butter crème, lemon, sorbet, yellow, creation, joy, spiral, creme fraiche,
 
#poetry #flower #Hawaii #beauty #NebelsGold #plumeria #blossom #morning #awakening #dew #gelato #buttercrème #lemon #sorbet #yellow #creation #joy #spiral #cremefraiche
 
-------------
poetry, flower, Hawaii, beauty, JL Black Ruby, plumeria, ruby, blossom, dew, gelato, sorbet, color, boysenberry sorbet, red, purple, creation, joy, spiral, opening,
 
#poetry #flower #Hawaii #beauty #JLBlackRuby #plumeria #ruby #blossom #dew #gelato #sorbet #color #boysenberrysorbet #red #purple #creation #joy #spiral #opening
 
-----------------
poetry, color, description, writing poetry, shade, hue, language, nature, image, imagination, photograph, art, beauty, alive, senses, power,
 
#poetry #color #description #writingpoetry #shade #hue #words #language #nature #image #imagination #photograph #art #beauty #alive #senses #power

Edited March 11, 2024

the skin of an ancient reptile – v5

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-skin-of-ancient-reptile-v5.html

Edited March 11, 2024

our quest continues – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/our-quest-continues-v2.html

Edited March 11, 2024

A saturation of green – v4

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-saturation-of-green-v4.html

Edited March 10, 2024

Apricot and Periwinkle – v8

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/apricot-and-periwinkle-v8.html

Edited March 10, 2024

A Violet Shawl – v6

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-violet-shawl-v6.html

Edited March 10, 2024

Seeking to describe Color – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/seeking-to-describe-color-v2.html

Seeking to describe #Color

In so many poems, too many to number,
seeking to describe color, to define,
nuance, the variations, shades, hues,
textures even, weight, and wetness…
 
Speaking in language of truth, finality,
when there is no anchor, whimsy only,
no scale to measure, no frame of reference,
no gage, no wheel, nothing to count against…
 
So much is subjective, proprietary language,
a palette for merchandise, another for nature,
living color on a canvas, on living sculpture,
in living things, creatures, in the world…
 
In shapes, alive in the moment, experience,
in woods, on the seashore, in images,
too many to number, striving, yearning,
to get the color, the words just right…
 
---------------------
Edited March 8, 2024
Seeking to describe Color
 
March 8, 2024
Seeking to define Color
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/seeking-to-define-color.html
&
edited March 4, 2017
The Colors of Our Gardens – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-colors-of-our-gardens-v2.html
&
edited August 2, 2014
Why is Blue, Blue – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/08/why-is-blue-blue-v2.html
&
edited October 20, 2018
Reds – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/reds-v4.html
edited September 30, 2017
&
Edited October 6, 2023
Dipping my brush – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/10/dipping-my-brush-v2.html
September 1, 2023
About range of art on display at
Art Studio, by the Pier,
St. Augustine, Florida
&
Edited February 1, 2024
Painting in shades of light – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/painting-in-shades-of-light-v2.html
&
edited October 27, 2015
His Palette of Autumn – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/his-palette-of-autumn-v5.html
&
March 8, 2024
Living flesh shimmering
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/living-flesh-shimmering.html
Inspired by picture of
JL Black Ruby plumeria bloom
March 8, 2024
posted by Clark Little
on his Facebook page
&
March 7, 2024
Kissed by the breath of morning – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/kissed-by-breath-of-morning-v4.html
Inspired by picture of
Nebels Gold Plumeria bloom
March 6, 2024
posted by Clark Little
on his Facebook page
&
Edited February 13, 2024
Kissed by the breath of morning – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/02/kissed-by-breath-of-morning-v3.html
inspired by picture of
Light yellow Plumeria bloom
February 12, 2024
posted by Clark Little
on his Facebook page
 
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.
---------------
faith, God, God’s purpose, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, Christ, father, son, love, The Shack, trinity, Holy Spirit, wisdom, Proverbs, light, mother, garden, dance,
 
#faith #God #purpose #Christ #father #son #love #TheShack #trinity #Spirit #mother #Savior #dance #communion
 
----------------
apple, blood, blue, brown, creator, Faith, God, gold, green, hope, Nature, orange, Poetry Where You Live, rainbow, red, sky, taste, texture, white, yellow, spectrum,
 
#apple #blood #blue #brown #creator #Faith #God #gold #green #Nature #orange #rainbow #red #sky #taste #texture #white #yellow #spectrum
 
---------------
blood, Faith, fire, home, hope, light, memories, Nature, New Hampshire, October, Photos, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, rainbow, sky, sun, autumn, color, America, reds,
 
#blood #eyes #Faith #fire #fruit #home #hope #light #memories #Nature #NH #October #orange #Photos #poetry #rainbow #sky #sun #yellow #autumn #color #America #candyapple #merlot #burgundy #fireengine #leaves #maple #poplar #birch
 
---------------------
Poetry, spirit, light, water, wind, earth, fire, air, sky, wood, metal, beach, ocean, art, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, artists, St. Augustine,
 
#poetry #poetrycommunity #writerslift #spirit #light #water #earth #fire #wind #air #sky #wood #metal #elements #beach #ocean #sculpture #ceramics #art #photography #artists #StAugustine
 
--------------------
poetry, painting, art, nature, baseball, photography, face portrait painting, light, sunshine, Graig Kreindler,
 
#poetry #painting #art #nature #baseball #photography #face #portraitpainting #light #sunshine #poetrycommunity #poetrytwitter
------------------
sun, nature, New Hampshire, Poetry Where You Live, Faith, Raymond A. Foss, God, color,  winter, spring, summer, flowers, bright, pastel, light green, slumber, awakening, autumn, fall,
 
‪#sun ‪#nature ‪#NH ‪#Faith ‪#God ‪#color #winter ‪#spring ‪#sky #blue #green #awakening #rising #hope #promise #autumn #fall
 
---------------
poetry, flower, Hawaii, beauty, Nebels Gold, plumeria, blossom, morning, awakening, dew, gelato, butter crème, lemon, sorbet, yellow, creation, joy, spiral, creme fraiche,
 
#poetry #flower #Hawaii #beauty #NebelsGold #plumeria #blossom #morning #awakening #dew #gelato #buttercrème #lemon #sorbet #yellow #creation #joy #spiral #cremefraiche
 
-------------
poetry, flower, Hawaii, beauty, JL Black Ruby, plumeria, ruby, blossom, dew, gelato, sorbet, color, boysenberry sorbet, red, purple, creation, joy, spiral, opening,
 
#poetry #flower #Hawaii #beauty #JLBlackRuby #plumeria #ruby #blossom #dew #gelato #sorbet #color #boysenberrysorbet #red #purple #creation #joy #spiral #opening
 
-----------------
poetry, color, description, writing poetry, shade, hue, language, nature, image, imagination, photograph, art, beauty, alive, senses, eyes, power,
 
#poetry #color #description #writingpoetry #shade #hue #words #language #nature #image #imagination #photograph #art #beauty #alive #senses #eyes #power

Pink Slides – v3

I saw her for but a split second,
driving down Canal toward home,
off to the left, next to me, behind me,
almost over my shoulder.
 
Something didn’t fit,
caught my eye,
even in peripheral vision,
made me look again, shake my head,
try to make sense of the look,
the affect she was going for;
Strange.
 
No, there was something wrong,
out of step, disjointed,
something that caught me,
in that slack space,
making me pause, close to home,
breaking me from the auto-pilot.
 
It was the shoes, her shoes.
 
Her top was pink, nothing special,
she worn grey flare jersey pants,
anything but Capri,
scalloped and stitched at the bottom,
in the old days, they would have been called sweats,
that made sense, just a block down from Curves.
 
But they weren’t matched to the top,
They were matched, paired,
to her pink strap slides;
They were the thing that didn’t fit,
made me look again,
far too formal.
 
They may not have had spiked heels; but they were,
shoes she would have worn out to cocktails last night,
the bars on Elm Street, or darker ones, closer to the water,
shoes for the club scene, not a stroll down on Canal…
 
Incongruous on the sidewalk,
in the middle of the day,
in the sunlight, harsh, revealing,
visible for a moment,
as she strutted down, purposefully,
heading toward the bridge.
 
-----
Edited January 26, 2024
Pink slides – v3
 
Edited November 5, 2012
Pink Slides – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/pink-slides-v2.html
June 24, 2006 20:24
Pink Slides
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/06/pink-slides.html
And no, I have no idea what she looked like.
 
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.
 
America, colors, shoes, Driving, eyes, faith poetry, Family, God, home, June, light, Manchester NH, New Hampshire, pink, poem, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, senses, Writing Poetry
 
#shoes #America #colors #Driving #eyes #Family #God #light #ManchesterNH #NH #pink #poem #poetry #senses #Writing

Stilling myself, silent – v4

Pushing out onto the water
leaving the car, the landing,
stilling myself, silent,
letting go of the day, its troubles,
sitting in darkness, adjusting my eyes,
the paddle across my lap, feathered,
dripping silently in the starlight.
 
Listening to nature all around me
crickets, a breeze in the grasses,
feeling darkness like a blanket
late enough for people to be asleep,
water calm, reflecting,
alone with the loons, beavers,
other denizens of the night.
 
Drinking in this moment
the stillness inviting,
Lifting the day, the stress,
water warm to my touch,
letting the sounds, the sights,
smells of summer bleed,
melt into my life.
 
---------------  
Edited January 25, 2024
Stilling myself, silent – v4
 
edited January 25, 2022
Stilling myself, silent – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/stilling-myself-silent-v3.html
&
edited January 24, 2022
The Milky Way above me – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-milky-way-above-me-v2.html
&
January 3, 2022
The bear cub
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-bear-cub.html
About drive out of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
after 2019 Stars Over Katahdin dark skies event. 
Drafted after reading first part of poem "Clapp's Brook" by Mary Oliver.
&
edited January 1, 2021
Looking across the valley - v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2021/02/looking-across-valley-v2.html
February 1, 2021
Looking across the valley
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2021/02/looking-across-valley.htmll
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1356233398117920769
https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm
https://baxterstatepark.org//
seeing Mount Katahdin from Ash Hill, Route 11, Patten, ME ;
title a nod to LeGrand Cannon, Jr.’s book, Look to the Mountain,
about Mt. Chocorua in NH
&
edited January 24, 2022
Dip your cup into memory – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/dip-your-cup-into-memory-v2.html
&
edited January 24, 2022
Stilling myself, silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/stilling-myself-silent-v2.html
January 24, 2022
Stilling myself, silent
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/stilling-myself-silent.html
January 24, 2022
Dip your cup into memory
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/dip-your-cup-into-memory.html
January 24, 2022
The Milky Way above me
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-milky-way-above-me.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-milky-way-above-me_24.html
&
edited January 24, 2022
Moonlight – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/moonlight-v3.html
&
edited January 19, 2022
Shimmering in the full-moon light – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/shimmering-in-full-moon-light-v3.html
edited January 18, 2022
Shimmering in the full-moon light – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/shimmering-in-full-moon-light-v2.html
January 18, 2022
Shimmering in the full-moon light
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/01/shimmering-in-full-moon-light.html
driving over the Route 16 bridge/causeway over the St. Johns River
&
edited December 28, 2015
Moonlight – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/12/moonlight-v2.html
posted February 10, 2004
written August 16, 2000
Moonlight
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2004/02/moonlight.html
Written August 16, 2000 at 11:30pm, after paddling
on the lake after the School Board meeting ran late.
&
December 26, 2021
Bursting, rising
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2021/12/bursting-rising.html
edited March 10, 2020
by the side of a lake – v5
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1237525423459721217
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2020/03/by-side-of-lake-v5.html
edited March 8, 2020
by the side of a lake – v4
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236658755405778944
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2020/03/by-side-of-lake-v4.html
stanza 1 – https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236658184066039814
stanza 2 – https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236656401197432832
edited March 8, 2020
by the side of a lake – v3
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236649623726546944
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2020/03/by-side-of-lake-v3.html
stanza 1 – https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236648812279730179
stanza 2 – https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236648239019036672
edited March 8, 2020
by the side of a lake – v2
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236638070516129794
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2020/03/by-side-of-lake-v2.html
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236637374282641411
March 8, 2020
by the side of a lake
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236629369256321024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2020/03/by-side-of-lake.html
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236628321573785600
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1236625326416883714
written in response to a question
on Realistic Poetry
https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry/status/1236457843055669248
“Many poets believe poetry is an escape.
If your poetry could take you anywhere to temporarily escape,
where would it be and why?”
 
======
edited August 21, 2015
Breaking Camp – v7
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/08/breaking-camp-v7.html
(editing version 3)
edited July 18, 2015
Breaking Camp – v6
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/07/breaking-camp-v6.html
(editing version 5)
edited April 21, 2015
The Skin of the Lake – v7
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-skin-of-lake-v7.html
(editing original)
edited April 21, 2015
Breaking Camp – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/breaking-camp-v5.html
(editing original again)
edited April 19, 2015
The Skin of the Lake – v6
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-skin-of-lake-v6-skin-of-lake-sliced.html
(editing original again)
edited April 17, 2015
The Skin of the Lake – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-skin-of-lake-v5.html
(editing version 4)
edited April 16, 2015
Flowing North – v4
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/flowing-north-v4.html
(editing version 3)
edited April 16, 2015
the spell of the night – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-spell-of-night-v3.html
(editing version 2)
edited April 16, 2015
Under the Stars – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/under-stars-v3.html
(editing version 2)
edited April 16, 2015
The Ledges – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-ledges-v5.html
(editing version 4)
edited April 15, 2015
Breaking Camp – v4
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/breaking-camp-v4.html
(editing version 3)
Edited May 4, 2013
“The Skin of the Lake – v4
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-skin-of-lake-v4.html
Edited February 23, 2013
“The Skin of the Lake – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-skin-of-lake-v3.html
Edited February 23, 2013
“The Skin of the Lake – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-skin-of-lake-v2.html
July 28, 2010
“The Skin of the Lake”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/skin-of-lake.html
-----
edited April 16, 2015
The Ledges – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-ledges-v5.html
(editing version 4)
edited May 2, 2013
“the spell of the night – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-spell-of-night-v2.html
new poem, February 23, 2013
“the spell of the night”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-spell-of-night.html
&
Edited February 23, 2013
“The Skin of the Lake – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-skin-of-lake-v3.html
Edited February 23, 2013
“The Skin of the Lake – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-skin-of-lake-v2.html
July 28, 2010
“The Skin of the Lake”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/skin-of-lake.html
&
Edited May 4, 2013
“Under the Stars – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/under-stars-v2.html
July 19, 2007 21:28
“Under the Stars”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/07/under-stars.html
&
edited April 14, 2014
“Breaking Camp – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/04/breaking-camp-v3.html
(editing original again)
Edited May 4, 2013
“Breaking Camp – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/breaking-camp-v2.html
November 23, 2006 18:00
“Breaking Camp”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/11/breaking-camp.html
&
edited December 7, 2014
Free Time – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/free-time-v3.html
edited May 28, 2014
Free Time – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/05/free-time-v2.html
posted May 24, 2004
Free Time
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2004/05/free-time.html
saved March 26, 2004
&
Edited November 2, 2013
“The Ledges – v4”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ledges-v4.html
Edited May 4, 2013
“The Ledges – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-ledges-v3.html
Edited September 20, 2012
“The Ledges – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-ledges-v2.html
editing the original again
inspired by reading it at Poets’ Corner
monthly poetry reading,
at the Suncook Senior Center
September 10, 2012
 “The Ledges”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2004/02/ledges.html
Written July 14, 2000.
It is based on a single night in the summer of 1977 when I was part of a group from Claremont's Stevens High School that canoed the Allagash in northern Maine.
http://www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=2
Allagash Wilderness Waterway
&
It was the third and final major canoe trip I went on (Saco River in 1975 starting in Fryeburg, ME, Allagash in 1976-July-ish when it was warmer and slower). This trip was earlier, in May, when the water ran faster and the time was spent moving down river with the flow of the river. Nights were a lot cooler and the food was a lot different. Many of us had bad hypothermia the first night because it was a cold rain and none of us had unpacked our bags to pull out the foul weather gear. I remember well having to strip off all of my cold wet clothes and sharing a sleeping bag with another camper. The night written about here started innocently enough. We arrived at this particular campsite on Eagle Lake (or Churchill Lake) earlier than normal, because of the river's current. We all set up each tent and set the dinner fire going. I think it was fried bologna. We all turned in early. We were tired. The moon rose before 11. There were ants and black flies everywhere. One of the campers had to sit by the fire at each campsite to ward off the black flies. Anyway, one by one we all realized we weren't going to sleep any more that night. Before am, we were all pacing around, uneasy. The leaders all agreed to put out for the next camp. We weren't in any rush at am though. This was the way I felt about this night. After we put in mid morning at the next site, I remember the wonderful brook trout we caught and I can still taste it, twenty-three years later. I think these times, when I was moving from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, when I was canoeing the Saco and then the Allagash were some of the happiest of my high school days. On the 1976 trip, from Massachusetts, I found the canoe paddle I wrote about in the poem "Wind" I always talked about going back to the Allagash; but I have never gone back. It wasn't until 22 years later that I finally got my canoe again.
 
 
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