Thirty-Five Years of #Life #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland

Thirty-five years of life
of Ukraine’s independence,
shaking off chains of empire
the curse of many generations
unwilling to be subjects
to be slaves, serfs,
of their largest neighbor...
Unwilling to submit
to Moskal’s army...
 
Thirty-five years of fight
for full independence
to chart their own course
to stand as a free people
no longer slaves to tyrants
reclaiming what was taken
what was stolen from them
by the Bolsheviks, by the Tsar...
Yet always yearning to be free...
 
Thirty-five years of Moscow’s lie,
of the Soviets and the Tsars before them,
that they were one people
when Ukraine yearns to be free,
they have fought for independence,
they have been starved and deported...
Nothing of this is neighborly,
trying to erase Ukraine,
to make it a vassal state...
 
Thirty-five years of independence,
fighting for autonomy, survival,
twelve years of invasion of war,
of genocide by their neighbor,
of daily attacks by Russia,
Ukraine stands in the breach,
Ukraine is fighting their evil...
Ukraine will not submit,
Ukraine will win its freedom...
 
===================
August 23, 2026
Thirty-Five Years of Life
 
August 23, 2026
The Day of the Ukrainian Flag
August 24, 2026
The Thirty-fifth Ukrainian Independence Day
Edited July 11, 2026
Innovation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/innovation-v2.html
Edited July 1, 2026
Breaking the chains of empire - v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/breaking-chains-of-empire-v2.html
June 30, 2022 – Liberation of Snake Island
June 30, 1941 – Act of Restoration of the Ukrainian State
1721 – Muscovy taking the name Russia
Edited June 30, 2026
Taras saw this future – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/taras-saw-this-future-v4.html
Edited June 24, 2026
Resolve personified – v7
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/resolve-personified-v7.html
September 5, 2024
Flying from every flagpole
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/flying-from-every-flagpole.html
National Day of Remembrance – August 29, 2024
Ukraine Independence Day – August 24, 2024
Ukraine National Flag Day – August 23, 2024
August 27, 2024
The Flag of their Independence
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-flag-of-their-independence.html
February 25, 2022
In the crucible of terror
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/in-crucible-of-terror.html
April 11, 2014
Crying for Crimea
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/04/crying-for-crimea.html
my first poem about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,
just after the formal annexation of Crimea by Russia.
 
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, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, serfdom, prison, Crimea, Snake Island,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland

#Рабів до раю не #пускають #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom

Slaves are not allowed to enter paradise
 
a slogan on a t-shirt in a video...
after the Orange Revolution
a choice to fight, to train,
to not be submissive...
to stand for Ukraine...
to wage war against the enemy
to not accept subjugation
rejecting the choice of history
when their people were enslaved...
 
Рабів до раю не пускають -
slaves are not allowed to enter paradise -
Shevchenko’s warning also
centuries ago, in Ukraine,
the three lost souls, the bards,
caught between heaven and hell
acquiescence to enslavement
forfeiting their glory, their legacy,
their Cossack memory...
 
--------
August 10, 2026
Рабів до раю не пускають
 
Track "Нашеліто" (Our Summer) в альбомі "Музичний Лист Щастя"(2004)
by the Ukrainian band, Tartak
https://youtu.be/jpZX41ptPW8?si=3ICH6zGfMBvysrcc
Edited December 1, 2025
Three souls – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/three-souls-v4.html
after poem, “Three souls”,
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited November 1, 2024
Three bards – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/three-bards-v2.html
after poem, “Three bards”,
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
edited and posted October 16, 2024
Like the friends of Job – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/like-friends-of-job-v2.html
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
Psalm 44:13-14
Psalm 43:14-15
Book of Job
Edited October 31, 2024
Are the people blind – v2
 https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/are-people-blind-v2.html
after poem, “Are the people blind”,
based on the poems, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 31, 2024
A Faustian Tragedy – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-faustian-tragedy-v2.html
after poem, “A Faustian Tragedy”,
based on the poems, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
called, “A Comedy”,
see Goethe
Edited October 19, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-great-grave-has-been-opened-v2_27.html
edited and posted October 18, 2024
The spell has been broken – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v2_27.html  
after poem, “The spell has been broken”,
based on the poems, “The Great Grave”,
“To Marko Vovchok”,
about Maria Markovich,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom 

#Taras' #Cry, his #Lament #Zapovit #Testament #GrandmasSmuzi #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Taras' Cry, his Lament,
in “Заповіт” (“Testament”)
"Я не знаю Бога."...

We hear his anguish
in a foreign land, his heart
longing for Ukraine...
 
His words were a cry, a confession,
a lament, a curse, a rebuke
Taras spat upon himself...
 
But it was a lie, an indictment
so undeserved...
for his love for his people
was breathed by God,
His words are like scripture,
a constant lament...
 
Taras said, "I don't know God",
but he knew God's heart...
 
God was within him, beside him,
in fetters, in chains,
while he was on the steppes...
In the sentence of the Tsar...
 
God was with Taras
in the gift of flight, flying,
from his prison, over Ukraine...

Taras' cry, his plea was answered by God...
He was brought home to Ukraine,
to his eternal reward...
 
Yes, Taras knew God
in his native heart...
 
--------  
Edited/ new name August 4, 2026
Taras’s Cry, his Lament
 
Based on Taras Shevchenko’s poem
“Заповіт” (Testament)
written Christmas Day, December 25, 1845
and rock version of the poem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1u5PMjodC8
released July 30, 2026
composed by Grandma’s Smuzi
https://www.youtube.com/@Grandmassmuzi/
Edited/new name August 3, 2026
Taras’ Cry
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/08/taras-cry.html
August 2, 2026
Taras’ words
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/08/taras-words.html
Edited June 30, 2026
Taras saw this future – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/taras-saw-this-future-v4.html
Edited December 1, 2025
His prayer was answered – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/his-prayer-was-answered-v3.html
based on the poem, “Zapovit”, “Testament”
Edited December 1, 2025
lay my body – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/lay-my-body-v4.html
Edited October 16, 2025
His Testament – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/his-testament-v2.html
based on the poem, “Zapovit”, “Testament”
Reimagined October 14, 2025
each night he flies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/each-night-he-flies.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon on mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
Shevchenko’s poems, “The Great Grave”, “To Marko Vovchok”, “Hosea, Chapter XIV”
 
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, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, prison, grave, Zapovit, Testament, Grandma’s Smuzi, serfdom,
 
#Zapovit #Testament #GrandmasSmuzi #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Taras' Cry #Zapovit #Testament #GrandmasSmuzi #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

 

Taras' Cry
in “Заповіт” (“Testament”)
"Я не знаю Бога."...
 
His words a confession,
a curse, a rebuke
he spat upon himself...
But it was a lie, an indictment
so undeserved...
for his love for his people
was breathed by God...
His words are like scripture,
a constant lament...
 
Taras said, "I don't know God",
but he knew God's heart...
 
God was within him, beside him,
in fetters, in his chains,
while he was on the steppes,
in the sentence of the Tsar...
In the gift of flight, flying
from his prison over Ukraine...
Taras' plea was answered by God...
He was brought back to Ukraine,
to his eternal reward...
 
Yes, Taras knew God
in his Ukrainian heart...
 
--------  
Edited August 3, 2026
Taras’ Cry
 
Based on Taras Shevchenko’s poem
“Заповіт” (Testament)
written Christmas Day, December 25, 1845
and rock version of the poem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1u5PMjodC8
released July 30, 2026
composed by Grandma’s Smuzi
https://www.youtube.com/@Grandmassmuzi/
Edited June 30, 2026
Taras saw this future – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/taras-saw-this-future-v4.html
Edited December 1, 2025
His prayer was answered – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/his-prayer-was-answered-v3.html
based on the poem, “Zapovit”, “Testament”
Written and posted September 29, 2024
His wish was fulfilled
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/his-wish-was-fulfilled.html
based on the poem, “Zapovit”, “Testament”
Edited December 1, 2025
lay my body – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/lay-my-body-v4.html
based on the poem, “Zapovit”, “Testament”
Edited October 16, 2025
His Testament – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/his-testament-v2.html
based on the poem, “Zapovit”, “Testament”
Reimagined October 14, 2025
each night he flies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/each-night-he-flies.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon on mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
based on Shevchenko’s poems, “The Great Grave”, “To Marko Vovchok”,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
 
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, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, prison, grave, Zapovit, Testament, Grandma’s Smuzi, serfdom,
 
#Zapovit #Testament #GrandmasSmuzi #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

#Taras' words #Zapovit #Testament #GrandmasSmuzi #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Taras' words
in “Заповіт” (“Testament”)
"Я не знаю Бога."...
 
His words a confession,
a curse, a rebuke
he spat upon himself...
But it was a lie, an indictment
so undeserved...
for his love for his people
was breathed by God,
His words are like scripture,
a constant lament...
Taras said, "I don't know God",
but he knew God's heart...
 
God was within him, beside him,
in fetters, in chains,
in the sentence of the Tsar...
In the gift of flight, flying
from his prison over Ukraine...
Taras' plea was answered by God...
He was brought back to Ukraine,
to his eternal reward...
 
Yes, Taras knew God
in his Ukrainian heart...
 
--------  
August 2, 2026
Taras’ words
 
Based on Taras Shevchenko’s poem
“Заповіт” (Testament)
written Christmas Day, December 25, 1845
and rock version of the poem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1u5PMjodC8
released July 30, 2026
composed by Grandma’s Smuzi
https://www.youtube.com/@Grandmassmuzi/
Edited June 30, 2026
Taras saw this future – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/taras-saw-this-future-v4.html
Edited December 1, 2025
His prayer was answered – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/his-prayer-was-answered-v3.html
after poem “His prayer was answered”,
based on the poem, “Zapovit”, “The Testament”,
Written and posted September 29, 2024
His wish was fulfilled
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/his-wish-was-fulfilled.html
after poem “His wish was fulfilled, based on the poem,
“The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
Edited December 1, 2025
lay my body – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/lay-my-body-v4.html
after poem, “lay my body”,
based on the poem, “Zapovit”, “The Testament”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited October 16, 2025
His Testament – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/his-testament-v2.html
based on the poem, “The Testament, by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 12/25/1845
Based on the comment of a defender on my poem,
“The power of his words – v4”
Reimagined October 14, 2025
each night he flies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/each-night-he-flies.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon on mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
based on Shevchenko’s poems, “The Great Grave”, “To Marko Vovchok”,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
 
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, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, serfdom, muse, prison, grave,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

#Innovation #chains #empire #tyrant #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland #drones

Creativity, innovation,
starting from nothing
handcuffed by allies...
changing the course of history
The way of modern war...
 
Like America after Pearl Harbor,
Ukraine after the full-scale invasion -
All hands on deck...
in garages and basements
A new war would rise...
 
Everyone an inventor,
a creator of a drone army
through innovation and necessity
filling critical gaps in manpower...
A emergent new strategy...
 
The Age of Drones emerging,
UAVs and UGVs, missiles,
rising from Ukraine’s black soil
Innovation will save them...
Heroes one and all...
 
--------
July 10, 2026
Innovation
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/innovation.html
Edited July 1, 2026
Breaking the chains of empire - v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/07/breaking-chains-of-empire-v2.html
June 30, 2022 – Liberation of Snake Island
June 30, 1941 – Act of Restoration of the Ukrainian State
1721 – Muscovy taking the name Russia
June 30, 2022 – Liberation of Snake Island
June 30, 1941 – Act of Restoration of the Ukrainian State
1721 – Muscovy taking the name Russia
Edited June 24, 2026
Resolve personified – v7
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/resolve-personified-v7.html
Edited March 3, 2026
Taras saw this future – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/taras-saw-this-future-v3.html
This poem was inspired by a note on February 3, 2026, from Oleksandra Moskalenko,
Willem F. Duisenberg Fellow, University of Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Studies,
on LinkedIn, “Shevchenko appears to us almost a prophet,
someone who foresaw this war and believed in our victory.”
Several of his poems speak to that to me, including “The Dream”,
“The Great Grave”, and “To Marko Vovchok”
July 20, 2024
Resolve personified
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/07/resolve-personified.html
Edited July 20, 2024
A just peace must rise – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/07/a-just-peace-must-rise-v3.html
June 29, 2024
X post by Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
https://x.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1806999435559289050
at @DubrovnikForum in Croatia
 
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, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, serfdom, muse, drones, Crimea, Snake Island,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland #drones

Breaking the #chains of #empire - v2 #tyrant #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland

Slowly, but then all of a sudden

Loosing the grip of the tyrant...

Breaking the chains of empire

fetters on their hearts...

Grains falling into the hourglass

faithful steps unfolding...

that which was planned for centuries

coming to vivid life...

A dream of freedom, legacy,

reclaiming their ancient glory...

They stand resolute, united

in this their victory...

Attrition is by inches

leading to a tipping point...

Will is stronger than size 

in their current fight...

Breaking the chains of empire

making them bleed with a thousand cuts...

Freedom is inevitable

when their work is done...

---------- 

Edited July 1, 2026

Breaking the chains of empire - v2

June 30, 2022 – Liberation of Snake Island

June 30, 1941 – Act of Restoration of the Ukrainian State

1721 – Muscovy taking the name Russia

Edited June 24, 2026

Resolve personified – v7

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/resolve-personified-v7.html 

Edited March 3, 2026

Taras saw this future – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/taras-saw-this-future-v3.html 

This poem was inspired by a note on February 3, 2026, from Oleksandra Moskalenko,

Willem F. Duisenberg Fellow, University of Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Studies,

on LinkedIn, “Shevchenko appears to us almost a prophet, 

someone who foresaw this war and believed in our victory.”

Several of his poems speak to that to me, including “The Dream”,

“The Great Grave”, and “To Marko Vovchok”

#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland

#Taras saw this #future – v4 #prophet #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland

Taras shed blood for his nation’s colors,
He sang the song of Ukraina...
He was so much a part of Ukraine,
Her heartbeat was ever within him,
though he was far from her,
He was forever Ukraine ...
 
He flew to her from his prison,
His thoughts were ever with her...
His words are prophetic, prescient,
Taras saw this future, this moment...
He is the Kobzar, the Prophet,
He foresaw the victory of Ukraine...
 
Taras wept for Ukraine,
in his Dream, in his Testament...
He saw, he knew her weakness,
the weakness of her leaders
who obeyed the Moskals,
ransoming her legacy, her destiny…
 
Taras knew serfdom, the yoke
of sin and enslavement by the Tsar...
But he foresaw his beloved people,
united in this great struggle...
He predicted the victory of Ukraine
over Moskal’s horde…
 
So, sing songs of the Kobzar,
Read his cry for freedom,
join with his prophecy, glory...
His words are a prayer over Ukraina,
Rising from the ashes of war...
Hope, in her victory’s song…
 
--------  
Edited June 30, 2026
Taras saw this future – v4
 
This poem was inspired by a note on February 3, 2026, from Oleksandra Moskalenko,
Willem F. Duisenberg Fellow, University of Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Studies,
on LinkedIn, “Shevchenko appears to us almost a prophet,
someone who foresaw this war and believed in our victory.”
Several of his poems speak to that to me, including “The Dream”,
“The Great Grave”, and “To Marko Vovchok”
June 30, 2026
Breaking the chains of empire
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/breaking-chains-of-empire.html
June 30, 2022 – Liberation of Snake Island
June 30, 1941 – Act of Restoration of the Ukrainian State
1721 – Muscovy taking the name Russia
Edited June 24, 2026
Resolve personified – v7
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/resolve-personified-v7.html
Edited July 20, 2024
A just peace must rise – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/07/a-just-peace-must-rise-v3.html
June 29, 2024
X post by Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
https://x.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1806999435559289050
at @DubrovnikForum in Croatia
 
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, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, serfdom, muse, prison, Crimea, Snake Island,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Breaking the #chains of #empire #tyrant #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea #SnakeIsland

Slowly, then all of a sudden
the grip of the tyrant...
Breaking the chains of empire
the fetters on their hearts...
 
Grains falling into the hourglass
faithful steps unfolding
that which was planned for centuries
coming to vivid life...
 
A dream of freedom, legacy,
reclaiming their ancient glory...
Standing resolute, united
in this their victory...
 
Breaking the chains of empire
bleeding with a thousand cuts...
Freedom is inevitable
when their work is done...
 
----------
June 30, 2026
Breaking the chains of empire

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/breaking-chains-of-empire.html
June 30, 2022 – Liberation of Snake Island
June 30, 1941 – Act of Restoration of the Ukrainian State
1721 – Muscovy taking the name Russia
Edited June 24, 2026
Resolve personified – v7
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/resolve-personified-v7.html
Edited March 3, 2026
Taras saw this future – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/taras-saw-this-future-v3.html
This poem was inspired by a note on February 3, 2026, from Oleksandra Moskalenko,
Willem F. Duisenberg Fellow, University of Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Studies,
on LinkedIn, “Shevchenko appears to us almost a prophet,
someone who foresaw this war and believed in our victory.”
Several of his poems speak to that to me, including “The Dream”,
“The Great Grave”, and “To Marko Vovchok”
July 20, 2024
Resolve personified
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/07/resolve-personified.html
Edited July 20, 2024
A just peace must rise – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/07/a-just-peace-must-rise-v3.html
June 29, 2024
X post by Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
https://x.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1806999435559289050
at @DubrovnikForum in Croatia
 
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, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, serfdom, muse, prison, Crimea,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #Crimea

#Echoes of #Shevchenko: #Poems in #Support of #Ukraine #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

As an American, I have tried to support Ukraine and its people through advocacy and my poetry since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. I watched, like many others around the world, as Russia gathered a large army around Ukraine before the invasion and how they brutally began their attacks in places like Mariupol and Bucha.

In many ways, I have been struck by how language fails in the media and by world leaders who see what is happening as a war between two nations rather than an invasion, in violation of the United Nations’ Charter, an existential threat to the rule-based order.

 

Including edits, I have written over 1,300 poems about the struggle of the Ukrainian people, the West's failure, and Russia's inhumanity—both its leadership and the atrocities committed daily by Russian soldiers. All these poems are on my blog and Facebook. Many are posted on other social media platforms, including Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

 

I've included a small selection of the additional poems I've written here that were not directly inspired by Taras Shevchenko. I plan to write another book of Ukraine-themed poems soon, if only to keep spreading the message of solidarity and support for Ukraine as it fights to survive.

 

Resistance, resilience, and resolve are words that naturally emerge from the united efforts of Ukraine’s defenders and its people more broadly. Her defenders consist of warriors and everyday individuals who have sacrificed so much to fight for their freedom and independence from Russia.

 

Shevchenko’s life and poetry embody that same struggle. His poems motivate and inspire today’s generations. This is truly not a war of choice for Ukraine, but an existential fight for survival against tactics of attrition, terror, and genocide. We must see the war with the same gravity.

 

The West failed Ukraine during this war, from 2014 through the present. This failure occurred under four different U.S. administrations and, in truth, predates 1994, when the Budapest Memorandum was signed, and extended through 2013. Issues related to the Russian imperial conquest and subjugation of Ukraine span centuries.

 

These concerns are central to this book, and I hope this section preserves the spirit of Taras Shevchenko as well. His voice echoes through these words, representing the fight for freedom from Russian domination and influence.

 

Ukraine’s future depends on its own decisions about when and where to fight and what concessions to make for peace. However, Ukraine has been caught in the middle of larger conflicts, acting as a pawn or proxy, depending on the perspective and the audience.

 

The decision to remove nuclear weapons and trust the other signatories, especially Russia, in the Budapest Memorandum 30 years ago, now seems so tragic. 

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

Analysis of poems inspired by "The Great Grave" #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Analysis about poems related to Taras Shevchenko's poem, "The Great Grave"

 The 'Great Grave” of Shevchenko is the tomb of the Hetman, but more than that, it represents Ukraine's ancient glory. The people in his poem could not find the treasure. After all, they had collaborated with Muscovy because they had aligned with their Russian rulers. The people lost their past glory under their subjugation by Tsarist Russia. They only discovered the bare bones of the Hetman. The true grave where Ukrainian glory remains hidden, guarded, and protected because they are not worthy.

“The Great Grave,” inspired me to write a series of poems, starting with Shevchenko’s poem and then examining the current situation. He criticized the appeasers and collaborators. The ongoing fight against the same enemy requires a revisiting of his conclusions, from "The Great Grave being opened" to "The Great Grave has been opened," to “The spell has been broken.” 

The profound loss in the original is transformed by the redemptive moment we are experiencing, using his poems, “Hosea XIV” and “To Mark Vovchok”, as the connective tissue linking “The Great Grave” to this present moment. Hope and renewal come at a terrible cost, but Ukraine and Ukrainians step forward every day, sacrificing their lives for the cause of freedom for their people and their country. Even a small spark was enough, as shown in “To Marko Vovchok,” to give Shevchenko peace.

 

Shevchenko’s hope, despite his own despair, is vital for understanding his poems and the cultural foundations of the entire country. The same enemy is trying to take so much. The same compromises are before them: kidnapping Ukrainian children, the rape and torture, the barbarity of the Tsar, and the Russian people are all the same. 

The deliberate choice to reject subjugation and subordination today reflects Shevchenko's judgment, which aligns perfectly with the theme of his poems. Today’s Ukraine and its people, every son and daughter, stand as a living testament to his words, his love, and his unwavering faith in his homeland, Ukraina… 

That loyalty to Ukraine and the decision of this generation to fight for Ukraine and not compromise land for peace make them deserving of opening the great grave. Now, the grave has been opened, and glory belongs to the soldiers and the Ukrainian people today, because of their resilience and fidelity to the nation. The treasure is being revealed through the bravery of the Ukrainian people in this moment of crisis. Their choice to struggle for true freedom—not sacrificing land for false peace, not yielding or collaborating with Russia. 

Taras Shevchenko's own grave, his spirit is the great grave. His unwavering loyalty to Ukraine and his heart for the country made the difference, strengthening the will of these noble and good people, even if he himself didn’t see it. Shevchenko’s spiritual grave is the repository of Ukraine’s past glory.

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

The spell has been broken – v7 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

(The prophecy fulfilled)

Their time of exile has been completed,
a judgment of God upon the people,
stuck between heaven and hell…
This prophecy fulfilled, completed,
lifting the curse over the people…
The spell has been broken, forsaken,
A light is now coming, rising, brighter,
The glory of Ukraine reawakened,
The Great Grave has been opened…
 
Fidelity to their nation, their homeland,
sacrificing for their nation, their freedom,
the Kozaks, the Hetman, the Kobzars,
memory of ancient glory, Ukraina,
to the cause of liberty, their songs…
Chains of the curse are being lifted,
their eyes open, united, together,
one chance for a future, a hope,
a return to their past glory…
 
High upon a mountain, a hilltop,
a tremor, above the mighty Dnipro…
We see the eternal Kobzar, the vanguard,
The Bard stirs in his tomb, restless,
For His is the Great Grave, where glory
was hidden, safeguarded, on the heights…
The glory of Ukraine has been opened,
together, Kobzars, black-haired maidens
all sing songs of their victory, triumph,
for their boundless love of Ukraine…
 
--------
Edited June 23, 2026
The spell has been broken – v7
 
after poem, “The spell has been broken”,
based on the poems, “The Great Grave”,
““To Marko Vovchok”,
about Maria Markovich,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
and the idea that the grave of Taras Shevchenko itself is The Great Grave...
Edited October 6, 2025
Edited October 6, 2025
High upon on mountain – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/high-upon-mountain-v5.html
Edited October 6, 2025
From the heights, he watches – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-heights-he-watches-v2.html
Taras Shevchenko, from his grave in Kaniv, Ukraine, above the Dnipro
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-has-been-opened-v3.html
edited and posted October 18, 2024
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”
Edited November 28, 2024
The Great Grave being opened – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-great-grave-being-opened-v3.html
after poem, “The Great Grave being opened”,
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

His #heart was #Ukraine… - v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Shevchenko’s is a singular voice,
The present hope of his people,
of his native land,
the ancient tongue,
the beating heart of Ukraine…
 
His heart was Ukraine,
no matter where he was planted,
in the darkness of the empire,
in prison, on the steppes,
He longed for his Ukraina…
 
Shevchenko never faltered,
Yet he despaired in his spirit,
He longed for glory to return,
for hope to rise again, freedom,
in his love, his homeland, Ukraine…
 
--------
Edited June 23, 2026
his heart was Ukraine… - v4
 
about Taras Shevchenko’s life and poetry
Edited October 15, 2024
The power of his words – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-power-of-his-words-v2_25.html
about Taras Shevchenko’s life and poetry
Edited October 29, 2024
A voice against injustice – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-voice-against-injustice-v2.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/15/24
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

My #God, my #muse, my #protector – v5 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Hearing Taras speaking, breathing,
“My God, my muse, my protector”, ...
Seeing God in his writing, infusing,
His feeling that God has forsaken him,
His wrestling with God in his misery,
but cleaving to God as well, his center, ...
His beating heart, God as his strength…
 
Wicking the Word into his writing, scripture,
ancient law, promises, and the closeness of God ...
Speaking warning, God’s judgment on them,
bringing these ancient words into his speaking, ...
His crying out to his people, his brethren,
to not fall into the trap of the ancients, Israel,
to heed the lessons, to trust more fully in God…
 
An ongoing monologue, central to his calling,
wisdom within him, imparted, giving,
longing, feeling God gifting him words…
To hear His voice ever more clearly, urgently,
walking right beside him, hearing God’s call,
a separate vision, a whispering mission, purpose,
breathing, speaking to him constantly, evermore…
 
-------------
Edited June 23, 2026
My God, my muse, my protector – v5
 
 
My poem, “My god, my muse, my protector” is a way of recognizing Shevchenko’s very personal wrestling with God in his misery, praising God through his gifts, warning his people through scripture, especially with prophetic voices, and recognizing God’s protection through his trials in life. As a poor serf as a child or as an imprisoned poet and artist Shevchenko cleaved to God, he knew the presence of God, he cried out to God. He judged his oppressors, the oppressors of his people through scripture and he chastened his people through scripture as well.
 
His poem about Mary makes us look more deeply at the way we read scripture, and his poems rising from the prophets, or speaking of our blindness before the Spirit, challenge how we approach the Word. His dreams, his words, were replete with the poor man’s love of God, the need for God, and the trust in God. And, especially, he spoke to God as his muse and his protector. I know that I feel the same way all the time.
 
December 3, 2024
My God, my muse, my protector
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/my-god-my-muse-my-protector.html
Edited November 26, 2024
Listen to the Prophet – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/listen-to-prophet-v3.html
after poem, “Listen to the Prophet”,
based on the poem, “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko
November 4, 2024
A song of Mary – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/a-song-of-mary-v2.html
after poem, “A song of Mary”,
based on the poem, “Mary”,
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, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

#peace in his #spirit – v5 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Though he struggled in his body,
There was peace in his spirit,
knowing another would continue,
that Ukraine would not be forgotten,
that another messenger would be there,
They would take up his banner, his cause…
 
Another was rising, a believer,
someone to carry the banner, Ukraina,
a mild and tender prophet, was blessed, ...
He was gifted an answer to his prayers,
that the one truth would not perish,
would not vanish from this earth…
 
A stirring in the universe, within his people,
Another heart was ready, gifted, anointed,
to carry forth the promise, his life’s purpose, ...
His life’s work, his message, his faith,
to keep alive the memory, the hope,
for his dearest beloved, Ukraina…
 
A holy star he had wished for,
His prayer he poured out upon her,
that she would be faithful,
that she would stand in the gap, ...
A blessing in the mighty call,
continuing his life’s work…
 
These words manifest a prophecy,
A legacy of hope, of promise,
opening his heart up, gratitude,
Peace at his ending, in his spirit, ...
Knowing another will support the cause,
of his love, his blessed Ukraina…
 
--------
Edited June 23, 2026
peace in his spirit – v5
 
after poem, “peace in his spirit”,
based on the poem, “To Marko Vovchok”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
about Maria Markovich,
written January 24, 1859
Edited October 3, 2025
peace in his spirit – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/peace-in-his-spirit-v3.html
Edited October 17, 2024
peace in his spirit – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/peace-in-his-spirit-v2_26.html
Edited October 3, 2025
Sing to me, Taras – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/10/sing-to-me-taras-v3.html
a prayer to Taras Shevchenko
Edited September 30, 2025
Channeling Taras – v6
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/channeling-taras-v6.html
About Taras Shevchenko speaking to my spirit,
through his life and poetry
Edited September 29, 2025
I hear Taras’ whisper to me… - v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/09/i-hear-taras-whisper-to-me-v5.html
about Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko…
Robert Burns, Mikhail Bulgakov, and Nikolai Gogol…
Robert Frost and Mary Oliver…
New/edited and posted October 16, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-great-grave-has-been-opened.html
after poem, “The Great Grave has been opened”,
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
Written and posted September 29, 2024
A voice against injustice
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-voice-against-injustice.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/15/24
 
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, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

my heart’s flying – v4 #poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

in darkness my liberty
I am not held by these chains,
by these prison walls, ...
Sunset signals my escape,
I am freed of these bonds…
 
I mount to the heights, I vault,
No weight, no resistance,
rising above, outside,
into the night air I climb,
freed from my chains…
 
my heart’s flying, escaped,
far from this place, soaring
to my homeland, Ukraine…
I pray that the bright stars
will gather me home once more, ...
They will show me the way…
 
--------
Edited June 23, 2026
my heart’s flying – v4
 
after poem, “my heart’s flying”,
based on the poem, Poems of Exile,
“N.N. (Sunset ii coming…)”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited November 2, 2024
Fly to me, my darling thoughts – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/fly-to-me-my-darling-thoughts-v2.html
after poem, “Fly to me, my darling thoughts”,
based on the poem, Poems of Exile,
“1847 Songs of Mine, songs of mine…”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited November 2, 2024
In an alien land – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/in-alien-land-v2.html
after poem, “In an alien land”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 4”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited November 2, 2024
I have been brought to wait – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/i-have-been-brought-to-wait-v2.html
after poem, “I have been brought to wait”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 10”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited and posted October 16, 2024
what a difference – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/what-difference-v2_24.html 
after poem, “what a difference”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited and posted October 16, 2024
It makes no difference to me – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/it-makes-no-difference-to-me-v2_24.html
after poem, “It makes no difference to me”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 3”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Edited November 2, 2024
From the tomb a Kozak – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/from-tomb-kozak-v2.html
after poem, “From the tomb a Kozak”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 2”,
by Taras Shevchenko
Written and posted October 9, 2024
alone, all alone
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/alone-all-alone-alone-all-alone-trapped.html
after poem, “alone, all alone”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 1”,
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, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
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