a long night ahead – v3

so many news stories, noise,
capturing the world’s attention,
so many crimes, crises, trauma,
natural disasters in our consciousness…
 
but the reign of terror repeating,
another day, a night of attacks,
we must never forget,
we must stand with them…
 
premeditated murder, mayhem,
the rain of terror unending,
the threat of Russian genocide
ever present with them…
 
a nation in peril, on edge,
words of truth, understatement,
not sleeping in their beds,
a long night ahead…
 
sleeping in bomb shelters,
in bathtubs, strong corridors,
listening to whistles of the Shaheds,
missiles sent to destroy them…
 
a long night ahead,
a phrase too often repeated,
the danger of Russian genocide
ever present with them…
 
---------------
Edited July 19, 2025
a long night ahead – v3
 
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-long-night-ahead_17.html
attack on Kyiv
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, poem, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin,
 
#Poetry #poem #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #SanctionRussia #DefeatRussia

nowhere is safe – v2 #Ukraine #Russia #Israel #Iran #NorthKorea #USA #NATO

The news only gives us a hint of terror,
forces at work to bring about revolution,
devolution of the ordered universe,
hybrid war, propaganda, actions, events,
madness aligned to bring Armageddon,
The final destruction of this world…
 
War is pervasive, though we may not see its footprints
not looking, not wanting to look, to see the truth,
the consequences of failing to honor our commitment,
Never Again we said, but Never Again is now,
corrosive effects of the human condition,
The sin of man from the beginning, fighting flesh…
 
The world is full of war, though some are hidden,
Below the surface, unrecognized, unrepentant,
pulling back the bandages exposing the pus, the rot,
wounds unhealed, the torture untended,
terror on the ground, flooding the airwaves,
War isn’t the best, but war is what we know…
 
There is not a safe place anymore, nowhere is safe,
from Satan, the Devil, his minions, the evil
that stalks this earth, alive in the present, killing,
premeditated murder, torture, burning genocides,
scorched earth, scar tissue only remaining,
Unhealed as we lean toward Armageddon…
 
---------------
Edited June 21, 2025
nowhere is safe – v2
 
Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Iran, North Korea, China, United States, European Union, NATO…
Edited June 20, 2025
may your cries of pain – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/may-your-cries-of-pain-v2.html
Edited June 19, 2025
no longer wanting to be brave – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/no-longer-wanting-to-be-brave-v2.html
Edited, recast, June 18, 2025
A phrase too often repeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-phrase-too-often-repeated.html
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-long-night-ahead_17.html
attack on Kyiv
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #Kyiv #Kharkiv #Odesa

nowhere is safe

The news only gives us a hint of the terror,
forces at work to bring about revolution,
devolution of the ordered universe,
Forces aligned to bring Armageddon…
 
War is pervasive, though we may not see its footprints
not looking, not wanting to look, to see the truth,
corrosive effects of the human condition,
The sin of man from the beginning, fighting flesh…
 
The world is full of war, though some are hidden,
pulling back the bandages exposes the pus, the rot,
wounds unhealed, the torture untended,
War isn’t the best, but it is what we know…
 
There is not a safe place anymore, nowhere is safe,
from Satan, the Devil, his minions, the evil
that stalks this earth, alive in the present, killing,
Premeditated murder, torture, burning genocides…
 
---------------
June 20, 2025
nowhere is safe
 
Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Iran, North Korea, China, United States, European Union, NATO…
Edited June 20, 2025
may your cries of pain – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/may-your-cries-of-pain-v2.html
Edited June 19, 2025
no longer wanting to be brave – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/no-longer-wanting-to-be-brave-v2.html
Edited, recast, June 18, 2025
A phrase too often repeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-phrase-too-often-repeated.html
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-long-night-ahead_17.html
attack on Kyiv
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #Kyiv #Kharkiv #Odesa
 

A phrase too often repeated – v2

a scene far too familiar, almost nightly,
parents whispering in the darkness,
trying not to frighten their children,
families huddled wherever they could,
trying to stay safe, whatever that means…
“a long night ahead”,
a phrase too often repeated,
sounds of terror, of missiles, of drones,
of air raid sirens, of defenses firing,
the danger of Russian genocide
ever present with them, Ukraine…
 
a nation in peril, on edge,
on guard for what is coming,
words of truth, an understatement,
not sleeping in their beds…
sleeping in bomb shelters,
in bathtubs, strong corridors,
“a long night ahead”,
Russia’s rain/reign of terror unending
premeditated murder, mayhem,
the danger of Russian genocide
ever present with them…
 
there is no stillness, only fear, anticipation,
quiet shattered too quickly, terror,
missiles sent to destroy them
listening to whistles of the Shaheds…
more than fatigue, despair gripping,
cameras, bodies shaking, flared nostrils
of the influencers recording their truth,
“a long night ahead”, years now
of anguish, of nightly genocide,
screaming into the abyss,
no longer wanting to be brave…
 
---------------
Edited June 20, 2025
A prayer too often repeated – v2
 
Edited June 20, 2025
may your cries of pain – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/may-your-cries-of-pain-v2.html
Edited June 19, 2025
no longer wanting to be brave – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/no-longer-wanting-to-be-brave-v2.html
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-long-night-ahead_17.html
attack on Kyiv
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #Kyiv #Kharkiv #Odesa
 

may your cries of pain – v2

May a new day come for Ukraine
with every defender returned to their home
every stolen, kidnapped child brought
back on their native soil, to Ukraina…
 
May your cries of pain in darkness
become shouts of victory in the light
may joy overflow in your hearts, you spirits,
may life renew for your ancient land…
 
May terrors no longer stalk you
the nightmare of genocide ended
may you rise as a people like the phoenix,
May you shine like a Kyivan sunrise…

 
---------------
Edited June 20, 2025
may your cries of pain – v2
 
Edited June 19, 2025
no longer wanting to be brave – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/no-longer-wanting-to-be-brave-v2.html
Edited, recast, June 18, 2025
A phrase too often repeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-phrase-too-often-repeated.html
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-long-night-ahead_17.html
attack on Kyiv
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #Kyiv #Kharkiv #Odesa

no longer wanting to be brave – v2

I hear a deeper cry of these people
those who have stood resolute
that have been forced to be united
those we have prayed for
across the miles and endless terror
this crucible of war, Shahed drone attacks,
sending emoji hugs, praying hands
so little really, tragically, screaming into the void,
when our leaders constantly fail them…
 
They no longer want to be brave, stoic,
a stiff upper lip against the missiles, screaming,
they no longer want to stand resolute against terror
some of them just crying, wanting to run…
they have suffered too much, too long,
while we have lived in comfort,
while we can sleep in our beds free
of attacks, of air raid sirens,
agony of the knowledge they are coming…
 
We must still stand with them
we must call our leaders, pushing,
we must fight to aid them in their fight
but we must redouble our efforts
to get them the aid they need now,
we must shout from the rooftops,
seeking to change the wind
to move our leaders from timidity,
complacency, complicity,
to finally change their plight…
 
---------------
Edited June 19, 2025
no longer wanting to be brave – v2
 
June 19, 2025
may your cries of pain
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/may-your-cries-of-pain.html
Edited, recast, June 18, 2025
A phrase too often repeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-phrase-too-often-repeated.html
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-long-night-ahead_17.html
attack on Kyiv
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #Kyiv #Kharkiv #Odesa

may your cries of pain

May a new day come for Ukraine
with every defender returned home
with every stolen, kidnapped child
back on their native soil, Ukraina…
 
May your cries of pain in darkness
become shouts of victory in the light
may joy overflow in your hearts
may life renew for your ancient land…
 
may terror no longer stalk you
the nightmare of genocide ended
may you rise like a people as a phoenix,
May you shine like a Kyivan sunrise…

 
---------------
June 19, 2025
may your cries of pain
 
June 18, 2025
no longer wanting to be brave
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/no-longer-wanting-to-be-brave.html
Edited, recast, June 18, 2025
A phrase too often repeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-phrase-too-often-repeated.html
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-long-night-ahead_17.html
attack on Kyiv
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #Kyiv #Kharkiv #Odesa
 

no longer wanting to be brave

I hear a deeper cry of these people
those who have stood resolute
those we have prayed for
across the miles and endless terror
the crucible of war, Shahed drone attacks,
sending emoji hugs, praying hands
when our leaders constantly fail them…
 
The no longer want to be brave
No longer want to stand resolute against terror
They have suffered too much, too long,
While we have lived in comfort,
While can sleep in our beds free
Of attacks, of air raid sirens,
agony of the knowledge they are coming…
 
We must still stand with them
we must fight to aid them in their fight
but we must redouble our efforts
we must shout from the rooftops,
seeking to change the wind
to move our leaders from timidity,
complacency, complicity,
to finally change their plight…
 
---------------
June 18, 2025
no longer wanting to be brave
 
Edited, recast, June 18, 2025
A phrase too often repeated
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-phrase-too-often-repeated.html
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-long-night-ahead_17.html
attack on Kyiv
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #Kyiv #Kharkiv #Odesa

A phrase too often repeated

parents whispering in the darkness,
trying not to frighten their children,
families huddled wherever they can,
trying to stay safe, whatever that means…
“a long night ahead”,
a phrase too often repeated,
the sounds of missiles, of drones,
of air raid sirens, of defenses firing,
the danger of Russian genocide
ever present with them…
 
a nation in peril, on edge,
words of truth, understatement,
not sleeping in their beds,
sleeping in bomb shelters,
in bathtubs, strong corridors,
“a long night ahead”,
Russia’s rain of terror unending
premeditated murder, mayhem,
the danger or Russian genocide
ever present with them…
 
quiet shattered, too quickly, terror,
listening to whistles of the Shaheds,
missiles sent to destroy them…
more than fatigue, despair gripping,
cameras, bodies shaking, flared nostrils
of the influencers recording their truth,
“a long night ahead”,
Years now of anguish, of nightly genocide,
Screaming into the abyss,
no longer wanting to be brave…
 
---------------
Edited, recast, June 18, 2025
A phrase too often repeated
 
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-long-night-ahead_17.html
attack on Kyiv
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #Kyiv #Kharkiv #Odesa

a long night ahead - v2

the rain of terror unending
premeditated murder, mayhem,
the danger or Russian genocide
ever present with them…
 
a nation in peril, on edge,
words of truth, understatement,
not sleeping in their beds,
a long night ahead…
 
sleeping in bomb shelters,
in bathtubs, strong corridors,
listening to whistles of the Shaheds,
missiles sent to destroy them…
 
a long night ahead,
a phrase too often repeated,
the danger of Russian genocide
ever present with them…
 
---------------
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-long-night-ahead_17.html
attack on Kyiv
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #Kyiv #Kharkiv #Odesa

a long night ahead - v2

the rain of terror unending
premeditated murder, mayhem,
the danger or Russian genocide
ever present with them…
 
a nation in peril, on edge,
words of truth, understatement,
not sleeping in their beds,
a long night ahead…
 
sleeping in bomb shelters,
in bathtubs, strong corridors,
listening to whistles of the Shaheds,
missiles sent to destroy them…
 
a long night ahead,
a phrase too often repeated,
the danger of Russian genocide
ever present with them…
 
---------------
Edited June 17, 2025
a long night ahead – v2
 
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin

a long night ahead

a nation in peril, on edge,
words of truth, understatement,
not sleeping in their beds,
a long night ahead…
 
sleeping in the bomb shelters,
in bathtubs, strong corridors,
listening to the whistle of the Shaheds,
the missiles sent to scare them…
 
a long night ahead,
a phrase too often repeated,
the danger of Russian genocide,
ever present with them…
 
---------------
June 16, 2025
a long night ahead
 
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/one-million-dead-and-wounded-v3.html
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin

#onemillion #dead and #wounded – v3 #Russia #Ukraine

Dead Souls of the emperor, sheep to slaughter,
a milestone marching toward oblivion
for the madness of their tyrant,
their tsar with dreams of empire
one million dead and wounded
200, 300, marking that moment,
so many lives that he has ended
so much death and destruction
victims of his hubris, his madness,
their complicity in their own death…
 
on the other side of the equation, the balance,
too many innocent victims counted also,
in their neighboring country, Ukraine,
allies reticent to act fully, slow helping,
unwittingly or wittingly aiding genocide,
horrors he has unleashed, pure evil,
stalking the center of Europe, Death,
the reaper with his scythe cutting,
one million dead and wounded,
the number growing each day….
 
the monster in the Kremlin stalking,
a lust for empire, for destruction,
the tsar seated on a throne of skulls,
the madman in the bunker seeking,
an unquenchable thirst for power,
to bring more home to himself,
but the world is paying the price,
victims of his arrogance, his terror,
a genocide against a nation-state,
and the destruction of his own people…

 
---------------
Edited June 16, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v3
 
June 12, 2025
Russia reaching 1,000,000 dead or wounded in Ukraine
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, tsar,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #tsar

one million dead and wounded – v2 #Russia #Ukraine

a milestone marching toward oblivion
for the madness of their madman
their tsar with dreams of empire
one million dead and wounded
200, 300, marking that moment,
so many lives that he has ended
so much death and destruction
victims of his hubris, his madness,
their complicity in their own death…
 
too many innocent victims also,
in their neighboring country, Ukraine,
allies reticent to act fully, slow helping,
unwittingly or wittingly aiding genocide,
horrors he has unleashed, pure evil,
stalking the center of Europe, Death,
the reaper with his scythe cutting,
one million dead and wounded,
the number growing each day….
 
a lust for empire, for destruction,
the tsar seated on a throne of skulls,
an unquenchable thirst for power,
the madman in the bunker seeking,
to bring more home to himself,
but the world is paying the price,
the victims of his arrogance, his terror,
a genocide against a nation-state,
and the destruction of his own people…

 
---------------
Edited June 15, 2025
one million dead and wounded – v2
 
June 12, 2025
Russia reaching 1,000,000 dead or wounded in Ukraine
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin, tsar,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin #tsar

one million dead and wounded

a milestone marching toward oblivion
for the madness of the madman
one million dead and wounded
200, 300, marking that moment,
so many lives that he has ended
so much death and destruction
victims of his hubris, his madness,
their complicity in their own death…
 
too many innocent victims also,
allies reticent to act fully, helping,
unwittingly or wittingly aiding genocide,
horrors he has unleashed, pure evil,
stalking the center of Europe, Death,
the reaper with his scythe cutting,
one million dead and wounded,
the number growing each day….
 
a lust for empire, for destruction,
an unquenchable thirst for power,
the madman in the bunker seeking,
to bring more home to himself,
but the world is paying the price,
the victims of his arrogance, his terror,
a genocide against a nation-state,
and the destruction of his own people…

 
---------------
June 14, 2025
one million dead and wounded
 
June 12, 2025
Russia reaching 1,000,000 dead or wounded in Ukraine
Edited June 9, 2025
Escalation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/escalation-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
asymmetric warfare – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/asymmetric-warfare-v2.html
Edited June 8, 2025
premeditated murder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/premeditated-murder-v2.html
Edited May 30, 2025
Why are we silent – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/why-are-we-silent-v2.html
Edited May 29, 2025
Weakening Russia – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/weakening-russia-v3.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.
 
Poetry, Ukraine, US, NATO, EU, terror, America, genocide, Stand With Ukraine, warfare, drones, death, dead, wounded, Russia, Putin,
 
#Poetry #Ukraine #US #NATO #EU #terror #America #genocide #StandWithUkraine #warfare #drones #death #dead #wounded #Russia #Putin

A wounded heart - v2

A wounded heart - v2

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.