louis gander, 24 october 2012
I searched and searched but couldn't find -
along still waters I was blind.
I was confused, I was dismayed
until I stopped, until I prayed...
Where are You Lord?
Soften my selfish eyes that stray
that I might see a better way -
so I can find You.
Where are You Lord?
Soften my selfish ears of choice
that I might hear Your still, small voice -
so I can find You.
Where are You Lord?
Soften my selfish hands that wring
that can't hold firm to Your blessing -
so I can find You.
Where are You Lord?
Soften my straight and prideful nose
that I won't judge and won't suppose -
so I can find You.
Where are You Lord?
Soften my foolish, selfish words
so I'll enjoy Your singing birds -
so I can find You.
Where are You Lord?
Soften me as a potter would
who'll mold me into what I should -
so I can find You.
Where are You Lord?
Soften me with a discipline
that I might stop, turn, then begin -
so I can find You.
Where are You Lord?
Soften my selfish heart so I
might feel the hurt, the faintest cry -
so I can find You.
Where are You Lord?
Were still waters meant to be?
Although I searched, I couldn't see.
Yet there behind me all the way
was Jesus. Then I heard Him say,
"I AM above all
nature, beauty and goodness,
power, supremacy and holiness,
wrath, sovereignty and greatness,
mercy, compassion and fairness,
grace, knowledge and boldness,
respect, teaching and kindness,
love, patience and faithfulness,
loyalty, giving and happiness,
peace, joy and gladness".
I had searched, but couldn't see -
and I was at a loss -
until I stopped and He found me -
from high upon a cross.
So now it is
I follow Him -
in hands that are the Potter's -
faithfully and steadfast,
with endurance and perseverance,
along His peaceful waters.
©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 24 october 2012
I walked through the valley of the shadow of death.
I turned each direction. The sight took my breath.
The way through that valley was ever so wide,
and sin was so rampant that many had died.
Lust, lies and deception, like grains of the sand,
the bodies and souls - they covered the land.
Stepped over, I did - strewn here and there,
for they were all lost, in death, unaware.
It seemed so atrocious. I felt so inept -
but I journeyed along as I carefully stepped.
So many had fallen far short of their goals,
and the valley was covered with forgotten souls.
Now so many limbs and bodies were crossed,
that each proved our sin has a very high cost.
In every direction, I trembled in fear,
yet some tracks pressed on, so vividly clear.
So many had prospered, so many were great,
but they had all worked to a merciless fate.
I stepped over more - the young and the old.
Each day some would fall and then would turn cold.
It seemed, was no end - as a fight in a sewer -
then noticed the footprints, were fewer and fewer.
I pressed on ahead through trials and all,
I fought the good fight and then heard His last call.
The footsteps had dwindled to just a small few.
Then leaving the valley, there were only two.
Now one set of footprints went straight on ahead,
while the other one stopped, and turned back instead.
But through the dim darkness, a light I could see.
It fell as a halo - and then covered me...
My armor still glimmered as if still brand new,
despite all the work that He asked me to do.
There up from the valley and over the crest,
I saw that old cross and knew I was blessed.
Some friends greeted me. There were but a few.
Then I laid down my cross, as they had done too.
We're living here now, above valley and loss -
for we wore our armor and looked to the cross.
It's easy to know now, how we gathered here,
despite those one set of footprints, it's clear.
When He is in us, we are more than a sparrow -
we walk in His sandals, the straight and the narrow.
You have but one journey. He guides your steps now.
He'll show you the way and - He will show you how.
He knows that the valley of death will bring pain.
It'll run you in circles and drive you insane.
But wear your whole armor. Endure to the end -
for He is your Savior, Defender and Friend.
©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
louis gander, 22 october 2012
"I've cried my eyes out every day.
My burdens, I've out-poured
in never-ending prayers to You.
Why can't You hear me Lord?
"Oh Lord, the stinging hurts me so.
They smear my wounds with salt.
My mind is scarred and You know why.
These burdens aren't my fault.
"And physically, I'm also scarred.
Each hurts a different way.
So tell me... once again I ask,
'Do You hear what I say?'"
"As days go by, I cannot cope.
Will nothing ever change?
If there were different burdens Lord,
I'd happily exchange.
"I'd trade all mine for other ones.
This pain is just too great.
Please let me trade my burdens in,
if it is not too late."
And then I saw my Savior's hands,
cupped high above my head.
He slowly lowered them to me,
and this is what He said.
"If you wish, then I will trade.
Your Savior understands.
I'll take each burden you don't want.
Just place them in my hands."
So collected I, my burdens.
They numbered as the stars.
And just before I threw them in,
I saw those nail scars.
Instinctively, I held them back.
Now I was at a loss...
I cannot trade my burdens for
His day upon the cross.
"Oh come, my dear and troubled child -
come rest in my embrace.
Have faith that I will vanquish them
and I will show you grace."
So once again, still weak in trust,
and hesitant, I feared -
but one by one I set them in
and each one disappeared!
Now I have grace... And burdens? None!
No cross of any kind!
I gave to Jesus everything -
and now have peace of mind.
©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
-------
louis gander, 14 october 2012
Do our hearts ache when swift waves break
and wash up sandy beach
or do the waves sing, "Jesus saves!"
when up on beaches reach?
Does 'make life fair' entwine our prayers
though time cannot reverse?
His divine force would change our course
for better - not for worse.
Though freewill stalk will alter walk.
We traverse where we will.
Through other lands or beach head sands,
we'll travel on until -
our final stride meets where we died
and breath no longer flows -
and final prints expose all hints.
...for that is how life goes.
As I looked back, my lifelong track -
I was so much dismayed.
I persevered - but disappeared
those tracks in life I made.
My earthly talk was not all walk.
Again I look around.
With seashore grim, so stunned I am.
My prints cannot be found.
All lost one day and washed away -
a life that lived in haste -
and purpose quashed when prints were washed,
away - ohhh, what a waste!
I don't succumb, but ponder some -
now when I bow to pray.
And so it was, His waves, because
He washed those sins away!
Divine, His grace, hung in my place
when Jesus died instead.
With sins forgiv'n and bound for Heav'n
my earthly work is dead.
Let heart not ache, when waves should break
to smooth out wicked beach -
but follow yon His footsteps on,
'til destination reach...
©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
-------
louis gander, 10 october 2012
I woke up from sleeping and found myself eating
a piece of old barley bread.
While feeding on breakfast, I thought it most unjust
that yours was a warm one instead.
Though willow branch bends, it cannot make amends
to a place that I'm sitting between.
A rock and a hard place that's hopeless to face -
and torment, the greatest I've seen.
My great sacrifice just wouldn't suffice.
These shoes that I wear aren't by choice.
"We can't refinance" was the bank's 'song and dance'
but who would hear my little voice?
Despite life-long effort, they're selling me short,
my business at such a great cost.
The bank never spared because they hadn't cared,
hence millions of dollars were lost.
So don't store up treasures for everyday pleasures,
in things of this earth that will rust.
The great love of money has never been funny,
for only in God should we trust.
It's so disconcerting my children are hurting,
yet hopelessly helpless I am.
Despite expectations to pay obligations,
I now can't help any of them.
I sit in the shade of these problems they made.
This willow tree weeps with me too.
The moral of story is not really gory
if we've learned a lesson or two.
Those decades of years bring me sad lonely tears
for they took everything that I had.
But what greater loss - than was Christ's on the cross?
I maybe don't have it so bad.
©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 4 october 2012
I sat in my room with Bible in hand,
trying to fully, to best understand;
But as I looked down, all I could see -
was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.
I turned my mind to another thought,
became discouraged, became distraught;
I concentrated - but all I could see,
was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.
I peered at times out the huge windowpane,
and knew that I shouldn't at all complain;
So I glanced back down but all I could see -
was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.
The big, red sun was settling down,
and longer shadows grew around;
I refocused my eyes but all I could see,
was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.
For quite some time I sat and thought,
for hours and hours my eyelids fought;
I pushed them up, but all I could see -
was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.
I stayed up half the night it seems;
then went to bed with the weirdest dreams;
Against dark blackness all I could see,
was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.
For many years, I sat at a loss....
I failed to fully understand the cross.
While I had eyes, I just couldn't see -
but the yellow stained page, staring back at me.
Yellow stains? You ask me why?
Teardrops felled from saddened eyes.
My vision blurred - I couldn't see,
but the yellow stained page, staring back at me.
By grace alone, I know my God.
He comforts me - His staff and rod.
And now through faith, no longer see -
a yellow stained page, staring back at me.
©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 3 october 2012
Early mornings, I talk to You.
I pray until the sky is blue.
Faithfully I do my chores -
for You are mine and I am Yours.
I read the Bible, every verse -
but yet the world grows worse and worse.
So where's the bounty? Where's the fruit?
Did You get lost along our route?
Tell me now - where are you God?
You should be here. This is quite odd.
Do You just sit there on Your throne,
and leave me down here all alone?
A mustard seed - my faith exceeds.
I live a Godly life indeed.
I pour out Christian love each day -
spreading seed along my way.
So tell me why You're way up there.
and leave me here in such despair?
Please tell me, why are we apart?
Could I have followed my own heart?
Could it be, I followed me -
I never listened, couldn't see?
Yes, maybe I had took a turn,
because I didn't want to learn...
You are there and I am here -
Now I shall follow and not fear.
Early mornings, I'll hear You -
so guide me Lord, and lead me through.
©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 30 september 2012
The course was very narrow,
the trail, straight and long -
I moseyed on that perfect path
where I could do no wrong.
I kicked my big, white stallion,
up rocky slopes one day -
and when I made this clearing,
I knew I'd found the way.
And while I sat there on my faith,
atop the highest hill -
and as I peered on valley low,
I judged folks all until -
I found great fault in everyone
no matter, great or small -
so I could sit up highest on
my saddle, straight and tall.
I prayed; "Oh, those pathetic souls
are hardly good for thee -
for never are they good enough,
unless they're just like me.
Just look at their bad habits,
just look at all their stuff,
and why don't they attend my church?
They are not good enough!
They sin in many different ways,
they fall in numbers too.
They just don't understand that they -
are not like me and You."
Now after seeing others
had wandered off the course -
t'was then that I was knocked right off
my high and mighty horse.
©2010 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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Matthew 23:12 (NASB) "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."
louis gander, 28 september 2012
Tattoo's ink smeared everywhere,
with piercings by the score -
and color-copied rainbow hair,
how can we handle more?
To get a little self-respect
our clothes must have a label.
Our auto's must be perfect,
or we appear unstable.
Eye lashes must be fastened on.
Scent squirts out from sprayers -
liner must be perfect drawn
with powder caked in layers.
Our jewelry we can wear with pride
and aging spots can cover -
the wrinkles we can try to hide
so no one will discover.
Through remedies we dig and dig.
We make a real fuss.
But apply the lipstick to a pig -
it's surface, surface, surface!
We try to conquor blunder,
we think we've conquored dull,
but what I have to wonder
is, what's inside our skull?
Man can't look beyond the skin,
Man looks at the face.
Man sees only fat or thin.
Man sees only 'race'.
God sees through all shallowness.
God sees through the skin.
God sees down inside our heart,
God sees deep within.
Some day man might teach our youth.
Some day man might feel.
Some day man might learn the truth
and hopefully get REAL!
©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
-------
louis gander, 28 september 2012
"I've cried my eyes out every day.
My burdens, I've out-poured
in never-ending prayers to You.
Why can't You hear me Lord?
"Oh Lord, the stinging hurts me so.
They smear my wounds with salt.
My mind is scarred and You know why.
These burdens aren't my fault.
"And physically, I'm also scarred.
Each hurts a different way.
So tell me... once again I ask,
'Do You hear what I say?'"
"As days go by, I cannot cope.
Will nothing ever change?
If there were different burdens Lord,
I'd happily exchange.
"I'd trade all mine for other ones.
This pain is just too great.
Please let me trade my burdens in,
if it is not too late."
And then I saw my Savior's hands,
cupped high above my head.
He slowly lowered them to me,
and this is what He said.
"If you wish, then I will trade.
Your Savior understands.
I'll take each burden you don't want.
Just place them in my hands."
So collected I, my burdens.
They numbered as the stars.
And just before I threw them in,
I saw those nail scars.
Instinctively, I held them back.
Now I was at a loss...
I cannot trade my burdens for
His day upon the cross.
"Oh come, my dear and troubled child -
come rest in my embrace.
Have faith that I will vanquish them
and I will show you grace."
So once again, still weak in trust,
and hesitant, I feared -
but one by one I set them in
and each one disappeared!
Now I have grace... And burdens? None!
No cross of any kind!
I gave to Jesus everything -
and now have peace of mind.
©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
-------
louis gander, 23 september 2012
The table, set with centerpiece,
fine china, silverware -
and food prepared deliciously
with tender loving care -
and hungry eye, I relish this -
this meal, my daily bread -
then fold my hands and bow my head
before my prayer is said.
I do recite it quick and slurred,
but with the best intent -
and now that grace is said and heard,
it is a blessed event.
The phrases I was taught to say
were pressed down deep in me -
but words are empty without thoughts
of pure sincerity.
Yes, just before we eat, we pray,
but there's a place so crude
which moves us closer to the truth -
that others have no food.
It haunts me as I look around, the
visions of the starved -
who wide-eyed blankly stare at me
behind my turkey, carved.
I see their bloated tummies and
the flies around their eyes.
I hear soft moans from babies lips,
the echoes of their cries.
I taste the mush that they call food.
It lingers on my breath.
I feel the tears start down my cheeks.
I smell the stench of death.
I hesitate with my first bite,
I ask myself, "Do I
really care they're teary eyed
and hungry 'til they die?"
I pray that all the "least of these"
are eating well in Heav'n.
Please help me Lord, to understand
the blessings I was giv'n.
So now when I recite my prayer,
as I sit down to feast,
I ask myself if I'm sincere
and thankful in the least.
For that's when I can hear my voice
ascending to His ear.
He knows if I speak empty words
or if I am sincere.
©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 9 september 2012
Waves were crashing everywhere -
port, starboard, forward, aft...
My troubles kept on pouring in,
upon my humble raft.
Typhoon winds of pain whipped up -
first one way, then the other.
My earthly troubles slashed about -
another and another.
Adrift on troubled waters,
but where? I did not know!
Yet here out on the stormy seas -
there was dark death below.
The shark infested waters
that I remember still -
snapped temptations fangs at me
and broke my fragile will.
And then on top of everything,
it couldn't get much worse -
when wet, dense fog surrounded me -
my little faith, a curse.
I screamed from fetal position,
"Do something! Please... You must!"
My fist shook at the Heavens.
I lacked sufficient trust.
I threw my hands up in the air
and wondered, "What's the use?"
Now isn't this the way life goes
as sodden ropes let loose!
The wicked waves tore at the logs.
My raft began to split.
Apart, my hopes were shattered then.
What could I do, but quit?
And then when giving up on life -
I saw - but could it be??
Walking troubled waters there -
my Lord had came toward me!
But raft continued breaking up.
The waves were just too great...
My groping arms flung out to Him -
but I was just too late...
With remnants of my raft adrift -
this Jesus disappeared!
Out in the fog He vaporized -
a sick mirage, I feared.
The gift of life is special -
but eternal life much more.
For Jesus was my sacrifice,
and who that cross was for.
Were hope and faith both obsolete
as waves crashed on my back?
Last remnants of my raft dispersed -
and everything went black.
Engulfed by churning breakers,
my feet touched solid stone...
God's precious love threw me to shore!
I never was alone!
I'm thankful God broke up my raft.
Could I have asked for more?
That raft was really nothing with -
my Jesus on the shore!
©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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Psalm 23:4
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
louis gander, 19 july 2012
So many things in body / soul
are empty, undefined -
but read this poem carefully,
and answers you may find.
The knowledge of the Love of God,
comes through in loving stages -
so see if you can find a clue -
within this couple's ages...
.......
The couple faced each other close,
while standing toe to toe.
The clear new day was very young.
They had no place to go.
His right hand held her left hand and,
His left hand held her right.
He slid a daisy through her hair.
She was a pretty sight.
The springtime breezes did not quell
the sun's most warmest rays.
As ocean waves kept rolling in,
they held the longest gaze.
Her face was like a sunshine's glow.
Her toes sank in the sand.
Her hair flipped in the open breeze.
Her fingers squeezed his hand.
Some folks had paused and stared a bit
when softly came the kiss -
but never would a moment pass,
a moment quite like this.
And with these two, that special time
would never go away -
for faithful is that one true love.
There is no better way.
So scenic was the sandy beach,
so beautiful, the pair -
yet only God creates true love
that I saw perfect there.
.......
Now just in case you're wondering,
what ages they could be...
Well, she's but two years younger than
his age of eighty-three.
So if assumptions, you had made -
in poem told above -
then you have also missed the mark,
of true Agape Love.
Therefore, question all the writings,
discovered here and there,
that often miss the God of Love -
the hearer of each prayer.
And don't have shallow notions or,
wear blinders to 'believe' -
or come to some conclusion that
some well-known 'experts' weave.
Sometimes we think we know it all,
when all the facts we weigh -
but we do not create the God
who loves us every day.
©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 17 july 2012
“Dear Lord and Savior, hear my plea.
I've one request - wait, two or three....
This time though, I'm in a fix,
so maybe there'll be five or six....
Please answer quickly, hear me now
and I'll pray daily - that's my vow.
Unlike before, please don't postpone,
for really Lord, You should have known.
I've sacrificed so much for You,
for years been nagged by 'you know who'....
The children too, yell at the spouse -
we really need a larger house....
My boat is bleached from Your hot sun
so I really need a brand new one.
My wardrobes full - but can't wear those -
for Heaven knows I need new clothes.
You know I just went out to eat,
‘all I could eat' - wow, what a treat -
topped it off with cream and cake -
so take away my stomachache.
I've tried so hard to lose some weight,
from all this fat that You create....
I feel so tired and weak somehow,
so give me strength - I need it now.
Well, thank You for my new guitar,
my brand new camper, one more car,
but vacation's what I really need -
roller coasters, lots of speed.
You are so great. I know You care,
so answer now - my simple prayer.
These aren't mere words, these are my needs
and if You grant, I've more good deeds....
There's so much more I'd ask of You,
with credit cards long overdue....
But you, dear Lord, must surely know,
the fish are biting - I must go.
I only ask for what I need.
These are not 'wants' so please proceed.
Stay close to me - I'll call again.
Please grant me what I need, Amen.”
©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
-------
louis gander, 16 july 2012
There was a barn once painted red
which stood on grandpa's old homestead.
T'was built so very long ago -
a sorry sight. I told him so.
I often, as a boy, had wondered
why it hadn't ever timbered.
I knew the sagging rafters creaked
and roof, with missing shingles, leaked.
I stepped inside, the barn doors gone,
found it home for sparrows' song.
Circled they, around freely,
over the floors in man's debris.
No matter which way I would glance,
dust in sunlight rays would dance.
Warning cobwebs seemed to sketch.
Between the timbers, they would stretch.
Foundation laid in cobblestone
but its sure footing wasn't known.
Between some stones were gaping cracks
that could not hide the basic facts.
Every post in building leaned,
wall to wall had needed cleaned.
Winter winds would whistle through.
That big ol' barn had lost, I knew.
Its only purpose, couldn't render -
so it offered full surrender.
The weather's sin had taken toll
and wind and sleet had found its soul.
That ol' barn is much like us
and in our need we'll make a fuss.
Our sagging souls are so uncouth
that we no longer seek the truth.
Deceit flies in our open door
'til we care little anymore.
We’d rather compromise instead
as cobwebs fill our empty head.
Our minds are filled in sins' debris
with anyone whom we agree.
The love is lost between our bones
and leaves us cold, loosened stones.
Will our beliefs stand firm, upright -
or will we yield to stormy blight?
Are we responsible instead -
or our character really dead?
Now over the years, time has lapsed
and long ago that barn collapsed.
Now as I look at its demise,
I listen to the worlds last cries....
©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 22 december 2011
To the tune of:
"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"
It's beginning to look a lot like Jesus,
everywhere we go.
Take a look at the Christmas birth. Seeing it once again -
it warms our hearts and makes our spirit's glow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Jesus,
miracles in store -
but the prettiest sight to see
is the baby that will be -
who we can't ignore.
With no pair of sandals and cross with no handles,
He carried it right up until -
the weight was tremendous, our actions horrendous -
He fell halfway up the hill.
The soldier men, so full of sin, just wanted to torture and kill.
It's beginning to look a lot like Jesus,
as we knew before -
so Christians must always be, like the Jesus that we see -
in a world at war...
©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
louis gander, 3 december 2011
You ask about this picture
that hangs here on my wall?
Many thoughts come to my mind.
I can't recall it all.
It's of our old log cabin
that stood along a stream -
nestled in a heavy woods
with weather most extreme.
The summer heat, unbearable,
preceded autumn hues -
and winter brought the heavy snow
which drooped the many yews.
Our hard work filled the wood box.
Much colder times, there'd be.
I'd follow dad's familiar tracks -
to seek a Christmas tree.
A chair set by the window,
sat I, upon the chair -
peering down our old dirt road
with grandpa not yet there.
The sunrise and the sunset
was all the clock we had -
so hours I would be on watch
with brother, mom and dad.
So patiently the snowfall
would cling to window sill.
Serene and quiet were those days -
snow blanketing each hill.
Then at last his carriage came,
bouncing up the drive.
Anticipation answered,
and Christmas came alive.
The planks beneath dad's footsteps
sounded from the floor.
He gave a pat as he walked by,
then answered our front door.
The gift that I received that day
came in a homemade box.
I opened it and once again -
long underwear and socks.
Toys were quite a rarity.
I thought it not unfair -
for on those chilly winter nights,
I didn't really care.
The fire dancing in the hearth
was better than fine art -
and love was not for brand new toys -
but rather from the heart.
The inconvenient hardships
were really not so bad.
Grandpa and my family,
were really all I had.
Sunday was our day of rest
that I enjoyed the most -
when father parked our wagon near
the church's hitching post.
Patience filled our earnest souls,
charity, the mind -
and my most precious presents now,
are memories, every kind.
We bore so many crosses
with work and suffering -
but they bound us together and,
I wouldn't change a thing.
If now an opportunity
brought back 'the good old days',
I'd trade todays conveniences
for more rewarding ways.
I don't regret my childhood.
I would not trade the years.
Now please, you must forgive me for
my sentimental tears...
Oh goodness, my - how time does fly!
It's almost half-past seven!
But stories more, you'll hear some day
when we meet up in Heaven.
So that's my picture on my wall,
reminding me of Christmas -
a world of true tranquility -
where I found love for Jesus.
©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
louis gander, 1 december 2011
The year, I'm told, is eighteen-ten.
The weather's dry and hot.
I 'reckon dad knows where to go.
The horses do not trot.
We're tired and very thirsty,
with rations, water low.
The wagon trails' a long one and,
we have so far to go.
The wagon covers' full of holes
and leaks each time it rains.
The mud strains both the horses.
Our perseverance wanes.
But persevere, we can and must.
That's what mere patience proves -
while breathing in the trail dust
behind the horses hooves.
Supplies? ...almost depleted.
Before I go to sleep,
I lay awake, my stomach hurts,
I hear my mother weep.
The bread, she trims the mold from -
it helps my hunger pangs.
A line is stretched above my head.
Our dripping laundry hangs.
I'm not the wisest western child
I don't know very much.
I'm not quite sure how 'blessings' work,
and 'thankfulness' and such.
But Jesus, we are so obliged -
for shoes that fit our feet,
safety from the wolves and snakes,
and berries we can eat.
I'm sorry that I think of corn,
potatoes, peas or fish -
but if I lived in different times,
or place - that'd be my wish.
I'd eat just like a gentleman.
I'd eat my last string bean.
I'd eat what others did not want -
then lick their dishes clean.
Sometimes my mom... I'll see a tear.
She hides it pretty good.
But Jesus, I know mother -
she'd help me if she could.
She stays up nights when I am sick.
I hear her prayers to You.
She shows her love to everyone
and knows just what to do.
So answer, Jesus, my small prayer...
I ask it for our Nation -
that it would always thankful be -
bent not unto temptation.
I wonder if Americans
will ever truly know -
this wagon trails' a long one and,
we have so far to go.
©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 30 november 2011
Terror on the rampage,
terror in the sky,
terror in the cities,
terror by and by -
with no concern and no remorse
with cold and callous sigh -
enjoyment from the children with
their most despondent cry.
Death is by the devil,
where hate and anger lie,
terrorizing innocent,
until they see them die.
Blessings by the number,
blessings by the score,
blessings from the Heavens,
blessings that outpour -
to each of God's creation,
yet then He gave us more -
a Son who came to save the lost,
with crown of thorns He wore.
With nails in His hands and feet,
from terrors' angry roar.
The greatest of all blessings,
though terror wanted more.
Spiritual life
to terror's death...
who took dust
and gave us breath?
No matter how dumb
or how naive -
no matter what man
still wants to believe -
earth is below
and Heaven's above -
God is love.
God is love.
God is love.
©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
louis gander, 29 november 2011
The hare runs very swiftly,
for ten years he can go -
but patient, walks the turtle for
a hundred years or so...
---
Rounding curves, squealing with a
couple hundred horses -
stretched out over lawful edge,
anticipating forces.
Sporty style and glossy paint -
surpassing every class -
clean and polished, buffed and waxed,
with tinted window glass.
Transmissions humming through the gears,
bring screeching to the tires -
and then the booming drowns the streets -
huge speakers strung with wires.
Flying off at green lights hue,
with pedals under lead -
wasting gas, polluting air,
to break at every red...
The pedals crush the metal flat
with heavy laden feet -
yet idle through the drive ups then,
for food that's good to eat.
Running full in circles wide,
while rushing far and near -
important is the coffee cup,
some cigarettes or beer.
Another day, another laugh,
for fun is not a crime!
Let's get the guys together 'cause -
it's almost party time!
Then sharp, the sirens pierce the night,
and everything goes wrong...
A child wandered in the street.
The doctors take too long.
So many people crying,
so many people sad -
so many people blaming God,
so many people mad.
This poem's not about a car,
a cycle, or a van -
but oh, about the drivers there,
the much impatient man...
---
Now God created turtles,
and God created hares -
but then created patient man,
if patient are his prayers.
©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
-------
PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY - ALWAYS!
louis gander, 27 november 2011
Sometimes I wonder how a tree
can stand the way it does -
so crooked, gnarled and twisted.
I wonder what it was...
What made it lean way over -
its shallow roots in mud?
Or was its last encounter a -
tornado? lightning? flood?
Though I am not an expert,
and haven't much, a clue -
I've often looked at people,
and wondered how they grew.
Opinions leaning way too far
with grumpy, creaking sounds -
they're true, 'un-timbered' miracles
with such unbalanced pounds.
But God still pours out blessings.
His grace forever flows -
and nourishes the lazy root -
no matter how it grows.
Sometimes I wonder how a man
can stand the way he does -
so crooked, gnarled and twisted.
I wonder what it was...
©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http:/www.ganderpoems.org/
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