louis gander, 5 march 2013
A knight in shining armor? I certainly am not -
but if, indeed, I really was, you just might laugh a lot.
I'd be astride my big white horse, (a stallion through and through)
riding straight and very tall - and trotting right past you.
You'd see my polished armor and you'd see the golden trim -
just before I ride my horse right under one low limb.
I'd be a bit embarrassed there while lying on my back.
You'd see my pretty armor with some punctures, dents and crack.
My horse would keep on galloping as it ran out of sight.
I wouldn't know quite what to say except, "I'll be all right."
You'd tell me calmly, "Do not move." and also "Just stay put."
And then you'd see my armor covered with the blackest soot.
It's after that, I'd just admit, that I had tried to flee -
that big ol' angry dragon whose hot flame had bested me.
No, I'm not a noble knight nor any princess charmer.
I've make too many dumb mistakes to be a knight in armor.
Therefore, as a princess, you will need to wait awhile -
and grab the next knight riding by that's full of charm and style.
He'd pull you up behind him on his horse, you'd yell, "Goodbye!"
Of course, I would apologize and once again, I'd cry...
I've done so much for everyone- have given things and stuff -
but this I've learned- I'm not a knight- nor nearly good enough.
©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
louis gander, 3 march 2013
Oh, I remember back, when young -
the pirate tales from grandpa's tongue -
where peg-legged men with but one eye
had sought their treasures, chanced to die.
Now Captain Pirate had a hook
and he cared not from whom he took.
He boarded ships and stole their goods -
then hid his treasures in the woods.
And on the ship - he had some men -
who helped him rob now and again.
At times they partied and they drank. -
If one was rude, he'd walk the plank.
Now this old pirate wasn't fair -
and got so drunk he didn't care.
It didn't matter who he killed -
just so his humor was fulfilled.
A wee bit close, I happened near -
lost both my boots and lost my gear.
They tied me up that very night -
my wrists had hurt, the rope was tight.
Then one pulled quick, his shiny sword -
and threw me on that weathered board.
The ocean deep, the water black,
I felt his sword pressed to my back.
So I stepped out - again, again,
with nudges felt from earthly sin.
The steps I took were very short
but that old plank gave me support.
I thought quite quick but took some pause -
reflecting on life's silly laws.
So blinded by life's codes and rules,
I had nothing - them, the jewels.
Hoping here on earth I'd stay,
I stepped through life from day to day.
And this I knew, could not pretend -
this plank was short. There was an end.
My weight pushed low the outer ledge.
My toes could feel the very edge.
No turning back, what's done is done -
no place to turn - no place to run.
Our bodies end with earthly goals
as all life ends, but not our souls.
Emotions quake, as body shakes,
but after death, the soul awakes.
Oh, they held truth (though they got old)
those pirate tales that grandpa told,
but futile is a life that's wed -
with both the soul and body dead.
©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 28 february 2013
Oh, just as winds will carry on -
for years and centuries,
mere words cannot describe my love.
They pass with every breeze.
The winds still make it futile
as words pass by above –
but if I could grab hold of one,
I’d grab the word called ‘love’.
Words may describe a landscape -
some animals or birds,
but never is your picture worth
a mere one thousand words.
Oh, it would take a million words,
and then a billion more -
but have you time to listen as
I stand here at your door?
For every time your doorbell rings,
you yell, “Please stay away!”
but I have yet to even knock.
I’ve found no words to say...
Your doorbell keeps on ringing though
by yet another guy -
who runs on off to other doors -
and other doorbells try.
It seems I've stood forever –
but I will never quit -
in hopes that privately your door
will open up a bit.
Mere words don't mean so very much.
Our love was meant to be -
so I’ll keep standing at your door,
until you notice me.
--------
And then, by chance, your door should crack
and open up a bit -
I'd show you to your porch swing and
encourage you to sit.
Should sound not find my wordless lips
I'd take my nervous arm -
and put it 'round your shoulders with
a meek romantic charm.
Mere thoughts would run throughout my head -
for possibly a mile -
but then I'd hold your hand a bit -
as we sat there awhile.
My passion and my energy
could not hold back the bliss -
so then I'd lean right over and
I'd give your cheek a kiss.
I'd hold you close there in my arms
emotions on the move -
and there I'd stay committed as
my fervent love would prove.
The sun would set, but there we'd sit
in one prolonged embrace -
as words would still be meaningless
when I look in your face.
Oh, guys would still come knockin' -
recite their newest line -
but love cannot be broken now -
as you're forever mine.
And girls, also, just like words,
lack all their meaning too.
For I have packaged all my love -
and give it all to you.
~gander Copyright 2013
louis gander, 26 february 2013
I read, re-read her letter
a mere one-hundred times.
Her thoughts were pure and priceless,
in words of perfect rhyme.
I hadn't seen her smiling face,
but I will always be -
drawn, as if by magnet,
to her magnetically.
I hadn't heard her 'angel' voice
that sings as waves would flow -
yet somehow she has drawn me in
to shore where waters go.
I hadn't smelled her sweet perfume,
as garden full of flowers.
But oh, if I had breathed them in,
I'd be under her powers.
I hadn't held her fingers yet -
or hand in tender way -
or hugged her tightly when she hurt -
or kissed her tears away...
But oh, I understand her well -
and really must disclose -
that she's is kind and loving as,
a precious, perfect rose.
A rose that blooms so purely,
in rich, romantic hue.
A rose that grows securely,
in greatness through and through.
Her kindness and compassion
prove true humility -
so I'll embrace forever -
the letter she sent me.
~gander Copyright 2013
louis gander, 25 february 2013
Please tell me that it isn't so.
Please tell me that you needn't go.
I've been awake all day and night.
Please let me that you'll be alright.
But something reached down deep inside -
and seized my guts until I cried.
That 'something' pulled me in-side-out.
It hurt so bad, I had to shout!
Though we've shared words, this is the case -
that I've not seen your smiling face.
I haven't seen your flowing hair -
yet this is true: Please know I care.
My prayers for you are true, sincere.
"Please get well soon" cries every tear.
Though I've not seen your 'sunshine' eyes -
of this I'm sure, you're very wise.
Please know that this is not a game -
I only know your lovely name.
Your health is dire - and this I fear.
Yet not one little peep I hear.
Please tell me- tell me all is fine!
Where's the signal? Where's the sign?
That there's no news, has taken toll.
Stiff silence stabs my inner soul.
The clock keeps running- tock and tick.
Not knowing makes me really sick.
I wish I knew right where you were.
My tight embrace would surely cure.
Your favorite poem, I'd recite.
I'd sit beside you day and night.
But I don't have those super powers
to bring bouquet of fresh-cut flowers.
Yet my concern runs really deep
so I'm awake and cannot sleep.
Wait! Now again, my soul hums!!
Because your message finally comes :)
I'll be excited, so reassured -
when, at last, I hear you're cured.
Up and walking, quickly be -
smiling widely, you and me :)
~gander Copyright 2013
louis gander, 24 february 2013
I cannot serve two masters. I serve, but only one,
for if I love some sinfulness, I hate God's only Son.
Could I walk in His sandals? Do I really understand?
Of what would it encompass? Of what would it demand?
Could I put up with some abuse, and could I humbly be,
a whipping board of insults, for all to scoff at me?
Could I withstand a whipping? Tell me, would I know,
the pain down in my open wounds, torn flesh from every blow?
Could I, but bear the privilege - to be a king renowned,
my face stained in bloody streaks from such a thorny crown?
And would I know the cost of love, our God's most precious grace,
or would I simply think of me and hate the human race?
Could I endure the anguish then, as ropes bind hands and feet,
so knotted up so tightly that - I'd give in to defeat?
There on my back, could I stare at - a spike set on my skin,
then watch them take a heavy stone and slam it deep within?
Oh, I would know what's coming next. I'd clench my other fist.
Could I endure another nail- or would I just resist?
Then tortured even further, could pain be so complete,
when to the cross I'm nailed with- another through my feet?
Slowly ropes raise cross and I. The base slides in the hole.
Then in ghastly, horrid pain, would that jerk shake my soul?
So there I'd hang, alone up high- for all to mock and hate.
Could I endure the anguish then? Can I, to that relate?
Could I survive for several hours in pain and endless shame?
and would I ask forgiveness for those that I could blame?
Could I die for ALL the world- their sinful sacrifice -
and know that few would love me? Would that, for me, suffice?
Would my final miracle call for heavenly hosts -
or would I yield to Father's will and then give up the ghost?
No, hate and anger would not end. The sword would pierce my side....
Oh, would I slip away and hide? Which way would I decide?
His sandals are too large to fill. His time, so long ago,
and Heaven- much too far away, while I'm down here below.
But could I wear His sandals- if I was called upon,
and are my trials greater that- I'd gladly put His on?
He demands my little faith. He holds no speck of wrath,
when He's a lamp unto my feet- a light unto my path.
Yes, I wear His sandals- for I've been called upon
and faithful every morning I now slip them boldly on.
This poem may explain it- but who really understands?
For every sin that we commit puts nails through Jesus' hands.
We cannot serve two masters. We serve, but only one.
We have to hate all sinfulness, to love God's only Son.
©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
Luke 16:10 (NASB) "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.”
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louis gander, 23 february 2013
Now forty lashes - minus one
The torture, anguish has begun.
Thirty-nine lashes, horrid pain,
I can't endure - but won't complain.
A crown of thorn cuts in so deep,
Energy gone, I've got to sleep.
But on my back, a timber placed -
it weighs a ton, blood/sweat I taste.
I feel the cross beside my face.
I cannot walk a faster pace.
Skin open rips - each time I slip,
so tighter, I must keep my grip.
Each step I take is harder still
when trudging up this cruel hill.
The slivers pierce me as I trod,
both big and small - please help me God.
Please give me strength - for Heaven's sake
for every muscle in me aches.
With that huge cross along my back,
my knees give out. My legs go slack.
Exhausted, I can hardly crawl
and then I drop it as I fall.
My shoulder hurts, the pain intense -
then they all stare in awed suspense.
I can't hold it any more
yet I know next, what is in store.
My lungs hurt so, I've lost my breath -
but give me strength before my death.
At the top, I finally rest -
but now this cross, my final test.
I love you all - am faithful still,
right here on top of Calvary's hill.
Yet all the pain endured thus far
cannot erase the sins that are.
Sacrifice, death - wages of sin -
now demand pain on the cross begin.
©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 23 february 2013
I think about her every day
and also all today.
If I could say some words to her,
well this is what I'd say:
If we should meet, our hearts would beat
together right in time -
as music notes our thoughts would float
in harmonizing rhyme.
We would not fear for truth is here.
Our minds will not be crushed.
The air above holds perfect love
and it will not be hushed.
Some day we'll see that patiently
our worlds will become one.
That day the birds will sing these words -
"Their lives have just begun."
I think about her every day
and also all today.
If I could say some words to her,
well that is what I'd say...
~gander Copyright 2013
louis gander, 22 february 2013
The stars come out to welcome me. The sun had set so fast.
I need to live a simple life, forgetting evil's past.
Here, I'm at peace with all my friends - at this, my Alma mater.
A seagull swoops so ever low as wingtip kisses water.
Now true friends have a way of understanding every word -
though swaying branches speak to me in language never heard.
But I can understand them all, for I've been here before.
So lonely are the busy ones who only hear the shore.
The moon looks down with saddened frown. I sense it's message there,
"We love it when you visit us. We really, truly care."
But even so, I soon must go. Much stronger, blows a breeze.
It's whisper lingers, "Do not go. Stay longer, if you please."
Each time I leave I don't forget their many loving ways.
They're etched into my mem'ry like- the sunset's brilliant rays -
that shower down around me as a rainbow's vivid hues
and light up like a halo to enhance all nature's views.
Between my obligations, torn - decisions I regret -
then say, the leaves up in the trees, "Please do not leave us yet."
And say, the little waves on shore (as they splash near my feet),
"To have you here- to talk to is- a real cheerful treat."
So I respond in loving kind, "God made you so divine!
You'll always be my sincere friends. The pleasure is all mine!
"I so enjoy our favorite talks and I, great wonders, see.
So rich, our time together is. I love your company."
Reflecting off the water's waves, the lights from distant shore -
still seem to make me want to stay and talk a little more.
Yet like the sun, I now must run. The sky is turning black.
They may not know I love them so, but I'll be coming back.
Just one more time, I soak it in. God always makes it right.
"I'll miss you all, my dearest friends- and bid you all Good night!"
I turn to take a final glance before I walk away.
I hesitate, a tear slips down. There'll be another day.
©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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louis gander, 20 february 2013
You float above your body,
ascending into sky.
You hear the angels singing.
You're really not sure why.
You hear them a Cappella,
for just a song or two -
and then the instruments chime in
which take all breath from you.
Tall, massive sculptured columns
hold alabaster beams -
high above your stature.
It, overwhelming, seems.
The granite steps are pure as glass.
The huge and massive doors -
now open up, reveal in full,
the warmest parquet floors.
A bright light draws you hither,
between the velvet walls.
You hear those massive doors go shut.
A hollow echo calls.
But you have done no walking.
You simply float along -
until you enter room that holds
ten thousand angels strong.
The ceiling seems a mile high,
with walls a mile wide!
There is no time to make amends,
there is nowhere to hide.
Intimidated by this all,
in center of the room -
with bulging eyes, your jaw has dropped.
You hear a massive "boom"!
You're stripped of all possessions.
You're standing there alone.
The gong still echoes in your ears -
and God is on the throne!
Your earthly life, you quick relive.
Oh, what have you achieved?
Exposed and feeling guilty now,
have truly, you believed?
You knew that judgment day would come -
but why was it so soon?
You've missed your last vacation
and it is now 'high noon'.
Lightning cracks with thunder!
You think it very odd -
but then you understand it all.
It is the voice of God!!
Your mouth still hangs wide open.
You cannot even squeak -
and then begin to wonder -
will Jesus stand to speak...?
Oh, one more chance, you wish you had -
but it will never be -
for you are reading this right now -
and yet, you cannot see -
nor hear Him knocking on your heart,
the door to your own soul.
However, if you let Him in -
then He will make you whole.
Not even you can be so bad
that you have lost all heart -
for Christ had died for everyone -
including you - so start.
Two thousand thirteen years ago
it took a real Man
to sacrifice Himself for you.
Repent in tears. You can.
©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
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