Worse Than That 3-27-13

While I was strolling near a pond
one bright and breezy day,
a splendid scene had caught my eye
in such a special way.

Decided I, to lie a spell,
to take in nature's views.
So I had lain on greener grass
and kicked off both my shoes.

I saw the mirror images which
'bounced' beneath the sky,
on tips of little ripples that had
seemed to tip-toe by.

So beautiful, the lights reflected
off the little pond,
off the dancing water that
had seemed to just respond.

But life is not as it appears.
My thoughts took all this in,
When I had found that I had laid
right in this world's sin.

Once tempted by the greener grass,
well used by dog and cat,
I'm humbled now with just one whiff-
and sin is worse than that.

Don't laugh at me. It's just the way
this evil world turns.
So now I set my eyes on God.
My soul no longer yearns.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Show The Lord 3-11-13

Now everyone was nervous here.  It didn't make much sense. 

The Judge had entered quietly.  The room was very tense. 

"Let's only hear the gospel truth and accusations quench!

This court is now in session." said 'His Honor' from the bench. 

The 'Whip' was not at all deterred and spoke up suddenly, 

"Alive, He was, when I was done - untied and then set free! 

But I had noticed something else when He had left my place. 

I saw Him with the rugged 'Cross'.  Now there's your real case!" 

The 'Cross' responded bluntly and without an ounce of tact, 

"It wasn't me, Your Honor sir, and that is just a fact! 

I didn't do a single thing and really, I did care. 

I merely was the backdrop.  It's the 'Nails' that held Him there!" 

The 'Nails', three, were hence accused but chimed in unison, 

"It wasn't us who had Him killed (God's one and only Son). 

When all the three of us looked up, the truth had come to light - 

that wicked 'Crown' had pierced His scalp and made a gruesome sight!" 

It hushed, the crowd, who set their eyes on such a cruel 'Crown' - 

but it had sought the mercy of the Judge with sorry frown. 

And then it weaved so carefully a short and subtle lie, 

"It wasn't I who killed Him sir, the 'Whip' caused Him to die!" 

And so it was that blame was passed around, around again - 

so tell me, "What had killed Him then - just plain and simple sin?" 

So then that Judge, with piercing eye, had raised his brow at me, 

and said, "You are the guilty one!  I sentence you to be..." 

But then that very instant, a gentle voice was heard. 

The sound had calmed the courthouse down - and every heart was stirred. 

"Unbind those who've repented and were faithful through and through - 

for I have paid the highest price and saved their souls too." 

The Judge slammed down His gavel hard and said, "I will it so!" 

And that is where this story ends.  Are you prepared to go? 

The heart you have you made yourself.  You're humble or you're proud - 

so if acceptance you must have, you're lost among the crowd. 

Don't be the Whip, Cross, Nails or Crown who passed their guilt along - 

who tried to blame somebody else and claimed they did no wrong. 

How long has pride now stole your soul?  Days, weeks, or months, or years? 

Don't pass your guilt to someone else, but show the Lord some tears... 

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Solid Rock 3-4-13

Some people have their head in a cloud

and some people climb on top.

Some people jump from cloud to cloud

and never seem to stop.

Some people dream a million dreams

and some people live to work.

Some people seek fun far and wide

where wages of sin lurk.

They're trapped in a fog of deceptive white

that floats on a hopeless air -

then sooner or later find out that

there's no foundation there.

For God is the only solid rock

where feet can be planted firm -

not in the clouds of 'here and now'

but eternity, long-term.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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My Dearest Friends 2-22-13

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.  Its wingtip kisses water.

True friends have such a special way of understanding 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 is the breeze.

It's whisper lingers, "Do not go.  Stay longer, if you please."

Each time I leave I don't forget the many loving ways

they're etched into my mem'ry like the sunset's brilliant rays -

that showered down around me as a rainbow's vivid views

and lit up like a halo that enhanced all nature's hues.

Between my obligations, torn - decisions I regret -

then say, the leaves there 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 us, is such a real 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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Secret Admirer 2-18-13

(from a woman's perspective...)

Damp were the petals, kissed by the dew,

on bright, vibrant rose held up for my view -

from soft velvet fingers and unweathered skin

from one faithful heart full of true love within.

The rose was exquisite, so perfect to see -

with petals now open so beau-ti-ful-ly.

It seemed to rest easy on leaves of bright green -

(if now, you could only imagine the scene).

Behind that great gift was another one too -

who whispered poetically, "Oh, how I love you!"

It floated from voice so familiar to me

that stopped my whole world - instantly, briefly.

He caught me off-guard and I must concede

that inside his heart was a great love indeed.

For behind his raised fist, so patient and mild -

I saw the cute face of my very own child.

Reached, I there down - and speaking in prose,

I said, "Thank you child." accepting the rose.

And then to the side, I gave curtain a push -

and sure enough missing, my rose from rose bush.

But forced I a smile and gave him a kiss -

for this is one day that I'll soon reminisce.

His innocent countenance had drawn me to pray,

"Thank you, dear Lord, for my child today."

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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LOVE 2-14-13

It simply is impossible and simply is absurd -

to think that love can be defined in ordinary word.

"For God so loved the world..." and too, He had amid -

the evil forces on the earth who tortured as they did.

To love someone who helped you is a simple thing to do -

but try to love the people who have great disdain for you.

Then let them whip you- up until the pain is so intense -

it makes one wonder, if in fact, you have no common sense.

And let them make you drag a big old heavy wooden cross -

until you're so exhausted [that the path] you fall across.

And let them nail you to the beams in most horrendous way -

then mock you as you hear each word the soldiers have to say.

And let them place a homemade crown of nothing but pure scorn

that seize your brow, while poking in, with long and piercing thorn.

And let them hang you there alone in pain and agony

for all the people gathered 'round- for all of them to see.

And let them have their evil way until the bitter end -

until you finally pass away for all who ever sinned.

It simply is impossible and simply is absurd -

to think that love can be defined in ordinary word.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Why Angels Sing 2-8-13

The muscles tighten in my face

and tears come to my eyes -

each time I think of how you hurt

or hear your helpless cries.

You know if I could help you out,

I'd stop your pain today.

I'd use my little magic wand

to whisk them all away.

But if my magic wand was broke,

I'd buy them all with cash -

and then I'd torch each single one

and turn them into ash.

But if I couldn't burn them up

I'd open up your heart -

I'd take your sorrows- all of them -

and tear them all apart.

But if I couldn't tear them up

then I'd go to great length -

to throw your burdens off a cliff,

with every ounce of strength.

But if I wasn't strong enough

I'd haul them, height and breadth -

then watch them all splash overboard

into the ocean's depth.

But if your burdens didn't sink,

I'd work for many years -

right along beside you where

I'd kiss away your tears.

But if I couldn't dry your tears

I'd wish beyond degree -

that all your hurts would melt away

until you're bright with glee.

More tears go streaking down my cheeks.

I see you in great pain -

and now I've proven I can't help.

My work is all in vain.

Oh, how it saddens me to know

that I can't do a thing.

Yet God can heal your broken heart -

and that's why angels sing...

So smile awhile and lift your voice -

a voice so filled with love!

For those who hate will wallow here -

as you ascend above!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Wondrous Story 2-2-13

I'd love to be a poet and a real one, you know -

so I could write man's world off allowing God's to glow.

I'd write a wondrous story, that we could all take part

and live in true reality - each one with perfect heart.

I'd think outside my circle, with paper, ink and pen -

and think outside my flimsy box to live in peace again -

in gardens filled with blossoms - all colors full and bold -

that I could sweep my arms across and many flowers hold.

I'd jump inside my story with the animals and birds,

that live in His fine nature and are camouflaged with words -

that whisper as the breezes blow in true harmonic cord,

that bring us lives so unsurpassed when living with our Lord.

I'd peer up to the mountains, at the several waterfalls,

that rain grace down from Heaven where every angel calls -

to show to us a perfect world where He can overwhelm -

where man rejects but God perfects His great creation's realm.

I'd never hide inside my world, but fully would expect -

that men would treat each other with a solemn, deep respect -

that women dress with modesty and also could endow -

that girls learn to curtsy slow and boys would learn to bow.

I'd stroll inside my poem free from envy, sin and hate -

and walk beside still waters where 'the way' is always straight.

And I shall keep on writing true for many, many years -

until I see no longer through my sad and yearning tears.

I'd love to be a poet and a real one, you know -

so I could write man's world off allowing God's to glow.

I'd write a wondrous story, that we could all take part

and live in true reality - each one with perfect heart.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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I Wander Yonder 1-31-13

I wander yonder over hills where those before me trod -

though aimlessly through wants and needs, yet find it somewhat odd.

I wander yonder guessing so and pay a heavy price -

by following some friends I have and words of ill-advice.

I wander yonder through my life and laugh along the way -

deceiving self, believing I am happy every day.

I wander yonder up until the day I get so old -

a speck of truth will be revealed that I had not been told.

I wander yonder 'til the time that I begin to ponder -

about God's good and loving Son, so full of grace and wonder.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Circle Of Love 1-29-13

. . . . and bring our love around again in selfless peace that has no end -

as with a circle bright and true, is love of fam'ly, love of friend -

though some may laugh while others grieve, forgiveness we can sure achieve,

through God's vast blessings scattered 'round so those in need can hence receive -

the Son of God who's virgin born - through whip and nails and piercing thorn -

our sacrifice, the ultimate - a perfect Savior, bloody, torn -

because God loved and likewise we, bring certain hope that others see -

these blessings of a risen Lord so that they too could also be

in peace that's pure as snowy dove while singing praise to God above -

while standing faithful hand in hand in this, our circle filled with love . . . .

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Will The Circle Be Unbroken?
Lyrics
(written 1907 by Ada R. Habershon with music by Charles H. Gabriel)

There are loved ones in the glory
Whose dear forms you often miss.
When you close your earthly story,
Will you join them in their bliss?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?

In the joyous days of childhood
Oft they told of wondrous love
Pointed to the dying Saviour;
Now they dwell with Him above.
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


You remember songs of heaven
Which you sang with childish voice.
Do you love the hymns they taught you,
Or are songs of earth your choice?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


You can picture happy gath'rings
Round the fireside long ago,
And you think of tearful partings
When they left you here below.
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


One by one their seats were emptied.
One by one they went away.
Now the family is parted.
Will it be complete one day?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?
---

Can The Circle Be Unbroken?
Lyrics
(`1935 - Carter family)

I was standing by my window
On one cold and cloudy day
And I saw the hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Oh, I told the undertaker
Undertaker, please drive slow
For this body you are hauling
How I hate to see her go
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Lord, I followed close beside her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Went back home Lord, My home was lonely
Since my mother she had gone
All my brothers, sisters crying
What a home so sad and lone
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky