Last Duckling, The 10-14-17

Free will expressed in God's likeness

and formed in wonder's love.

With utmost care, He made me there,

at home in Heav'n above.

But after birth right here on earth

it wasn't really fair.

They all made fun of waddled run

and no one seemed to care.

There was no drake out on the lake,

but breeze was cool and fine.

Mother struggling, seven duckling -

with me, the last in line.

Sometimes my feet could not compete -

so I would lag behind.

But she would wait- me motivate -

for she was patient, kind.

Then peril sent an accident.

My legs went nearly lame.

They laughed again at my chagrin

and slower, I became.

In Godly way, my mom would pray.

She loved me even more.

With lots of skill and her big bill,

she'd nudge me up on shore.

And there I'd praise the sunshine's rays

next to my mother's charm.

And always there, my mom would care

protecting me from harm.

Through many jobs I'd hear her sobs.

She had the biggest heart.

I must attest, she was the best

'til death pulled us apart.

As time goes by I often cry.

It's sad to swim alone.

The only love that I knew of

was what my mom had shown.

I am not strong. I have done wrong.

I was the least of sev'n.

Lord, call me back.  Please call me back.

Please call me back to Heav'n.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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And Colors Each 10-7-17

Do we know with His rainbow, there's life among the trees?

What message comes from God above through autumn's colored leaves?

Does a willow display YELLOW just to send a small alarm -

to caution us from danger so we're free from Satan's harm?

Does the bright glow of the ORANGE show a way to raise our spirits?

Down through the years, does wisdom claim we shouldn't call it quits?

And does the RED mean Jesus bled to save us from our sin -

that we would turn our life around and be born once again?

Do the GOLDEN leaves embolden us to face another day?

Our golden years are not to waste, but live in Godly way.

And does the GREEN that's still between all us and many others -

prove that God still gives us life among the many colors?

Please understand God's faithful and His great creation thrives.
He paints, each fall, a masterpiece and colors each our lives.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Kitchen War 9-30-17

Discussions were beginning in the kitchen fraught with hate -

and anger soon was spreading with the "who was best" debate.

"I'm protein for the people," said the big roast to the greens.

"I am so much better than potatoes, corn and beans."

"Without my oven you are absolutely nothing around here,"

said the stove so loudly so that all the rest could hear.

Close by was some oregano, paprika and some clove.

"Oh, do not boast for you are but an old and rusted stove. 

Said the sea salt to the spices, "Here's some good advice.

If you can't add some flavor,  you're no better than the rice."

Said the white rice to the sea salt, "Let me say a thing or two.

The spices have a million times more flavor than you do.

The fridge could not stay silent and the toaster now was hot.

Disposal?  It was spinning while the blender had forgot.

And that is how it started as the food began to fly.

Please tell me why there's no respect.  Please tell me, tell me why.

From floor to wall to ceiling, there was food stuck everywhere.

And you could even see the peas come bouncing down the stair.

The bragging had continued and the sink began to boast!

Then gravy splashed the window...and the fork had stabbed the roast!

The big 'ol roast let out a acream.  "I'm dying!" was his yell.

It rolled right off the table and on the floor it fell.

The hush was so immediate and no one said a word.

No sound was heard except from one small window perching bird.

Hysterically, it laughed and laughed.  I thought it'd blow its cork.

And then we all had seen it too - that cheap weak plastic fork.

The laughter had crescendoed and it filled that messy room.

But then who had to clean it up?  The dustpan and the broom.

Not one had learned a lesson and not one humility.

They still each think they are the best.  That's how they'll always be -

UNLESS they all repent and learn of God's most precious Son.

ONLY THEN can  we have peace for each and everyone.

Until then we will be at odds.  Until then we will fight.

Until then we will be at war - and world a messy sight.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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God's Little Paradise 9-23-17

Between the path and lake I sit.  The weather sure is nice.

Creation here continues in God's little paradise.

I shut my eyes and listen to the dried up autumn leaves

that dance upon the pathway with the swirling twirling breeze.

I listen to the splattering of waves upon the shore.

I soak up sounds around me and I wait to hear some more.

A squirrel hesitates a bit, then races up a tree.

With eyes still shut I see it all and find it fully free.

I hear the wind.  I hear His voice.  I hear the angels sing.

I take in all that Heaven has.  I treasure everything.

I hear a frog and chirping birds.  I hear a quacking duck.

And far away a jingle from a roaming ice cream truck.

The grasses whisper tunes of old to leaves still on the trees.

My heart cries out for little ones, the least...  the least of these.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son...

If I could only pass His love to each and everyone...

If I could only find the words to close all nation's eyes -

then maybe they could see Him too with spirit-piercing eyes.

If only faithful they could be, so they could see His face.

If only I could find the words so they could see this place.

With eyes still shut, I reminisce of all that God has giv'n.

My friends, our days on earth are short and after this a Heaven.

Between the lake and path I sit.  The weather sure is nice.
Creation here continues in God's little paradise.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Forgive Me Please 8-27-17

If you're in earshot of my voice

Regret, I do, my ev'ry choice

that brought you pain and brought you tears.

Forgive me please, for all these years.

I toss and turn here on my bed.

Forgive me please, for all I've said.

Deserve I nothing - that I know -

for damage done so long ago.

I lost your faithful selfless love

and caused you hurt I know not of.

I broke so many of God's laws.

I weep at pain my sins have caused.

Your face reveals a giant hole

that I put in your heart and soul.

Your innocence, may God observe.

Forgiveness I do not deserve.

If time could slow... if time could stall...

if time reversed... I'd change it all.

For things I've done, there's no excuse.

And healing, I cannot produce.

BUT GOD can make the crooked straight,

wipe tears away and then create.

Please talk to Him and don't conceal

your heavy heart that needs to heal.

If you're in earshot of my voice

Regret, I do, my ev'ry choice

that brought you pain and brought you tears.
Forgive me please, for all these years.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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This Unknown Man 8-20-17

This man, unknown, still walks alone

among the villainous -

among the thorns and wild horns,

inside our wilderness.

Day after day in dark dismay

the years tread slowly by.

Night after night, who knows his plight -

who knows the truth of 'why'?

So far above, the clouds lack love

for such a lowly man.

They give advice and are not nice

as they are better than...

The waters called and are appalled

at what this man had done.

And from the deep, they make a leap -

accused this lowly one.

But trees are friends and off they fend

the blizzards that blow bold -

and warmth from rock will always mock

the wind and  bitter cold.

Yet sharp the fangs of hunger pangs,

for food is scarce at best.

Though so deprived, can he survive

this all-important test?

He won't complain in all his pain

and so, is not ashamed -

for trees all stand so quiet and

they too, remain unnamed.

From scorching heat, they are not beat.

They brave the elements.

They do not cry.  They do not die

despite impediments.

If in review, you only knew

what all that he withstood -

while making peace with trout and geese,

then lived the best he could.

I understand this unknown man -

as you might guess the clues.

Each step by step with him I kept -

for I walk in his shoes.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Where All Time Stands Still 7-21-17

I found myself in desperate hope -

I couldn't sing, I couldn't cope

with city's noise that so annoys

and racing time as sin destroys.

Among the city's working slave

and the great ocean's pounding wave,

the time slipped past and flowed so fast.

I prayed for peace - that it would last.

I'd often pray while I would dream

of peaceful life beside a stream -

where acorns drop from high atop

the tallest trees - where time would stop.

Alarmingly from rocky ledge -

through prayer I found the river's edge.

But there were graves in ocean caves

where men sought shelter from the waves.

I climbed down from my lofty pride

where many stumbled, many died.

In danger, pled I, humble cry

that I should live and never die.

Confessing I, reached deep within

repenting of my ev'ry sin.

And when I found that solid ground,

the grasses, green, were all around.

For all the beauty I did thank
my God along that river bank.

In answered prayer, without a care -

through faithfulness, I found Him there.

And then upstream, a path I took

along a creek, then bubbling brook.
Continued I, to walk on by
all other things that caught my eye.

The water clear, refreshing, clean
was prettier than ever seen.
As if possessed, I couldn't rest -
so feet pressed on.  I was His guest.

Beside His living, bubbling spring.
I found my voice and I can sing.

It is so sweet.  It is complete.
All time stands still with no repeat.

I tarry there in peaceful prayer.

I'm in His arms and do not care

for futile lies and futile cries

of man's deceptions as he dies.

His living spring of water lives!

It never takes - but always gives.

I sought His will and found the thrill

of living where all time stands still.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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If Teardrop You Can't Be 6-17-17

I was one drop of water with so many, many more,

here falling from the Heavens under great big thunderous roar.

The massive lake below me was so very long and wide.

It seemed that I was dropping near the shore on eastern side.

I saw a pitter-pattering of raindrops on the lake.

I wondered when my time would come - how big of splash I'd make.

But then God sent a burst of wind that blew me over land -

I thought how futile life would be, if sank I, into sand.

As I descended, there appeared a flat, but massive stone.

I saw a little boy in tears, there sitting all alone.

I'd rather be a tear, I thought, than droplet from the sky -

for I'll accomplished little.  Oh, what little worth have I?

A raindrop's life is very short.  Accomplishments are few.

In fact, I'd be ecstatic if I was a teardrop too.

I'd care for him and show him I was patient, kind and meek.

I'd live my life right there with him residing on his cheek.

But God had other plans for me inside that noisy cloud -

and so I fell quite fast and free with others in the crowd.

I've learned some things in my short life.  Please lend me all, your ear.

Please do not cry and do not fight and do not ever fear.

Please don't be so discouraged if you're added to the sea.

Just be content to do God's will if teardrop you can't be.

So very few, are special ones.  So very few, are God's.

And sometimes we can't cope with it and so we are at odds.

I hit so hard, that massive stone.  I splattered all around.

But part of me had met those tears and it was quite profound.

Our friendships seem to be God's will - though very short the years.

The teardrops we have met through storms now bring us loving tears.

One friendship, in particular - how very short, it was -

brought ringing rhymes and chiming words.  I know you know, because...

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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What Is It? (Riddle) 6-3-17

Tell me.  What is it?

It doesn't weigh a thing.

You cannot find it in the sky.

It doesn't have a wing.

It has no legs.  It has no hands.

It doesn't have a brain.

But sometimes it just rips you up

and drives you most insane!

Tell me.  What is it?

It doesn't weigh a thing.

You cannot find it in the sea.

It has no mouth to sing.

It has no ears.  It has no eyes.

And please don't ask me why

it sometimes makes you teary-eyed

and makes you want to cry.

Tell me.  What is it?

It doesn't weigh a thing.

You cannot find it over land

but oh, what it can bring -

contentment, joy and happiness,

excitement unsurpassed.

And when it comes from God on high,

we know we have been blessed!

Tell me. What is it?

It's something int'resting.

It makes me want to shout for joy

and makes me want to sing!

It doesn't take.  It always gives -

like sunshine's warmth on chilly day

when kindness bring's the flower's bloom -

which makes LOVE's big and bright bouquet!

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Rainbow-colored Dreams 5-20-17

I chase my rainbow-colored dreams.

They are so grandiose it seems -

until the brilliance goes awry

and colors of the rainbow die.

When I was younger I was told

that I'd be better off when old -

if I would always persevere -

not give up and never fear.

So worked, I did, both day and night.

I gave it all - my fiercest fight.

For over forty years 'til now

the sweat poured off my heavy brow.

The fam'ly loss was inhumane.

The millions lost was bankers' gain.

"Success" was sketched out vividly -

but yet this nightmare came to me.

First Timothy, six and ten,
is proven true again, again.
If love of money's in the heart,

then love for God is torn apart.

Until the brilliance goes awry

and colors of the rainbow die,

I chase my rainbow-colored dreams.
They are so grandiose it seems...

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

----

This Mother's Day 5-13-17

Mere words are insufficient.

Mere words cannot express -

the many tossed emotions

of pain to happiness.

I long to see your face again -

though we are far apart.

I long to hold your hand again

and give you all my heart.

At first I held my feelings back

for which I can't explain.

So now emotions come alive

as with a hurricane!

For I am here and you are there.

There's no where I can turn.

There are no hugs and kisses past

that point of no return.

Oh, how I pray that I could make

my failures up to you.

Yet lost through winds of futile hope,

there's nothing I can do.

Mere time deceives the lazy heart

and says, "It's not a crime -

to wait until the rain has stopped,

then take your good ol' time."

So time has slipped away from me.

So many things it stole.

The greatest?  Not expressing love...

That sorrow rips my soul.

All Heaven knows my mom is there -

so friends, do not delay.

Give any lonely mom you find,

your love this Mother's Day.

©2017 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Rose-petal Mother 4-22-17

The morning dew settles

like tears on rose petals.

They cry out for time to return -

and beckon lost seasons

of God-given reasons

as sad notes on my guitar yearn.

You're queen of the givers.

It brings to me shivers

that I was so selfishly made.

Your name defines 'humble'

as my words now crumble

on flowers that I now invade.

Your hands were like Heaven,

unselfishly given,

beyond just the people you knew -

from city to country,

from wealthy to hungry -

and all of the rest of us too.

As butterflies flutter,

I still try to utter

some truth of your beautiful love.

But now, it is just us -

and words don't bring justice

as sunlight spills down from above.

Those simple deflections

of sunlight's reflections

now glimmer like diamonds at play -

in memories briefly

that I see routinely

as if they were just yesterday.

I am not deserving

of all I'm observing

in memories coming to mind -

surrounded by perfume

with roses in full bloom

recalling that you were most kind.

I'll always remember

that freezing December

when I erred and brought you to tears.

When you found me straying,

for me, you were praying -

and over the many long years.

Some mothers are brand new,

but none can compare to

my rose-petal mother, that's true.

While laughter was looming,

our smiles were blooming.

There's none other better than you.

I do so adore you -

shall always continue.

I'd never trade you for another.

Up deep from the earth-plow,

what words can I sing now?

I love you, my rose-petal mother.

Alive still, your caring,

through rose petal sharing.

So many, I can't see them all.

Afloat on the breezes,

each rose petal eases

the pain of the weak as they fall.

Your petals continue

to live on without you.

They float around ever so free.

Like soft downy feather,

I don't wonder whether

some petals will fall upon me.

It's not at all easy

to sing thoughts so deeply

when sung with my dusty guitar.

I find I've distorted

all good you're recorded.

My rose-petal mother, you are.

And it's not by my choice

I miss hearing your voice,

so moistness now covers my eyes.

With fingers still strumming

I hear myself humming

while words get choked up in my cries.

With eyes very blurry

I'm now in no hurry

to vacate this most sacred place.

I can't be more lonely.

I wish I could only

receive one more loving embrace.

I love you so deeply

that when I am sleepy

see rose petals filling the sky.

My rose-petal mother,

my rose-petal mother,

I'll see you in Heaven...  Bye bye.

©2017 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Mister Dirt 4-17-17

At times abused

but always used -

so does he disapprove?

I should have known

he's left alone.

Himself, he cannot move.

He cannot walk.

He cannot talk.

It seems he is entrapped.

No working ear,

he cannot hear.

Could he be handicapped?

One might deduce

he's of no use

and futile is his time.

And I can tell

he cannot smell.

So poor, he has no dime.

Is he distressed?

Is he depressed?

His life seems very grim.

His name is 'Dirt'.

Should he not hurt

when we're ignoring him?

We pull his weeds

and plant some seeds -

then use the garden hose.

And with a flood

he turns to mud

as everybody knows.

When rain has poured,

we thank the Lord,

that food has filled our room -
then thank the sun

for what its done

when flowers are full bloom.

But how we hide

the dirt outside -

though we don't think we're mean.

Who understands

when washing hands

that we judge Dirt unclean?

We think we know

but wrath will show

when we are judged by God.

Who thanks that soil

for all its toil

when manicured our sod?

No one will thank

the Dirt's low rank.

We entertain with fun!

But Dirt, who cares

with your affairs

and work that you have done?

Can we not sit

and think a bit

of someone we have hurt?

Don't build a wall.

Please thank them all -

including Mister Dirt.

Apologize.

It's always wise

for we've all wronged someone.

Let's live in peace.

Let judgment cease

for God's work isn't done.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Passed Quietly, the Waters By 4-12-17

The river stones were gathered 'round.

Their speeches and their words profound.

They thought they were the best on earth -

had much more value, much more worth.

Passed quietly, the waters by.

Most stones just laughed and wondered why...

The rugged stones had bragged aloud

below a soft and puffy cloud,

"We're mean and tough and really cool.

We are the best but you're a fool."

Passed quietly, the waters by.

Most stones just laughed and wondered why...

"Huge trees?  No match for guys like us!

You cannot answer nor discuss.

Our claims of greatness can't be beat.

This is our club - the great elite."

Passed quietly, the waters by.

Most stones just laughed and wondered why...

A tiger laid on rocky ledge

and peered below to river's edge.

The river stones looked way up there.

They were not scared.  They didn't care.

Passed quietly, the waters by.

Most stones just laughed and wondered why...

They laughed at the moon and at the sun.
They laughed until the day was done.
They laughed at all that they could see.
They even laughed at you and me.

Passed quietly, the waters by.

Most stones just laughed and wondered why...

One year they gasped and looked around.

The change in them was quite profound.

The years brought change that none could soothe.

Those stones were now, not rough, but smooth.

Passed quietly, the waters by.

Most stones just laughed and wondered why...

Most hadn't known just what took place.

Not many learned of God's good grace.

That it was His undying love

that showered down from up above,

that brought the rainbow and the rain,

that flowed downstream to ease the pain

of each and ev'ry hard, rough stone

so they might learn and might atone.

Passed quietly, the waters by.

Most stones just laughed and wondered why...

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Give Us Barabbas! 4-7-17

What caught the attention of that obtuse crowd?

What made them determined?  What made them so loud?

"Give us Barabbas!"  Can you tell me why

the people had int'rest in that evil guy?

Was he more exciting and spectacular?
Was he their big hero - strong, muscular?

Could he break big log chains right off of his wrists?

And did he boast laughing- then shake both his fists?

Was his voice like thunder with tongue hard as steel?

Oh, was the crowd taken and how did they feel?

Was it because Jesus stood motionless there?

Was it because Jesus did not have a prayer?

Was Jesus too loving t'ward innocent youth,

Was Jesus judgmental in speaking the truth?

Was Jesus too caring with his healing hands -

or was it because He had much greater plans?

There's no rhyme or reason, so often it seems.
It boggles the mind to such endless extremes.

So why did the crowd have Barabbas set free?

And why was it Jesus who died... and not me?

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Forgiveness Undeserved 3-31-17

I don't deserve forgiveness and

I don't deserve His love.

I don't deserve His blessings that

He showers from above.

My greatest deeds have missed His mark.

My works were just my will.

My life appears so very dark.

Guilt haunts me even still.

Except for Jesus on the cross,

except for loving grace,

except forgiveness undeserved -

a hope?  No, not a trace.

©2017 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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My Beautiful Friend 3-20-17

Oh, why do you tease me, my beautiful friend?

Oh, why do you keep me 'at bay'?

I try and I try to get closer to you,

but you keep on moving away!

I cannot get closer, the more that I walk.

You keep a safe distance from me.

But please do not think that I'm someone to fear.

Just trust me that I'll keep you free.

The colors you wear seem to weaken my knees.
Your beauty I do not deserve.
Your brilliance continues to draw me to you,
so why do you throw me this curve?

Yes, God had created a beautiful 'you'.
You light up my life like the sky.
He keeps all His infinite promises too,
but don't ask me - I don't know why.

I can't get around and I can't get beneath -

yet you are beyond grandiose.

I know no one ever has touched you before,

and I can't begin to get close.

Although I can't touch you or hear what you say,

maybe apart, we aren't far..

And though you don't let me get closer to you,

a beautiful rainbow you are!

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

----

As I Wandered 3-11-17

No, it was not a fairy tale.

I happened on a bloody trail

where groove in dirt had pushed aside the stone.

I walked awhile, then I could tell

by scattered stones that someone fell

while other prints had proved him not alone.

As I wandered,
I wondered.

The sky was dark because of clouds.

but from a distance, I saw crowds.

The screaming that I heard brought me a chill.

Continued I, to walk a spell,

and then I saw it, saw it well -

three silhouetted crosses on the hill.

As I wandered,
I wondered.

Upon the crosses were three men.

I heard loud screams again, again.

I closer got- as this all seemed so odd...

The one between the other two

had uttered prayer- and then I knew

that He indeed was the true Son of God.

As I wandered,
I wondered.

He screamed to Father, breathed His last.

The earth had quaked with such a blast.
For words, I was completely at a loss.

Because my sin had put Him there,

I knew that this just wasn't fair.

It should have been me nailed to the cross.

As I wandered,
I wondered.

Yes, from a manger, virgin womb

and to a planned, but borrowed tomb,

assigned, were guards, each minute of the day.

Subdued and saddened, few had spoke -

but then I heard that Christ awoke -

and I had seen the stone was rolled away!

As I wandered,
I wondered.

An angel of the Lord I saw.

My jaw had dropped.  I stood in awe

and knew that I was standing deep in sin.

So I gave Jesus everything -

for He arose and now I sing!

Through precious grace, He's coming back again!

I wonder,
but don't wander any more.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

----

He Showers Me 2-25-17

Jamestown Flood Aftermath 1889

A promise is forever

but words so quickly fade.

They echo once or twice but then

are lost under the shade -

of long abandoned good intents

from where I've long since strayed.

Oh, how can I live sincere life

when failed I, this exam?

Oh, how can I live honest life

when it is but a sham?

And how can promise now be kept

with water over dam?

Embarrassed I, now drop my head

ashamed to show my face.

And guilty I, cry out in vain
that I am in this place.

But then, what does my Savior do?

He showers me with grace!

©2017 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Lonely Poem 2-3-17

THERE ARE so many others that can start a loud stampede

of people running after them so that they all can read

the script of rhymes that fascinate their scrutinizing minds

to entertain emotions - emotions of all kinds.

But I am just a lonely poem buried here inside

a dusty book unsuited and unable to provide

a morsel of excitement to those readers I can't see.

They're browsing here, undoubtedly, on either side of me.

My words are like a dried up rose with bent and broken stem -

and that's why I'm a lonely poem, unlike the rest of them.

It's dark inside this dusty book.  Forever, I will stay -

yet wonder, will I ever see the sunny light of day?

Rejected, I'm compelled to cry, but that I can't condone,

because my ink would surely run and I'd still be alone.

So tears I hold.  I'm saddened so- and oh, I'd love to shout.

But I'll be stuck here up until this book I'm in's thrown out.

I prayed that you would find my words because God answers prayers.

He knows my good intentions and I know He always cares.

So when my prayers are answered and you read my story rhymes,

I pray that we can just be friends and have some good ol' times.

And though you will not see me smile, please know that I'll be glad.

and pray one day we'll find these times the best we've ever had.

But if, by chance, another poem's your fav'rite one instead,

I pray my words go with you when again I go unread.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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