"I want to thank all those who come from around the world and read the poetry that God has inspired me with to make the world a more pleasant and peaceful place. This site shall always be totally free for everyone with no tracking, pop-up ads & videos or other distractions." ~louis gander

May 12, 2018

At Weakest Point 5-12-18


My precious little children
grew up so very fast.
Oh, why does time keep fighting me
and stealing all my past?
My little girl was precious,
a vibrant little flower.
So why has time come to a stop -
in this, my darkest hour?

My photos and mementos
have faded very fast.
Oh, why does time keep fighting me
and stealing all my past?
My keepsakes, lost forever,
have turned my stomach sour.
So why has time come to a stop -
in this, my darkest hour?

I worked hard for my family.
I built my business fast.
Oh, why does time keep fighting me
and stealing all my past?
My business, lost forever
and gone, my tallest tower.
So why has time come to a stop -
in this, my darkest hour?

All is gone and all is lost.
My life is fading fast.
Oh, why does time keep fighting me
and stealing all my past?
In fetal pose, you watch me now.
I fear, I shake, I cower.
So why has time come to a stop -
in this my darkest hour?

I find myself afloat on tears
that flow so very fast -
ignoring God who could have been
in all my sorry past.
At weakest point, He lifts me now
with His creative power!
And now I know why time has stopped -
in this, God's finest hour.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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April 20, 2018

Jesus Blessed 4-20-18


An ear of corn was bragging so
with kernels bright and gold.
"Just look at me!  Just look at me!"
he shouted loud and bold.

Well, this provoked the big, tall stalks
that stood there proud and tall.
"Without us you'd be rotting in
the field dirt, one and all.

The dirt felt somewhat slighted then
and said the bragging hurt.
You'd both be short and sickly if
not nourished by us dirt.

The water spoke up then to say
"There's something you should know.
Without the moisture from the rain
not one of you could grow."

The sun kept right on shining as
he heard the others boast.
He warmed the ground and ears of corn.
He knew what helped the most.

Humility was lacking, but
the truth the sun could see -
that all must work together long
before the corn could be.

The sun knew that not one of them
was better than the rest.
And each of them in their own way
was really 'Jesus blessed'.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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April 8, 2018

It's So Unfair 4-8-18


My mom was simply wonderful.
She had a magic touch.
And mother loved my father too.
She loved him very much.

I never heard mom say a word
when dad would spend the funds -
though mom had many stressful days
to feed her hungry sons.

Recalling often all the ways
that she conceived a meal -
concoctions never mixed before,
ingredients unreal.

One bite would be like chewing foam,
the next so leather tough -
while I and brothers sitting there
would have to eat the stuff.

But weight upon the shoulders from
abuse is very great.
I think I have much empathy
but how can I relate?

I heard the whimpering at times.
I sometimes saw the tears.
It's so unfair to have such love
and then to persevere.

So many things are left unsaid.
What more must I explain?
Have I hurt someone like my mom?
Have I caused someone pain?

Who loves me more than mom loved dad?
What else is there to know?
How many tears does Christ still shed
because He loves me so?

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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March 25, 2018

Seasons 3-25-18


DEATH is the winter of sin and shame,
of pride and blame,
of guilty name,

of danger's ice,
of bad advice,
of heavy price.

LIFE is the springtime of seeds that toss,
of logs across,
of Christ on cross,

of blooming earth,
of our rebirth,
of valued worth.

WORK is the summer of fresh, clean rain,
of sweat and pain,
of growth and grain,

of appetites,
of peaceful nights,
of what excites.

LOVE is the autumn of harvesting,
of lauded sing,
of Thanksgiving,

of Heaven's grace,
of special place
and Jesus' face.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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March 3, 2018

With Life Anew 3-3-18


Like Eden's garden, park was still.
A perfect place right up until -
the selfish played.

The lake was smooth, as smooth as glass -
but then a breeze came rolling past -
as they all played.

A dark cloud seemed to push the breeze
that whispered firmly to the leaves -
while they had played.

Then all the grasses wiggled too
and seemed to toy with breeze that blew -
as they had played.

A couple squirrels in a tree.
First I saw two, then I found three -
and they had played.

A couple toads jumped stone to stone.
Together, they were not alone -
and they had played.

Some floating leaves rose with each wave.
First up, then down, they'd misbehave -
as they had played.

We all endured the passing wind
that we had felt while others sinned -
when they had played.

And when the winds had caught my ear,
the storms of certain wrath were near -
while they had played.

The wrath of God was imminent
but habits fixed, were like cement -
so they still played.

The storm clouds, close, were now a threat -
but not a drop had fallen yet -
so still they played.

Then suddenly, a lightning blast -
brought thunder's roar and down-burst fast! -
so wet they played.

Unfaithful ones, now surely stuck,
were washed away in mudslide's muck.
T'was overdue...

But faithful ones above the sod
had found down-pouring grace from God
...with life anew.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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February 24, 2018

Rev. Billy Graham 2-24-18


One-half a century ago,
a day about routine,
became one quite spectacular
for boy about thirteen...

A faithful black and white TeeVee
had doors that opened wide,
inviting all to sit a'spell
and watch what was inside.

Once on, dad had to turn a knob
for vertical control.
And then the horizontal one
in that tube-filled console.

A strong determined voice was heard
by boy and everyone.
Then picture tube came into view
with all fine-tuning done.

And what he saw astonished him -
so many people there.
Packed full, a football stadium.
He saw no empty chair.

"Evangelist", dad said he was.
He was straightforward, bold -
and not ashamed to preach the Word.
A 'someone' to behold.

A well-read Bible always would
lay open in his hand.
Not like today where gadgets live
and kids don't understand.

But why did people love this man?
What caused his flock to grow?
What special thing did this man have?
At first, he didn't know.

But when the cam'ra zoomed, he saw
a tear run down his face -
while speaking of the love of God
and His amazing grace.

Embarrassed, he was not at all.
He loved those people there.
He cared about their fragile souls
A man like that is rare.

"Just As I Am" was always sung
as invitation song.
A score of people always came
with lines to alter, long.

That little boy had learned a lot
in front of that TeeVee.
He gave his life to Jesus too
and God had set him free!

Before this story poem ends
there's one more thing to know -
I still remember that young boy
so many years ago.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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"One day you will hear that Billy Graham has died. Don't believe it.
On that day I will be more alive than I ever will be.". -Billy Graham.

February 18, 2018

My Faithful Friend 2-18-18


As I awake, the truth meets flesh -
I breathe in life, so cool and fresh.
Crisp air is mine, my faithful friend.

I step on cabin's old wood floors -
and say a prayer before my chores.
This country's mine, my faithful friend.

I light lamp's weak and little torch -
then step out on my weathered porch.
Pre-morning's mine, my faithful friend.

Just standing still, like statuettes -
the trees are shadows, silhouettes.
Those trees are mine, my faithful friends.

Some clouds meander with the breeze -
so high above these lowly trees.
Those clouds are mine, my faithful friends.

The stars are there, while night enshrouds -
but shine light through the lowly clouds.
Those stars are mine, my faithful friends.

Nighttime dies, sun arises.
Colors scream, bright surprises!
That brightness mine, my faithful friend.

The morning rays I so embrace
are warming as they kiss my face.
The sun is mine, my faithful friend.

The Great Creator, I so love -
has wrath as rock, but grace as dove.
My God is mine, my faithful friend.

Creation grew and bore a Son.
There never lived another One.
The Lord is mine, my faithful friend.

Creation trembled, shook the land -
but Christ arose to God's right hand.
Now peace is mine, my faithful friend.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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February 11, 2018

One Little Wave 2-11-18


A non-eventful morn it was
as many were before.
The sun came up exposing life
just off the sandy shore.

The winds blew in across the lake
creating quite a stir -
and waves grew up from nothing yet
there's lessons to infer.

I followed just one little wave
to see what it would do.
It seemed to be behaving well
or did I misconstrue?

Between two other waves it moved
across the little lake.
It'd sometimes try to reach up high
which was its first mistake.

For what it saw were waves ahead
so he became aghast.
Why, they were all in front of him -
while he had followed last!

Each time it swelled to reach up high
it wanted to be seen -
but then it'd drop back down again
and stay there in-between.

Then those two waves on either side
had closed in on the one -
which raised him up just high enough
he glittered in the sun.

"Hey, look at me!" he seemed to say -
with ego growing large.
He liked- no, he demanded that
alone, he'd lead the charge.

So there he rode above the rest -
now highest wave of all.
And there he took in all of life
which made him feel tall.

Behind, he looked - and saw those waves
applauding- east to west.
His popularity increased
as you might well have guessed.

So there he was still looking back
with ev'ry want and whim.
While riding high, he saw those waves -
those waves that followed him.

But life is short, so very short -
and most don't understand -
that hourglass starts running low
with top devoid of sand.

Applause was great and greatness too
while he sought even more -
but suddenly his time ran out
in death on other shore.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

February 2, 2018

The Great Man 2-2-18


How big is the ocean?
How tall is the sail?
How big is the clipper?
How tall is the tale?

How big is the great man?
How tall is his pride?
How big is his ego
that flows from inside?

How loud is his boasting?
How loud is his horn?
How loud is his bragging,
yet quiet, our scorn?

How many, a promise?
How many times said?
How many believe him?
How many mislead?

Oh, where hides the shyness
and where hides the man -
when big man is lessened
as when he began?

How short is the thistle
and shorter, the thorn -
but great is the torment
when foot's skin is torn?

Transparent, his actions,
transparent, each thought -
and God does not 'know' him
because he was bought;

First by the minute,
Then by a smell -
of fire and brimstone,
by Devil in hell.

Exposed is the thistle.
Exposed is the gloom.
He's naked as baby
right out of the womb.

How fake were his pledges?
How fake was his stride?
How fake was his swagger
before he had died?

Does God see the motive?
Does God look within?
Does God judge the great man
when God knows his sin?

Beware of the ego.
Beware of the pride.
Beware of temptations
in life's fleeting ride.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

January 13, 2018

His Land 1-13-18


I think I have solutions to
our country's deep disgrace.
I think I have the answers to
the problems that we face.

Yet heroes fought and died for me,
so who am I to brag?
Oh, who am I to claim to be
the bearer of our flag?

Deserve I little comfort now.
Let bombs burst in the sky!
While I encumber those like me
our taxes go sky high.

I vote for those who promise things,
that put food on my shelf.
I vote for free stuff I can get
that benefits myself.

Are we a nation full of sin
that we have not a clue?
Greed has so unraveled threads
of our red, white and blue.

The red continues running as
the white becomes blood-stained.
The blue has faded into gray.
We all should be ashamed.

And politician's greed and graft
I also will speak of.
It seems that they have helped themselves.
For country, they've no love.

Great heroes fought and died for them,
so who are they to brag?
And who are they to claim to be
the bearers of our flag?

If they, nor I, have right to bear
our flag that we hold high -
then who can be our leaders now
when all we do is lie?

With lobbyists and twisted words
our country cannot stand.
Yes, God will one day judge us all -
for this is still His land.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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December 19, 2017

Now That Is Peace 12-19-17


Small snowflakes float on easy breeze -
without an effort, find the trees.
Now that is peace.

They rest upon the solid branch,
upon the roof of humble ranch.
Now that is peace.

They settle on a rail fence
without a thought, without suspense.
Now that is peace.

They blanket softly, all around,
upon the leaves upon the ground.
Now that is peace.

The Christmas snow reflects all light
from its decor with such delight.
Now that is peace.

More snowflakes settle.  They're unheard -
as Heaven speaks without a word.
Now that is peace.

The stars above, they sparkle too -
a gift from God, to me, to you.
Now that is peace.

Without the pomp and circumstance,
the scenic beauty is romance.
Now that is peace.

A babe in manger once was born -
without the fanfare, without horn.
Now that is peace.

Through virgin love, through virgin birth -
A blanket grace for all on earth.
Now that is peace. 

So why this blanket when it snows?
So why this gift?  The Christian knows.
Now that is peace.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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December 9, 2017

But Grace 12-9-17


When I think back at my whole life that I have spent on earth -
and when I think of all the wrong that I have done since birth -
for selfishly I'd done my will.
My life was all for me.
I wonder how God loves me still
and wants me to be free?

I failed my spouse, I failed my kids, I failed my screaming boss,
I failed my ever patient God - and also, too, the cross.
I wonder why He sent His Son,
I lied and lied and lied.
I selfishly had been just one -
one reason that He died.

But God is patient, more than I.  He's waited many years -
for me to find that faithfulness, for me to come to tears.
I wonder why He loves me still.
I wonder why He cares.
I need that mustard seed to grow.
Does He not hear my prayers?

And pray, can I, a sinner's prayer?  What right have I to pray?
What right have I to anything with life in disarray?
But grace is mine and that's because
mere works do not suffice.
I have no right, but Jesus does -
because He paid the price.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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November 24, 2017

That Distant Light 11-24-17


The air was calm below the palm
so rested, I awhile.
I stared across the quiet lake
with my own lazy smile.

The sun had set and I had let
the time just slip away.
I lost myself among my thoughts
and it had seemed okay.

Reflections though, had taught me so.
There's something you should know -
how they reflect the real thing
in fascinating show.

There's no delight in distant light
where nothing misbehaves -
But watch those sparkles dancing on
the tops of rippled waves.

That shimmer see, will always be
from light across the lake.
That dancing drew attention from
the light that isn't fake.

Half-way across the lake they tossed.
They glittered brilliantly.
Deceiving, long reflections as
that light shone silently.

I liked the show - reflection's glow -
and there was nothing feared.
But when that distant light turned off,
reflections disappeared.

Was I deceived?  Did I believe
that distant light, God's Son?
Or focused I, on rituals -
merely the reflection?

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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November 17, 2017

The Covered Bridge 11-17-17


Still washing o'er and 'round the rocks,
the splashing rapids pass the fox.
They pass the beavers before dawn.
They pass the doe.  In time, the fawn.

The chipmunks work.  The 'possums too.
The river flows past me and you.
Time doesn't stop.  It knows not how
with covered bridge before us now.

The water moves, the river flows.
God makes it so.  That's how it goes.
The bridge we walk is like our birth -
A fresh red coat for what it's worth.

Like ol' homestead, the bridge is red,
but it seems brighter here instead.
Enjoying travels, springtime views -
no other roadway, we would choose.

The hewn-cut logs are under foot.
And all our faith in God, we put.
Each step we take, we hear the boards.
Experiences bring rewards.

Then walking past the eight by eights,
a calendar of days and dates,
they hold the roof that keeps us dry -
like summer rains as we pass by.

Then near the end, the autumn air -
brings me to tears to know we're there.
Life seems so fast- like rushing dream -
like splashing rapids of the stream.

As she steps off, I see her go.
Yet she's in Heaven.  That I know.
I pause some here as I recall -
our great relationship and all...

Those times together I still see -
forever always, her and me.
Love and devotion, God gave both.
Remember well, our Christian growth.

I see her bright and smiling face.
My mem'ries hold, as her embrace.
I hear her voice - fresh as the breeze.
Her songbirds echo still from trees.

The bridge, now old, weathered a bit.
And soon, we too, will step from it.
A moment's pause.  I see them too.
These colored leaves are much like you.

A blanket, soft of powdered snow -
will come one day - and this I know -
will cover road and cover bridge,
cover trees and winter's ridge.

The sunset's bright.  I see the moon.
So please be patient - see you soon.
The things of earth just keep changing -
but never God.  He's amazing.

Still washing o'er and 'round the rocks,
the splashing rapids pass the fox.
They pass the beavers before dawn.
They pass the doe.  In time, the fawn.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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October 14, 2017

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

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October 7, 2017

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

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September 30, 2017

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

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September 23, 2017

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

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August 27, 2017

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

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August 20, 2017

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

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