Shepherd's Christmas 12-7-19

We watched the flock, the sheep were still.

The night was calm right up until...

the sky lit up! An angel came!

It frightened us! We weren't the same.

Near Bethlehem, we were that night,

and frightened were, at such a sight.

Then when I stilled, an angel spoke,

with message clear, for all us folk.

I bring you tidings of great joy.

In manger hay, you'll find a boy.

In strips of cloth, in loving care,

in Bethlehem, you'll see Him there.

Inside a stable built with board,

you'll find your Savior, Christ the Lord.

Then suddenly we saw the most,

a multitude of Heavn'ly host!

I heard, when sky turned brightest,

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth, peace... toward men."

with echo heard again, again.

And then those words, "Don't be afraid..."

Go see the place where Christ is laid.

And so the time, we didn't waste.

We left right then.  We left in haste.

When we arrived, it was as told.

It was a sight worth more than gold.

The Inn was full, but He was kept

inside a stable as He slept.

I fell to knees near humble child.

Dear Mary saw and simply smiled.

The floor was straw on dirt and dust.

I thought it odd and so unjust.

Deserved He more, much more than this,

with crown of pearls and happiness.

A Savior good, for all to see.

A Savior great, should one day be.

In fact, this child should be a king

that rules over everything!

It saddens though, God had to give,

His only Son so I could live.

I felt much dampness on my face,

for this was now a sacred place.

Through tears of joy, they saw us pray.

We saw it all that Christmas Day.

©2019 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Visions 11-28-19

Embossed into the reader's mind

are visions bright and full -

and colorful the places are

that hold us and then pull -

pull poems into vision that

create a special place -

a place of pure serenity,

a place we can't erase.

Those pleasant poems press in thoughts

of waterfalls and such.

And only poets can write scenes

that we can nearly touch.

With fragrance after morning dew,

in nature's quiet hush,

try stepping out on vision now

in grasses soft and lush.

Stroll out on clover so divine

it carries you beyond -

beyond these steps of mortal words

beside one little pond.

And as you walk on clover green

in visions you allow,

forget the words that brought you here

and live within them now.

The vast imagination here

can free you from your pains

of all that you've endured so far

in life's relentless rains.

Yet rain brings life to little seed

that grows a mighty tree.

So take the pains that you have now

to find more than you see.

If you can live inside these words

where poets often write -

you, too, can reach the waterfalls

and own this special sight.

Remember always nature's scenes

drawn by the poet's words

and let the visions bring you joy

and peace above all birds.

For God is in the spirit realm.

It's truly critical

to place yourself with Jesus now -

not in the physical.

And as you stroll, hum happy tune

and whistle for awhile.

Life sure is great when we all wear

that everlasting smile!

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Persevere 11-17-19

As the hurricanes and typhoons twirled,

I wish I could preach to the entire world.

...but I can't.

And standing so firm, like a giant red cedar,

I wish I could be a nation's great leader.

...but I can't.

Or be as appealing as double feature,

I wish I could be a big TV preacher.

...but I can't.

If I had two wishes, or even one choice,

I wish I could sing with a heavenly voice.

...but I can't.

If I could know Jesus, I mean really know Him,

I think I could write a masterful poem.

...but I can't.

I tell you the truth- that I am sincere,

but seems I can't make myself perfectly clear.

I sit here alone with but one lonely tear,

yet God says, go forth, you must persevere.

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Twilight Colors Beckon Me 11-9-19

"The sun is setting.  It's to be.

The twilight colors beckon me.

Was life complete?  Did I obey

my precious Lord, His will, His way?"

I've fallen short.  I've fallen far

from Heaven's heights to things that are.

The Judge is waiting for me now

as sweat escapes my weary brow.

I've eaten time.  Now it's my fate.

What can I change with empty plate?

There must be something I can do.

Is there no grace for me and you?

Can I "un-drink" the milk now soured?
Can I "un-eat" what I've devoured?

Can I go back to live His way,

some ninety years?  No, not one day.

But futile death?  Say it's not so!

Yes, Christ arose from here below!

Forgiven from this life I leave!

Eternal life- for I believe!

It doesn't change my sadness though.

Regret, I do, as tempest blow.

You youngsters have a life of time.

Please do God's Will and make it rhyme.

Please read your Bible, read it true.

Don't be like me, but be like you.

Don't store up treasures on your shelf

for one day you will say yourself,

"The sun is setting.  It's to be.

The twilight colors beckon me.

Was life complete?  Did I obey

my precious Lord, His will, His way?"

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Of Sweet Joy 10-11-19

I traveled to see my mama today.

She needed to hear what I had to say.

But when I arrived, she was in deep prayer.

I had some good news I wanted to share.

My mama could talk the ears off the corn,

the ears off a rabbit since she was half-born.

And sometimes when I was trying to speak,

she'd cut me right off- for nearly a week.

But this time she had sad tears in her eyes.

Because of me I could only surmise.

I asked of her tears.  How bad could it be?

Then she shook her head.  It was about me.

I hurt my dear mom.  I hurt her a lot.

I wasn't a Christian and humble, was not.

The time had gone by, but now with good news,

I'm here for my mama to pay my last dues.

"I'm... sorry I... hurt... you for... so many years"

I said, as I stumbled with words through my tears.

But I have found Jesus.  My life turned around.

I bought my own Bible and it is profound!

Still tears held my mama.  She said not a word.

A small tiny sparrow was all that we heard.

Through tears, she then spoke, "I prayed for you boy -

and yes, I have tears, but now tears of sweet joy."

So together we cried.  So happy were we.
My eyes were a blur and I hardly could see.
But I felt much better when I saw her smile.
We conversed together for quite a long while.

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Live In Remembrance 9-19-19

So many just plan for tomorrow.

So many just live for today.

Yet I long to live in remembrance

to yesterday's mem'ries this way...

My father, in garage, would be working.

My mother, in kitchen, would bake.

Then I would take turns being with them,

and tried not to make a mistake.

I'd hold the light steady for father

while he reached down under the hood.

The cookie dough mom had me stirring,

from finger to tongue was so good.

They'd take me to church ev'ry Sunday.

I learned all the Bible had taught.

I learned that my soul needed saving

a soul that was already bought.

And Jesus had blessed me so dearly

with parents I didn't deserve.

I learned of their love and devotion

a love that I'd often observe.

Though father did not show emotion

and hugging was not ever done,

He would, at times, play some horseshoes

and never had I ever won.

Now one night while watching home movies,

I saw a lone tear on his eye.

I knew his emotions ran deeper

and in him was greater supply.

My mother was very kind-hearted.

She loved everyone that she met.
And when someone hurt her unfairly,

I never had seen her upset.

Yes, everyone loved my dear mother
and that's how a dear flower grows.
She passed away still helping children

and buried, the finest of rose.

My memories fade with the sunset,

as emptiness sets in again.

My life seems so terribly barren

as loneliness grips me within.

But some things I'll not be forgetting:

two faces that I'll always see,

two lives that I'll always remember,

two parents who loved thankless me.

So many just plan for tomorrow.

So many just live for today.

Yet I long to live in remembrance

to yesterday's mem'ries this way...

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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