Not Me & Not You 4-20-15

I may be old fashioned and that's why I'm shunned -

so don't stare there gawking, confused and so stunned.

Don't judge me because of my deafness and age.

Don't judge me because I may seem disengaged.

Don't judge me because of my old wrinkled face.

Don't judge me because I still live in this place.

Don't judge me because of the place where I work -

whether a bus-boy, a cashier or clerk.

Don't judge me because you've more money than I.

Don't judge me because I will frequently cry.

Don't judge me because of my father or mother -

my country, my neighbors, my sister or brother.

Don't judge my defining complete families -

one father, one mother with full liberties.

Don't judge me because of the car that I drive.

Don't judge me because I don't lie and connive.

Don't judge me because I'm no drunk or narcotic,

but proud and committed and most patriotic.

Don't judge me because I'll defend our top law,

our God-given rights that I hold up in awe.

Don't judge me when tears 'well up' into my eyes

whenever there's terror - as each child dies.

Don't judge me because I respect unborn life

and give of my morsels to slow down the strife.

Don't judge me because I've so little to give.

Don't judge me because I've so few years to live.

Don't judge me because of the morals you lack.

May modesty, love and respect return back.

Don't judge me because I will do no one harm.

Don't judge me because I live on a small farm.

Don't judge me because of the clothes that I wear.

Don't judge me because you will not hear me swear.

Don't judge me because I might be a bit shy,

don't envy your assets, cheat, steal or lie.

Don't judge me because I have faith in my God.

Don't judge me that day when I lie under sod.

Do you love your money, your laughter and fun?

Have you fed the hungry?  Hmm, what have you done?

Don't judge me because you have food on your shelf,

but look in the mirror and then judge yourself.

Look into your eyes - deep into your soul -

and see if there isn't one speck of dark coal.

Admit to yourself and Creator above -

that 'things' are but idols that pilfer your love.

Repent of your selfishness, envy and pride,

then give up your greed and embrace Heaven's side.

Contentment, you'll find, as your burdens decrease.

When Jesus comes into your heart, you'll find peace.

Don't face it, ignore it - but life ends.  It's true.

And God will be judging.  Not me and not you.

©2015 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish 11 (love) 4-16-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
The church seemed very quiet there
below each ocean wave -
and blessed, a special mother was,
because her son behaved.
He didn't whine, he didn't squirm,
he didn't make a sound -
and sat so still and reverently
when off'ring came around.

The doctor bills had taken all -
so money?  She had none.
The off'ring plate had passed her by
- but not her little son.
Inside his 'hand', his tiny fin
where heart and love enjoin,
a 'clink' had echoed through the church.
Dropped in, his little coin.

Her heart was heavy knowing that
she couldn't show more love -
by doing things for her small son
she thought the world of -
...like take him to some baseball games,
go camping after dark -
...like going on vacations,
or to amusement park.

Then after church, as sun came out,
as pastor shook each hand,
as mom and son had left the church -
the pastor didn't stand.
He knelt through socializing noise
with laughter in the air -
and shook the hand of her young boy,
there in his wheel chair.

That night when they knelt down to pray
for animal and bird -
and other fish throughout the sea,
his little voice, she heard.
Despite their plight, his pleading prayer
was for a hungry boy -
so fail, she did, containing tears
from overwhelming joy.

With tear-stained cheeks, so proud she was -
the way that he had prayed -
in humble, true sincerity -
with love for poor displayed.
His meager off'ring, God had blessed
as sleep had passed his way.
They say the ocean level rose -
a thousand tears that day.

Now folded up in closet dark,
a dusty wheelchair -
but wholesome legacy of love
is still expanding there -
where coins drop in the off'ring plates
below each ocean wave.
And blessed, a special mother is,
with treasured mem'ries saved.
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

love!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)
Grandpa Koi (introduced in story 08)
Farmer Flounder (introduced in story 08)
Catfish Jim (introduced in story 10)

Wish the Fish 10 (compassion) 4-5-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
He seemed to be at his wits end
when Wish the Fish said to his friend,
"Please be at peace in reverent mood.
Do not do drugs or eat junk food.
Chew up your food and do not choke
and do not drink or snort or smoke."

But listen?  Wish's friend did not.
Bad habits grew in him a lot.
He didn't try to change his ways
and he seemed always in a daze.
His friend was Catfish, Catfish Jim -
and habits got the best of him.

"Just stay away!  Leave me alone.
Your voice has a disdainful tone.
Don't preach to me and do not call.
You always think you know it all.
Keep all your morals to yourself.
Leave me alone.  I love myself."

So Wish the Fish went on his way.
And time went on - day after day.
He prayed for Catfish Jim, of course,
to Father God, creation's source.
But facts of life are always true.
The same for me.  The same for you.

Are we diff'rent?  Are we special?
Do we expect a miracle?
Well, Jim called from the hospital.
He said, "I'm down... feeling awful."
Wish visited, but things looked grim.
There looking sad, was Catfish Jim.

"The doctor says that there's no hope.
I can't survive this downward slope.
I wish, good habits, I'd exchanged -
for good ones.  How I wish I'd changed.
You tried to help - so thank you Wish.
You tried to warn this stubborn fish."

Well, God will often answer prayer
and blesses us in loving care
that brings new hope and miracles
and stands us up on pinnacles.
New life for Catfish had begun.
He testifies to everyone!
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

compassion!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)
Grandpa Koi (introduced in story 08)
Farmer Flounder (introduced in story 08)
Catfish Jim (introduced in story 10)

Wish the Fish 09 (integrity) 4-2-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
To show respect, they all stood up.
Wish wished this day would pass.
It couldn't be!  But yes, it was!
The judge was Big Mouth Bass!

The prosecutor raised his voice,
"His reputation's filthy!
He brags, he cheats, he steals, he lies.
He's guilty, guilty, guilty!

"I'll prove beyond a shadow's doubt -
That Wish is a disgrace!
His actions have dishonored us!
I know we'll win this case."

Well, Wish the Fish was quite perplexed
at all the accusations.
He didn't want to be in court
guarding reputation.

These 'trumped up' charges couldn't be.
His character was strong!
Profusely, Wish was sweating now -
with bubbles large and long.

But something odd occurred just then.
As far as eye could see,
a line so long it wrapped the town -
parading endlessly.

And one by one they took the stand -
(character witnesses).
They told the judge just who Wish was
in lauding sentences.

They said that Wish was honest and
he never misbehaved.
They said he had integrity
and to the poor, he gave.

He turned red with embarrassment
at their kind words he heard.
And never had a court seen this.
It really was absurd.

They gave such praise at who he was
it seemed so very weird.
For such a long time this went on
that Wish had grown a beard.

Judge Big Mouth Bass thought very hard.
He fought himself inside.
Would Wish the Fish be guilty now?
Which way would he decide?

Judge Bass made his decision then.
It went something like this:
"I don't like Wish - but know him well.
All charges I dismiss."
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

integrity!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)
Grandpa Koi (introduced in story 08)
Farmer Flounder (introduced in story 08)

Wish the Fish 08 (charity) 3-24-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
Oh, Grandpa Koi liked serving folks.
He lent a helping hand
to clients, neighbors, churches -
but did they understand?

He helped because they needed him.
He helped all those he could.
He helped the poor and rich alike
because he knew he should.

For years and years he served them all -
four decades plus, in fact.
He had a real joy in it.
It was a Godly act.

Then one day something bad occurred
that took all that he had.
And that's when Koi could help no more -
so then they thought him bad.

So Grandpa Koi, now penniless,
was nowhere to be found -
but they demanded he come forth -
and stop fooling around.

They had new cars and houses too.
They had high paying jobs.
They had each gadget they could buy.
They acted just like snobs.

While they were living for themselves,
with gossiping abuzz,
the talk 'round town was Grandpa Koi
and it was all because...

...things got so bad that what they had
was rusting all away.
If Grandpa Koi was still around
they'd have some words to say!

But Koi could not afford to stay.
He moved from the grandeur
into a place with many needs -
the 'least of these', the poor.

Away from greed and selfishness,
away from beast and witch -
where friendships grew in peace and love,
that thrived despite the rich.

The Sunfish was a caring nurse.
The Trout and Koi were cooks
preparing food that Flounder grew -
while Wish wrote children's books.

Respect had crossed all racial lines
from one fish to another.
Then love and joy had filled their hearts
with smiles at each other.

The fish that Koi once lived with were
now frightened and subdued -
entangled in earth's mortal nets...
while fighting over food.

---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

charity!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)
Grandpa Koi (introduced in story 08)
Farmer Flounder (introduced in story 08)

Pelicans to Parasols 3-20-15

A young and pretty girl sat

with elegance and grace,

pretending to be drinking tea

in soft pink bows and lace.

Her left hand held a parasol.
Her right hand held her tea -
when gust of wind had come along
and parasol flew free.

It's light and fragile beauty soared

along with ocean breeze -

drew notice of two pelicans

above the rippled seas.

She jumped up from her plastic chair

quite shocked at what occurred.

As wind gusts blew, it skipped along.

She chased it undeterred.

The pelicans cared not a whit

to parasol she sought.

Important though, her mission was,

that parasol be caught.

Her footprints in the pure white sand

had evidenced her will,

to catch that treasured parasol

that she was chasing still.

---

I wonder - do we race through life
for something temporal -
on our lone life's long endless beach,
chasing something futile?

I wonder - have we failed to see

our true priority -

at banquet table with our God

and His thirst-quenching tea?

Temptation's winds deceive us to

our pretty parasols.

Are we so busy chasing them

we're deaf when Jesus calls?

Past pelicans to parasols,
we chase for things we strive.
But woe to those of us who are -
when death and Christ arrive.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish 07 (dignity) 3-17-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
It came about, Wish heard a shout
from deep inside the school
right after Shark made his remark
that Big Mouth thought was cruel.

Well, Big Mouth's rants were over pants
that sagged excessively.
He didn't care his underwear
was bared for all to see.

Now Wish showed up with coffee cup
and sat down at his desk.
It was obscene the sight he'd seen
and thought it most grotesque.

He wished he could, then knew he should -
a lesson he must teach.
He thought awhile, then slyly smiled,
and gave this little speech:

My fellow students:

Now Big Mouth Bass exemplifies all here that is fallacious
in this lone, revered world we live, in which we all must share.
His iconoclastic approach to our collective wisdom in this omnipotent environment
brought him to a definitive conclusion from which he seems not much to care.

He has a parsimonious view of others which has resulted in an entrenched desire
to expose a recrementitius portion of his (uh-hum) 'person' to others
exhibiting a total disregard and total desertion of any minuscule respect he may have had
and has brought us to this point in time, my fellow sisters and  brothers.
.
His absence of etiquette - not to mention his failure to bow or tip the hat, et-cet-er-a, was as a prelude
to the selfish conclusion that he knowingly exhibits upon the rest of us - is no myth.
His abominable act warrants an immediate reward of retribution for his present expose'
and as such deserves to be exercised accordingly- now, right here, forthwith.

Wish stopped, then sat - and after that
things went along quite well
for Bass's mom and dad came by
right after classroom bell.

Of 'cultured' stuff, they'd had enough -
hence screams most inhumane.
But then, when through, he answered to
the teacher, clear and plain.

Abide, he did, when Shark forbid
him showing underwear.
Yes, Bass reflected full respect
and wore his pants with care.

His seat had burned from lesson learned.
We knew that Bass was tanned.
Though pants had fit he couldn't sit.
Poor Big Mouth had to stand.
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

dignity!
(do not confuse 'dignity' with 'pride')

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)

Wish the Fish 06 (patience) 3-12-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
Said mom to her small hungry fish,
(her son, who we all know as 'Wish'),
"I'm sure you're hungry.  That is why
I'm baking you an apple pie."

Now Wish knew moms weren't very fast.
She'd answer, "Soon." if he had asked.
He couldn't wait for pie to bake,
so he, a different route, would take.

Inside his fist, inside his hand
Wish held a lonely quarter and
he headed for the big front door,

from his own house, to candy store.

Forever, it had seemed to take.
First running, quickly, then to brake -
in front of house, where sidewalk's ends -
was end of line with all his friends.

It couldn't be!  It couldn't be!
The candy store, he couldn't see.
The store was far, the line ten blocks -
backed right up to his mail box.

Yes, quite a ways away it was,
but candy store would be abuzz
with other fish with gills (not lungs).
They'd crave for sweets upon their tongues.

Excited Wish, at any rate,
for his sweet treats, just couldn't wait.
For candy bar- or two or three,
his mouth had watered hungrily.

He dreamed of creamy cho-co-lates,
filled with car-a-mel and nuts -
and covered deep with sprinkles too -
mouth-watering to taste and chew...

But snail's pace, the line moved slow...
and - seemed - to - a - slow - mo-tion - go.
The minutes dragged in stagnant ways.
So passed the hours - and then the days...

By this time Wish's feet were draggin',
eyes drooped dark, no tail waggin'.
He lost his quarter, lost his comb,
became so tired... so crawled back home.

He said, "Please mom, I am so weak...
I haven't eaten for a week."
Wish asked for pie through hungry yawn -
but then mom said, "That pie's long gone!"
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

patience!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)

Wish the Fish 05 (courage) 3-9-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---

Now Big Mouth Bass, it came about,
made fun of Wish's friend, the Trout.
Sarcastically, he bullied him,
then pushed him hard, again, again.

The Trout had fallen, hurt his side.
"I did not do it." Big Mouth lied.
He threatened Wish with piercing stare,
"You will not talk.  You wouldn't dare."

Now Sunfish was a pretty thing.
She swam around and loved to sing.
The Trout was lying in the dirt
She cared for him - for he was hurt.

Wish saw it all but didn't tell
when teacher rang the school bell.
The teacher's name was Spark the Shark.
He was as strict as his own bark.

About Trout, teacher Shark had learned -
so then to Wish the teacher turned.
"Please say exactly what you saw."
That stunned poor Wish.  It dropped his jaw.

Yes, just because of what he'd seen,
he -rock and hard place- was between.
Between Big Mouth and teacher here,
poor Wish was petrified in fear.

He couldn't breathe.  He started rockin'.
Loudly, both his knees were knockin'.
Then Wish sweat fervent beads of air.
Both Shark and Bass stared at him there.

The whole class was concerned for Trout.
Shark asked again, "What's this about?
So difficult, Wish in this spot -
oh, should he lie... or should he not?

About Trout, Wish had also cared -
but now was really, really scared.
"Well?" asked teacher yet again
while Big Mouth wore his evil grin...

If Big Mouth got away with it,
could future fish he shove get hurt?
What if, by chance, a fish should die?
And how'd he feel if he did lie?

Through courage then, Wish blurted out,
"He pushed him!  Big Mouth hurt the Trout!"
Then Wish, a little bit perplexed
was startled at what happened next.

Applause broke out throughout the class
defending Wish from Big Mouth Bass!
All practiced, they, the 'golden rule'
which brought peace back throughout the school.
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

courage!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)

Wish the Fish 04 (respect) 3-6-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---

In Fish Hook City down below

the ocean waves and ocean's flow -

are diff'rent colored fish in schools

who made a slew of bizarre rules.

Now Wish the Fish?  Mostly greenish -

avoided colored fish of bluish,

pinkish, reddish, brownish, whitish,

blackish, (well, you get the pictureish).

So anyway, Wish grew learning

how to judge without discerning.

Although he harbored little hate,

he learned how to discriminate.

He elevated self with pride

until there was a huge divide

between the greenish tone of Wish

and other hues of other fish.

His attitude of disrespect

was obviously incorrect

but Wish, a racist, had become.

He was naive, pathetic, dumb.

Wish came across a colored 'Trout'

and said something to think about

and Wish was firm down to his soul.

He said the rules gave him control.

He said those words, not once, but twice

They were not good and were not nice.

But then he heard that fish's cry

and felt so bad, he wished he'd die.

So Wish cried off proud scales that day.

They fell like rain and that gave way

to great respect for ev'ry kind

of fish that Wish could ever find.

Wish asked forgiveness on the spot

and his reward?  New friend he got.

So that's how Trout became a friend

who trusted Wish.  And that's "The End".

---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate

respect!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)