"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

April 17, 2017

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

-------

April 12, 2017

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

-------

April 7, 2017

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

-------

March 31, 2017

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

-------

March 20, 2017

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

----