"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

March 1, 2021

What A Story! 3-1-21


This gentle breeze puts me at ease.
Envision, if you will;
Stars, each with spark, lake in a park,
and trees beside the hill.

As if in trance, the leaves still dance
attached to tiny twigs.
From up atop, the acorns drop.
Nearby a squirrel digs.
A dancing willow bending low
has kissed the water's face.
Then drake I find, with hen behind,
and ducklings in a race.

But 5AM, a flower stem
is bent under great weight.
It's gravity's audacity!
It hampers it from straight!
OR should we know, (as stories go),
for every one, two sides?
So could it be that we can't see
the burden bloom provides?

Is bloom at fault, that it exalt,
the beauty it bestows?
And fragrance too, what would we do
without our tempting nose?
Or would it hurt to blame the dirt...
or bees?  There's much to tell.
And could we blame, that moisture came
and watered it too well?

SO, we could claim, they're ALL to blame,
but sunrise here is near.
When sunlight peeks, our Father speaks,
and burdens disappear.
Does blame turn in... to angry sin?
Does sin drive us to hate?
Are we not taught that evil thought
will burden us with weight?

When it's of God, it isn't odd
that nature's love forgives.
Here by the lake, there's no mistake
that His creation lives.
Can we still claim that we're the same
as nature?  Do we live?
I think instead, that we are dead
when we do not forgive.

As dawning breaks, our dark mistakes
have brought us to this time.
But don't dismay, God has a way.
It's not an uphill climb.
There's no debate with stem now straight
and flower standing tall.
What a story of God's glory!
He loves us, one and all!

This gentle breeze puts me at ease.
Envision, if you will;
Stars, each with spark, lake in a park,
and trees beside the hill.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

February 1, 2021

In Full Conceit 2-1-21


A little ant was working hard
atop his little mound,
and thought that he was taller
than anything around.

A weasel saw that little ant
but didn't make a sound,
and thought that he was taller
than anything around.

A groundhog saw that weasel near
his home there in the ground,
and thought that he was taller
than anything around.

My dog was not the least amazed
and for them, he was bound.
He knew that he was taller still
than anything around.

I was the man who saw them all.
I shook with scoffing laugh.
In full conceit I stood there tall.
Behind me?  A giraffe.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

January 1, 2021

Unfurl Our Flag Again 1-1-21



I pledged full allegiance when I, in school,
would dress with respect and live 'golden rule'.
Respecting the elders without a smirk,
I studied for quizzes, did my homework,
I didn't drink beer and I didn't smoke
and didn't laugh when I heard dirty joke.
This "churchy-boy" bullied to the extreme,
so often I cried with crushed self-esteem.

Oh, I am so wrong in this up-side-down world,
where God is removed and freedoms are furled;
where truth becomes myth, if someone hates it,
with standards all lost- Hell's bottomless pit;
where lies become truth if said many times;
where chaos breaks out with killings and crimes.
With ethics abandoned, the innocent die.
Can someone please tell me- why, why, why, why?

The standards I live by, they were not forced,
but from those clean morals, they had divorced.
For fame they had bribed naive voting blocks,
but they were exposed with clicking of clocks.
Nuclear proliferation, dead schools,
riots, looting, killings- they changed the rules.
Pushing boundaries to see the truth bend,
was it not them who hurt fam'ly and friend?

Because they're elected and hence empowered,
they think this 'churchy-boy' can be devoured.
So many times now, their lies we have heard,
but the precepts of peace are in God's Word.
Lies will be buried with them under sod.
Unfurl our flag again. We Trust In God.
They thought they were smart and thought we were dumb,
but we know our God will one day soon come.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

December 12, 2020

Don't Read This 12-12-20


Children,

I told you not to read this but you're reading anyway,
and do you disobey when Satan tells you it's okay?

Are you enticed by cunning words that sound like violins
that sing so sweetly to your wants they tempt you into sins?

Do your eager ears tickle when you hear of something odd
and make you disobey when you aren't list'ning to your God?

Do you think you are stronger and that you can break the chains
of sins that claim they're better than the God who gave you brains?

If not, then when you see temptation lurking at your door,
just tell yourself it's wrong and you won't give in anymore.

Do not be that old dog that only chases sins of sticks,
because it learned bad habits and no longer learns new tricks.

So many men thought they could change at anytime they wished,
but sin got full control of them and they got fully squished.

So don't read this and don't obey if you are smarter than
the selfish, grumpy, lying cuss who's now a crass old man.

For God so loved the world that He has given you His Son
and Comforter to guide you through the life that you've begun.

I pray that you will live your life in good and special way,
so everyone around you will see sunshine ev'ry day!

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

November 14, 2020

Memories 11-14-20


Oh, to remember walks in parks,
ocean sands and ocean mists.
Oh, to remember holding hands,
sharing thoughts, giving gifts.

Oh, to remember wedding day,
lacy dress, church and cross,
Oh, to remember sharing vows, 
placing ring and bouquet toss.

Oh, to remember children's pains,
children's laughs and children's fears.
Oh, to remember fun and games,
silly times and laughter's tears.

Oh to remember that last touch,
that last hug, that last kiss.
Oh, to remember pretty face,
my true love I really miss.

Oh, the mem'ries I hold dear,
all those mem'ries... ever sweet.
Oh, to remember precious times.
If good times only could repeat.

What's better than those memories?
Please don't misunderstand.
Just don't compare to yesterday,
tomorrow's Heavenland!

Oh, to meet each other there!
With Jesus, we will stay!
Oh, to share that wonderment
forever and a day!

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

October 31, 2020

His Holy Name 10-31-20



Completely crushed, my fragile heart.
So lonely then, I fell apart.
My life was incomplete.
Of all the poems 'round the world,
this simple one, in wind, was twirled
and landed at my feet.

I'll live the life that God gave me
and do His will so free, gladly.
This life, I live for Him.
I took this poem at my feet,
inhaled the words without defeat,
then sang my fav'rite hymn.

For joy now fills my empty soul.
God simply touched and made me whole.
On knees, to Him I came.
I hold this poem that's so dear
and lift my hands without a fear
to praise His Holy Name.

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

September 10, 2020

Through All Eternity 9-10-20


Can eyes appreciate the smell of fresh-cut grass;
or nose appreciate the woodwinds and the brass;
or ears appreciate a chip in fav'rite dip;
or tongue appreciate a handy workmanship;
or hands appreciate the footsteps to a cross;
or feet appreciate the torture and the loss;
or brain appreciate the message of His love;
or heart appreciate such grace from God above?
While body can't appreciate all that there is to be,
salvation makes the soul rejoice through all eternity.

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

August 15, 2020

Empathy 8-15-20



Such anger, like a waterfall, had hatred spilling o'er.
I thought that I knew everything- and indeed I showed her!
The way she spoke would pain my ears.  My brain was being fried.
I tried to make her see my side.  I tried and tried and tried.

Such arguing?  My specialty, through muscle-tightened joints.
The big dispute had gone my way and I had proved my points.
I spoke much faster than she could.  My words would never cease.
I seized the moment, stole the time, with spoken masterpiece.

Though Jesus knew that the results were not remotely fair,
we know what had occurred when Pilot spoke to Jesus there.
Christ offered full forgiveness when our sins came into view
and prayed, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

I told that nagging woman who I thought was so naive,
"Just give me one more good excuse, because I'd love to leave!"
Then finally, I let her speak... and that's when I was told,
"You've got that 'grumpy' part down good.  Now work on getting old."

My anger, like a waterfall had hardened one more heart.
The lesson that I should have known?  I'll lose before I start.
True facts are not enough if hatred floods out Heaven's love
so empathy must live in what discussions are made of.

Christ offers us eternal life through Heaven's painful loss
and time has proved His empathy had permeated cross.
Christ cares for all His 'children' and He loves them through and through.
God's saving grace is endless if our faithfulness is true.


©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

July 18, 2020

Selflessly 7-18-20


My lonely soul was destitute.
Abandoned, was my heart.
So desolate in lonesome thoughts,
so empty, torn apart.

If you could understand these words
then you'd know that is why
my life was just some lonely words
that made me want to cry.

Awake, I laid, night after night.
I didn't have a clue.
Those lonely words kept nagging me
and breaking me in two.

I found a friend, a friend indeed
who understands me now.
I used to never care or love,
but He had showed me how.

He never spoke a single word,
at least not audibly.
But He has blessed so very much,
this undeserving me.

My heart now overflows with joy.
My soul no longer cries.
The loneliness has been replaced
with sparkle in my eyes.

I'll not be focused on myself.
For Jesus, I will live.
No longer do I live for self
and selflessly will give.

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

June 18, 2020

Halo's Glow, The 6-18-20

Who really cares?  Who understands
the rusty spikes through feet and hands?
His feet wore dust that turned to mud
when mixed with his own sweat and blood.

And then, of course, some thorns were found
and weaved into an ugly crown.
A painful mocking, gross insult
(but we know now the end result).

He was so sore and in such pain,
yet love for us would somehow gain.
He gave us life and gave us breath!
He saved us from eternal death!

When we have judged His greatest foes,
then we are just as bad as those.
Let's praise His work, His will, His way.
Let's bow and give Him thanks today.

But we pray for expedience
while He seeks our obedience.
Remember His beatitudes!
Let's change our selfish attitudes.

I tell you world, I can't compete
with such a love that's so complete.
There is no greater love than His
and that is what the greatest is.

From greatest love, for greatest foe,
can we not see from here below?
From greatest love, for greatest foe,
can we not see the halo's glow?

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

May 17, 2020

Beneath That Old Cross 5-17-20


Your grace draws me to You as I have observed.
But I linger often.  It's so undeserved.
Your love overwhelms me, Your strength holds me tight,
forgiveness is calling but guilt is my plight.

Effects of my sins are embossed in hard stone.
I cannot undo them.  I can't, not alone.
A carp without fin or a crow without wing,
I try as I might but can't fix anything.

Regret is the shadow I cannot outrun,
I cannot erase it or kill it with gun.
I cry for your blessings to shower as rain,
on those I have hurt so that peace they obtain.

Please hold them and guard them and don't let them fall,
then bless me with life that is pleasing to all.
Reminded of what I have put others through,
I so need forgiveness, but leave that to You.

I cry out in anguish.  I cry out in shame.
I know life is real and cry out Your name.
Please shake me of old days and don't let them kill
a future of loving and doing 'Your will'.

Immersed in contrition as life goes along,
dear Lord, please forgive me for all I've done wrong.
Your grace, so sufficient, Your love, so immense,
was proven at Cal'vry at Your great expense.

Please bury my burdens and bury my guilt,
beneath that old cross where Your blood had been spilt.
Remembering all You still do from above,
my tears now replace these mere words with my love.

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

April 25, 2020

Lonely Lost Poet 4-25-20


I wanted to write but saw forest instead
while loud chirping noises were filling my head.
"Go away!" the birds chirped, "We don't want you here!"
So off I had gone when I came across deer.

The deer were so startled, they ran away fast
with two frightened squirrels that also raced past.
The bugs and the butterflies seemed not to care.
I plopped myself down on a stump to prepare.

I heard eerie sounds when the wind pushed the trees,
but sounds were not words I could write down with ease.
The high-above limbs had creaked strangely in sway
and darkened surroundings in most frightful way.

My phrases eluded and wouldn't take shape
here stuck in this forest without an escape.
Distractions harassed me and it was not right.
Disturbed concentrations did not let me write.

This lost, lonely poet, still empty of rhyme,
gave way to the thought that it just wasn't time
to find my way out of this forest of words
still hearing the echo of mean heckling birds.

I thought, "I'll not bother to pen one today"
so wadded my paper and tossed it away.
The winds didn't care- in fact, nobody knew
it flew right across the small clearing from view.

As wind grew momentum, my work was in vain.
A chill ran down through me.  It started to rain.
Self-pity took over.  I drowned in my fears
as rain streaked my cheeks all commingled with tears.

"But wait!" I then jabbered, "just look what God's done!
He wrote this here poem and wrote it in fun."
I'll not be discouraged when mind has turned numb.
I'll not sit here sulking when words do not come.

The rain had stopped falling.  Clouds faded away.
And trees disappeared as I went on my way.
To tune out distractions and those noisy birds
just listen intently for God's greater words...

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

March 22, 2020

The Very Last Time 3-22-20


Could I be like mother?
Do I have the time?
She seemed so angelic
and seemed so sublime.

We all have to work
for days at a time.
A difficult struggle
and very hard climb.

I labored and slaved
through years of hard time.
I scratched for - and saved it,
but it was a crime.

And focused on God?  No.
I lost it in time.
His will, not my purpose,
but dollar and dime.

I now live for Jesus.
I give Him my time.
My life of enjoyment,
completed in rhyme.

But now I see mom for
the very last time.
I turn from her casket
...and hear the bell chime.

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

February 21, 2020

What the Little Do 2-20-20


A teeny ant thought he was great.
He watched those other ants.
Atop a tiny blade of grass
he bragged in tiny chants.

A tiny toad thought he was best,
believing others bad.
And there he sat day after day,
atop a lillypad.

A little bird thought he was tops
above the other nine.
And chirped, he proudly, ev'ry day
perched on a twisted vine.

And then a big ol' grizzly bear
shook earth while running by.
The ant, the toad and little bird -
in fear, they thought they'd die!

So off in fear, they scattered fast.
I laughed at all of them.
Their attitudes and downright pride
were things I would condemn.

Then as I looked around me too,
my wand'ring eyes did search.
Did I see other hypocrites
inside my little church?

A teeny, tiny, little man
was sitting in my pride.
And there I stayed day after day
and could have 'til I died.

But humbled was, when Jesus knocked
at my heart's wicked door.
His nail-scarred hands reached out to me
as I dropped to the floor.

Behind my blurry, tearfilled eyes
I knew I wasn't strong.
This teeny, tiny, little man
knew I was very wrong.

The ant, the toad and little bird
had learned their lesson too.
Do not think highly of yourself.
That's what the little do.

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

January 4, 2020

Bee 1 & Bee 2 ~ 1-4-20


Bee 2 was dear friends to Bee 1 that short summer.
They worked well together and made their work funner.

They spent their best days buzzing so closely over,
a flowering field of delicious green clover.

The sweet golden nectar that they were collecting
was their foremost duty while queen bee protecting.

In fun competition, sought who could be faster,
ignoring completely potential disaster.

For, far in the distance, they both were ignoring,
a big red machine that had made a loud roaring.

It leveled so quickly the clover and grasses,
but never once hit them on back and forth passes.

Yes, they noticed it passing, but paid it no heed -
and then were run over... with the good and the weed.

Bee 1 hurt so bad it put 2 in depression.
Did both bees survive it?  Now that was the question.

Though neither had noticed when that mower arrived,
Bee 1 didn't made it - while Bee 2 had survived.

It seems so unfair that disaster was lurking,
though both were so faithful and both were still working,

Bee 2 was so sad he cried teardrops of honey.
He thought God unfair!  All his days now not sunny.

We run life's race fast but, out of reach, that baton,
so how can we live when our best friend has passed on?

Is God so unfair when our work here is over?
Well, not to Bee 1 there in Heaven's sweet clover...

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

December 7, 2019

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

-------

November 28, 2019

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/

-------

November 17, 2019

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

-------

November 9, 2019

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

-------

October 11, 2019

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

-------