My Dearest Friends 2-22-13

The stars come out to welcome me.  The sun had set so fast.

I need to live a simple life, forgetting evil's past.

Here, I'm at peace with all my friends - at this, my Alma mater.

A seagull swoops so ever low.  Its wingtip kisses water.

True friends have such a special way of understanding word -

though swaying branches speak to me in language never heard.

But I can understand them all, for I've been here before.

So lonely are the busy ones who only hear the shore.

The moon looks down with saddened frown.  I sense it's message there,

"We love it when you visit us.  We really, truly care."

But even so, I soon must go.  Much stronger is the breeze.

It's whisper lingers, "Do not go.  Stay longer, if you please."

Each time I leave I don't forget the many loving ways

they're etched into my mem'ry like the sunset's brilliant rays -

that showered down around me as a rainbow's vivid views

and lit up like a halo that enhanced all nature's hues.

Between my obligations, torn - decisions I regret -

then say, the leaves there in the trees, "Please do not leave us yet."

And say, the little waves on shore (as they splash near my feet),

"To have you here, to talk to us, is such a real treat."

So I respond in loving kind, "God made you so divine!

You'll always be my sincere friends.  The pleasure is all mine!

"I so enjoy our favorite talks and I, great wonders, see.

So rich, our time together is.  I love your company."

Reflecting off the water's waves, the lights from distant shore -

still seem to make me want to stay and talk a little more.

Yet like the sun, I now must run.  The sky is turning black.

They may not know I love them so, but I'll be coming back.

Just one more time, I soak it in.  God always makes it right.

"I'll miss you all, my dearest friends- and bid you all Good night!"

I turn to take a final glance before I walk away.

I hesitate, a tear slips down.  There'll be another day.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Secret Admirer 2-18-13

(from a woman's perspective...)

Damp were the petals, kissed by the dew,

on bright, vibrant rose held up for my view -

from soft velvet fingers and unweathered skin

from one faithful heart full of true love within.

The rose was exquisite, so perfect to see -

with petals now open so beau-ti-ful-ly.

It seemed to rest easy on leaves of bright green -

(if now, you could only imagine the scene).

Behind that great gift was another one too -

who whispered poetically, "Oh, how I love you!"

It floated from voice so familiar to me

that stopped my whole world - instantly, briefly.

He caught me off-guard and I must concede

that inside his heart was a great love indeed.

For behind his raised fist, so patient and mild -

I saw the cute face of my very own child.

Reached, I there down - and speaking in prose,

I said, "Thank you child." accepting the rose.

And then to the side, I gave curtain a push -

and sure enough missing, my rose from rose bush.

But forced I a smile and gave him a kiss -

for this is one day that I'll soon reminisce.

His innocent countenance had drawn me to pray,

"Thank you, dear Lord, for my child today."

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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LOVE 2-14-13

It simply is impossible and simply is absurd -

to think that love can be defined in ordinary word.

"For God so loved the world..." and too, He had amid -

the evil forces on the earth who tortured as they did.

To love someone who helped you is a simple thing to do -

but try to love the people who have great disdain for you.

Then let them whip you- up until the pain is so intense -

it makes one wonder, if in fact, you have no common sense.

And let them make you drag a big old heavy wooden cross -

until you're so exhausted [that the path] you fall across.

And let them nail you to the beams in most horrendous way -

then mock you as you hear each word the soldiers have to say.

And let them place a homemade crown of nothing but pure scorn

that seize your brow, while poking in, with long and piercing thorn.

And let them hang you there alone in pain and agony

for all the people gathered 'round- for all of them to see.

And let them have their evil way until the bitter end -

until you finally pass away for all who ever sinned.

It simply is impossible and simply is absurd -

to think that love can be defined in ordinary word.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Why Angels Sing 2-8-13

The muscles tighten in my face

and tears come to my eyes -

each time I think of how you hurt

or hear your helpless cries.

You know if I could help you out,

I'd stop your pain today.

I'd use my little magic wand

to whisk them all away.

But if my magic wand was broke,

I'd buy them all with cash -

and then I'd torch each single one

and turn them into ash.

But if I couldn't burn them up

I'd open up your heart -

I'd take your sorrows- all of them -

and tear them all apart.

But if I couldn't tear them up

then I'd go to great length -

to throw your burdens off a cliff,

with every ounce of strength.

But if I wasn't strong enough

I'd haul them, height and breadth -

then watch them all splash overboard

into the ocean's depth.

But if your burdens didn't sink,

I'd work for many years -

right along beside you where

I'd kiss away your tears.

But if I couldn't dry your tears

I'd wish beyond degree -

that all your hurts would melt away

until you're bright with glee.

More tears go streaking down my cheeks.

I see you in great pain -

and now I've proven I can't help.

My work is all in vain.

Oh, how it saddens me to know

that I can't do a thing.

Yet God can heal your broken heart -

and that's why angels sing...

So smile awhile and lift your voice -

a voice so filled with love!

For those who hate will wallow here -

as you ascend above!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

 -------

A Wondrous Story 2-2-13

I'd love to be a poet and a real one, you know -

so I could write man's world off allowing God's to glow.

I'd write a wondrous story, that we could all take part

and live in true reality - each one with perfect heart.

I'd think outside my circle, with paper, ink and pen -

and think outside my flimsy box to live in peace again -

in gardens filled with blossoms - all colors full and bold -

that I could sweep my arms across and many flowers hold.

I'd jump inside my story with the animals and birds,

that live in His fine nature and are camouflaged with words -

that whisper as the breezes blow in true harmonic cord,

that bring us lives so unsurpassed when living with our Lord.

I'd peer up to the mountains, at the several waterfalls,

that rain grace down from Heaven where every angel calls -

to show to us a perfect world where He can overwhelm -

where man rejects but God perfects His great creation's realm.

I'd never hide inside my world, but fully would expect -

that men would treat each other with a solemn, deep respect -

that women dress with modesty and also could endow -

that girls learn to curtsy slow and boys would learn to bow.

I'd stroll inside my poem free from envy, sin and hate -

and walk beside still waters where 'the way' is always straight.

And I shall keep on writing true for many, many years -

until I see no longer through my sad and yearning tears.

I'd love to be a poet and a real one, you know -

so I could write man's world off allowing God's to glow.

I'd write a wondrous story, that we could all take part

and live in true reality - each one with perfect heart.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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I Wander Yonder 1-31-13

I wander yonder over hills where those before me trod -

though aimlessly through wants and needs, yet find it somewhat odd.

I wander yonder guessing so and pay a heavy price -

by following some friends I have and words of ill-advice.

I wander yonder through my life and laugh along the way -

deceiving self, believing I am happy every day.

I wander yonder up until the day I get so old -

a speck of truth will be revealed that I had not been told.

I wander yonder 'til the time that I begin to ponder -

about God's good and loving Son, so full of grace and wonder.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Circle Of Love 1-29-13

. . . . and bring our love around again in selfless peace that has no end -

as with a circle bright and true, is love of fam'ly, love of friend -

though some may laugh while others grieve, forgiveness we can sure achieve,

through God's vast blessings scattered 'round so those in need can hence receive -

the Son of God who's virgin born - through whip and nails and piercing thorn -

our sacrifice, the ultimate - a perfect Savior, bloody, torn -

because God loved and likewise we, bring certain hope that others see -

these blessings of a risen Lord so that they too could also be

in peace that's pure as snowy dove while singing praise to God above -

while standing faithful hand in hand in this, our circle filled with love . . . .

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

 -------

Will The Circle Be Unbroken?
Lyrics
(written 1907 by Ada R. Habershon with music by Charles H. Gabriel)

There are loved ones in the glory
Whose dear forms you often miss.
When you close your earthly story,
Will you join them in their bliss?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?

In the joyous days of childhood
Oft they told of wondrous love
Pointed to the dying Saviour;
Now they dwell with Him above.
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


You remember songs of heaven
Which you sang with childish voice.
Do you love the hymns they taught you,
Or are songs of earth your choice?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


You can picture happy gath'rings
Round the fireside long ago,
And you think of tearful partings
When they left you here below.
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


One by one their seats were emptied.
One by one they went away.
Now the family is parted.
Will it be complete one day?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?
---

Can The Circle Be Unbroken?
Lyrics
(`1935 - Carter family)

I was standing by my window
On one cold and cloudy day
And I saw the hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Oh, I told the undertaker
Undertaker, please drive slow
For this body you are hauling
How I hate to see her go
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Lord, I followed close beside her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Went back home Lord, My home was lonely
Since my mother she had gone
All my brothers, sisters crying
What a home so sad and lone
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

A Proud American! 1-24-13

---

This poem ain't a good one.

It may be crass and mean -

but if you read a few more lines,

you'll see what I have seen:

---

I care about appearance. I'll show off latest trends.
I'll change the way I talk and act impressing all my friends.

Don't call me dumb and stupid. I'm not a bit insane -
yet clueless as to pricing so I angrily complain.

First I waste my money on some foreign plastic toy -
and then complain there are no jobs in states like Illinois.

I vote for those who give me stuff like total free health care -
then think I won't be paying it (naively unaware)...

I want a king or emperor to handle my provisions -
tell me how to act and think and make all my decisions.

Don't call me dumb and stupid. I'm just confused with facts.
Just promise me more goodies now. The rich can pay my tax.

Just deposit, every month, some cash to my account -
and I'll be so contented. Keep track of my amount!

The 'Bill of Rights" I'll never need - so scrap them all today.
I'm in a state of ecstasy when I hear what you say.

Wow! Every time I hear you speak, my knees begin to go.
I faint within your promises - oh, how I love you so!

Abortion I don't care about as long as it's not me.
Allow me my vacations so that I can feel free!

My 1st amendment, I can't use. Why bother I, to preach -
that people ought not kill or steal? ( 'cause that's for you to teach ).

And I don't need the 2nd so protect me from my gun.
 Should someone point a gun at me, I'll just call 9-1-1.

"Search and seizures" - what are they? You're welcome anytime -
and I won't flush the toilet even once if it's a crime.

The 9th amendment's silly. I have no need for rights -
(nor my responsibilities) - so stop these petty fights.

The 10th amendment, I nix too, awaiting your dictates.
Let's call ourselves "United" and eliminate the "States".

United, we'll be holding hands as one huge human chain -
and simply jump the border here if we spin down the drain.

Though foreign countries snicker, I'll vote again for you.
For I'm a proud American. My insolence shines through!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Stalking Us 1-22-13

You follow me and haunt me

in terrorizing ways.

Your silence keeps me guessing here

in my most frightened gaze.

Sometimes you stalk me from my left -

and sometimes from my right.

Sometimes you're right in front of me -

or just beyond my sight.

Sometimes taller, you appear,

intimidatingly -

and every day I see you here,

I simply want to flee.

To add some distance, I sometimes

accelerate my pace.

Yet matters not, my quickened step,

I can't increase the space.

You march 'lock-step' along with me

and blatantly impede -

my privacy and liberties

exacting my same speed.

I get enraged and shake my fists -

but you make your fists too.

Once and for all, I'd be so glad

to rid myself of you.

You hang around me mimicking!

I plead with you - just GO!!

I find myself at my wit's end

escaping my own shadow.

Oh yes, just like our shadows,

temptation follows us -

stalking us where e'er we go.

That's why we need Jesus.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Reminiscing 1-12-13

Something way down deep inside

my lost and lonely soul -

had eaten me until I died

of all my self-control.

Then someone special lent a hand

that I did not deserve -

and touched an inner fragile strand -

a close and tender nerve.

I knew not what to make of it -

that kind, unselfish act.

My knees got weak and I admit -

was thankful.  That's a fact.

And then I sensed a flicker as

a flame on candle waves -

and saw their bumper sticker

that read, "Smile!  Jesus Saves!"

Then something in my reddened eyes

had made it hard to see -

choked up, I was, and all my cries

came pouring out of me.

So stunned in awe, I stopped to think

of all I'm guilty of.

I know my sin - once set in ink -

was wiped away with love.

Now, reminiscing has a way

to judge my many years -
so hymns in church on Sunday's now -
still well my eyes with tears.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Obeyed? 1-10-13

Here is another true story poem (summer 1934)

about my grandmother (Ida) and my mother (Ruth)

who traveled every day between their farm at North Clayton, Wisconsin

to to deliver cream to Soldier's Grove as told to me by my mother.

(Told in 'first person' from my mother's perspective...)

I had got on and sat upon our wagon load of goods.

all set to view the country hue on rustic road through woods.

But mom said no, I couldn't go.  I rarely ever stayed -

but this time did so down I slid.  I'm glad that I obeyed.

Our old wagon, always saggin' had rough, rugged boards -

but it did hold that precious load as she had started towards -

the creamery - a guarantee - of how we paid our bills -

in such a life, excessive strife - through vale against the hills.

She left that day on road of clay delivering with care -

four dusty mile - with grimaced smile - and cream that must get there.

Familiar sounds - some barking hounds, a crow up in a tree -

and tough routine, unlike a queen, that she would never see.

Out of the blue without a clue -around a curve and hill -

a drunken guy - flew passing by - like she was sitting still -

then ripped the side of Topsy's hide and threw mom off her seat.

She landed hard, but not too scarred, between the horses feet.

Though somewhat numb, she scrambled some from under hooves and wheels.

A bit perplexed, what happened next - she scrambled and did feel,

a massive rock where she took stock and hid as God provides.

Protected there in silent prayer from grace that never hides.

Some seconds spent, bewilderment, that held them there at bay -

so trampled not, she never got - before they ran away.

She tried to nurse ol' Topsy's curse.  Oh, why did God allow -

old Topsy's death with its last breath and further hardships now?

The wagon load could not be sold.  I thought that I would scream.

But mama taught that I ought not - to cry over spilled cream.

Is life not fair?  Does God not care?  Well, mama knew His way...

Obeyed was why - so safe was I.  She thanked the Lord that day.

I had got on and sat upon our wagon load of goods.

all set to view the country hue on rustic road through woods.

But mom said no, I couldn't go.  I rarely ever stayed -

but this time did so down I slid - and glad that I obeyed.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Life Was... 1-7-13

(A true story poem from the summer of 1934 in
Wisconsin as told to me by my mother, Ruth)

Worked like a mule, when not in school, below the scorching sun.

I couldn't treat my calloused feet.  My work was never done.

Near idle plows, I milked the cows.  A barn, we didn't have -

but under stars, the land was ours and where our cows would calve.

With weary hands I filled the cans.  Their tails they would flick -

and sting my eyes while swatting flies.  Then bucket, they would kick.

Two hours flat, was done with that, from my familiar stool.

The cows backed off their drinking trough where I put milk to cool.

The morning after, I worked faster, hitching up the team.

One called Nancy, the other Topsy - hauled our milk and cream.

Those two old nags had swayback sags.  They were a stubborn lot.

I must confess, they lacked finesse.  Race horses, they were not.

The wagon bad, but all we had, so up my brother climbed.

The little whelp was not much help, but "Giddy-up!" he chimed.

As we would sing, the cans would cling the four miles into town.

Population:  Twenty seven - but that's if we're around.

With morning sun, that work was done - but now, another day.

We'd fertilize while bread would rise and maybe stack some hay.

I always worked - and never shirked - my duties.  I was nine.

But God gave strength to me at length - and life was truly fine.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

With Jesus Back 1-5-13

The clouds had wept, yet sun had kept
enough light on my mind -
that I could see weak memories -
that I could never find.

I, at a loss, to see this cross
and of its fuller meaning -
had pondered some and when was done
had saw it all as 'feeling'.

But truth be told, it is of old,
the crafty serpent lied.
So overflowed, that grace of gold,
the day that Jesus died.

Was God's design that sunlight shine
on my eternal soul?
Did I assess my faithfulness?
For He is in control!

A ray of hope, a saving rope
with hallowed grace divine -
relieved my stress through Holiness
for true forgiveness, mine.

When faith survived, death was deprived
on earth, as up above.
Death isn't black. With Jesus back
I'm flooded with His love!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Signs 1-1-13

(A true story poem.  Reflecting back to my childhood in the 1960's.) 

There, spaced along the highway were twelve inexpensive signs.

Just simple words of black on white next to some rigid pines.

The signs were spaced just far enough they caught my drifting eye -

so pondered I, each single sign as they went marching by...

---

"For God..." "so loved..." "the world..." "that He gave..." "His only..." "begotten Son..."

"that whosoever..." "believeth in Him..." "should not perish..."

"but have..." "everlasting life..." "John 3:16"

---

So many times from grandma's house we read 'John three-sixteen' -

and millions more had seen this verse against those evergreen.

My dad, my mom, my brother, I - in humbleness did read

those words as we were driving by and faithfully would heed.

Now who had thought of doing this and painted them with care?

Who dug the holes in God's green earth and set them up to share -

to other people driving by so they too could embrace

this verse of loving kindness - of vast forgiving grace?

I read those words each time we passed and wondered who'd take time

and paint the words for profit not - not even for a dime.

I wondered who that man had been each time that we passed by -

and wondered as some years had passed - whose signs had caught my eye.

Yes, even as a teen I thought, who painted each of those -

then did the work to put them up?  I pondered, just suppose -

he cared not for his pocket book but wanted to impart,

with work and pure compassion - some love within his heart.

Well, nothing lasts forever, therefore sometimes something breaks -

so dad pulled to the shoulder and then hit the car's old brakes.

He took a hammer from the trunk.  Bored, waiting for my dad,

I saw him fix a broken sign - and then I knew who had.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

John 3:16-21 (King James Version)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already,
because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world,
and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest,
that they are wrought in God.

John 3:16-21 (New American Standard Version)
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world,
but that the world might be saved through Him.
18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already,
because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world,
and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
20 For everyone who does evil hates the Light,
and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
21 But he who practices the truth comes to the Light,
so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

John 3:16-21 (New International Version)
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but to save the world through him.
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned,
but whoever does not believe stands condemned already
because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world,
but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
20 Everyone who does evil hates the light,
and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light,
so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.