louis gander

louis gander, 27 november 2011

I Wonder

Sometimes I wonder how a tree
can stand the way it does -
so crooked, gnarled and twisted.
I wonder what it was...

What made it lean way over -
its shallow roots in mud?
Or was its last encounter a -
tornado? lightning? flood?

Though I am not an expert,
and haven't much, a clue -
I've often looked at people,
and wondered how they grew.

Opinions leaning way too far
with grumpy, creaking sounds -
they're true, 'un-timbered' miracles
with such unbalanced pounds.

But God still pours out blessings.
His grace forever flows -
and nourishes the lazy root -
no matter how it grows.

Sometimes I wonder how a man
can stand the way he does -
so crooked, gnarled and twisted.
I wonder what it was...

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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number of comments: 4 | rating: 8 | detail

louis gander

louis gander, 9 february 2013

Why Angels Sing

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/
 
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number of comments: 2 | rating: 8 | detail

louis gander

louis gander, 3 december 2011

Log Cabin Christmas

You ask about this picture
that hangs here on my wall?
Many thoughts come to my mind.
I can't recall it all.

It's of our old log cabin
that stood along a stream -
nestled in a heavy woods
with weather most extreme.

The summer heat, unbearable,
preceded autumn hues -
and winter brought the heavy snow
which drooped the many yews.

Our hard work filled the wood box.
Much colder times, there'd be.
I'd follow dad's familiar tracks -
to seek a Christmas tree.

A chair set by the window,
sat I, upon the chair -
peering down our old dirt road
with grandpa not yet there.

The sunrise and the sunset
was all the clock we had -
so hours I would be on watch
with brother, mom and dad.

So patiently the snowfall
would cling to window sill.
Serene and quiet were those days -
snow blanketing each hill.

Then at last his carriage came,
bouncing up the drive.
Anticipation answered,
and Christmas came alive.

The planks beneath dad's footsteps
sounded from the floor.
He gave a pat as he walked by,
then answered our front door.

The gift that I received that day
came in a homemade box.
I opened it and once again -
long underwear and socks.

Toys were quite a rarity.
I thought it not unfair -
for on those chilly winter nights,
I didn't really care.

The fire dancing in the hearth
was better than fine art -
and love was not for brand new toys -
but rather from the heart.

The inconvenient hardships
were really not so bad.
Grandpa and my family,
were really all I had.

Sunday was our day of rest
that I enjoyed the most -
when father parked our wagon near
the church's hitching post.

Patience filled our earnest souls,
charity, the mind -
and my most precious presents now,
are memories, every kind.

We bore so many crosses
with work and suffering -
but they bound us together and,
I wouldn't change a thing.

If now an opportunity
brought back 'the good old days',
I'd trade todays conveniences
for more rewarding ways.

I don't regret my childhood.
I would not trade the years.
Now please, you must forgive me for
my sentimental tears...

Oh goodness, my - how time does fly!
It's almost half-past seven!
But stories more, you'll hear some day
when we meet up in Heaven.

So that's my picture on my wall,
reminding me of Christmas -
a world of true tranquility -
where I found love for Jesus.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/


number of comments: 0 | rating: 8 | detail

louis gander

louis gander, 5 january 2013

Faithful Footsteps (a fun one)

Okay, here's a 'twist'.
The word that rhymes is not in this poem.
Just for fun, I've inserted another word.
Can you guess all the rhyming words?  Write them down as you go along... (no peeking, they're at the bottom)

---

An old man lived on the outskirts of town,
wore an old suit that was tattered and
gray.

His hair, snowy white, was always unkempt.
Because kids made fun, he was full of con-
sideration.

Years back, when in school, he make a mistake.
He once, on her desk, put a poisonous -
mushroom.

Now he didn't know that the mushroom was bad.
and when she arrived, she got really -
pleased,

because she liked mushrooms on all types of things,
pizza and pasta - and on chicken
soup.

But then she noticed - removed it from sight.
She knew about mushrooms and knew it wasn't -
edible.

She asked who had done it. This very young child,
didn't admit it - but sat there and -
felt guilty.

Despite good intentions he misunderstood.
He couldn't admit it, now tell me, who
is he?

His conscience held hostage, he couldn't ignore,
Was this still a child that mom could -
forgive?

Though all his emotions were torn far apart,
he learned a good lesson and made a new -
Friend.

He started to give and help out the others,
helping with strangers, sisters and -
with their needs.

Just when we think that we've figured life out,
We let out our holler and let out our -
chest.

I learned that humbleness Satan will thwart,
and with good intentions, we still will fall -
far,

far from Gods promise, far from above.
Once sacrifice fixed it but now it's His -
grace.

He later admitted to teacher, Miss Laurie,
"I thought it was good, I am very -
wrong."

Well, she understood and the story ends here.
He learned a good lesson and had a good -
education.

Wisdom was gained far back in his childhood,
He wasn't perfect but he knew he was -
bad.

Will Heaven we see, if we're very proud?
Will our pride cripple? Will we be -
dead?

Jesus gives life! Don't let Satan deceive,
for we are forgiven if we'll only -
have faith.

For even the demons - they're shuddering still.
Do they believe, and do His good -
commands?

Yes, Jesus proves faithful, time after time,
so follow His footsteps and you'll always -
rhyme!

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Just in case you're unsure of some of the 'rhyming' words... here they are:
Brown
Contempt
Snake
Mad
Wings
Right
Smiled
Would
Adore
Start
Brothers
Shout
Short
Love
Sorry
Year
Good
Allowed
Believe
Will
And of course the last word "rhyme" is correct


number of comments: 4 | rating: 7 | detail

louis gander

louis gander, 15 february 2013

Valentine's Day

"Love our dear Valentine" we always say,
whenever we think of Valentine's Day.

Big hugs and kisses and also some fun -
is love's expression for our 'special one'.
Flowers, dinner, and maybe some wine -
as we treat our 'sweethearts' especially fine.

But oh, long ago on one fateful day -
when we threw our greatest of loves away -

Hatred surpassed all the love we had won -
as hugs were not there when the nailing begun.
Thorns replaced flowers, and then sour wine -
and that's how we treated our Lord divine."

Love our dear Valentine" we always say,
but how do we love the Savior today?

©2010 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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number of comments: 9 | rating: 7 | detail

louis gander

louis gander, 1 december 2011

So Far To Go

The year, I'm told, is eighteen-ten.
The weather's dry and hot.
I 'reckon dad knows where to go.
The horses do not trot.
We're tired and very thirsty,
with rations, water low.
The wagon trails' a long one and,
we have so far to go.

The wagon covers' full of holes
and leaks each time it rains.
The mud strains both the horses.
Our perseverance wanes.
But persevere, we can and must.
That's what mere patience proves -
while breathing in the trail dust
behind the horses hooves.

Supplies? ...almost depleted.
Before I go to sleep,
I lay awake, my stomach hurts,
I hear my mother weep.
The bread, she trims the mold from -
it helps my hunger pangs.
A line is stretched above my head.
Our dripping laundry hangs.

I'm not the wisest western child
I don't know very much.
I'm not quite sure how 'blessings' work,
and 'thankfulness' and such.
But Jesus, we are so obliged -
for shoes that fit our feet,
safety from the wolves and snakes,
and berries we can eat.

I'm sorry that I think of corn,
potatoes, peas or fish -
but if I lived in different times,
or place - that'd be my wish.
I'd eat just like a gentleman.
I'd eat my last string bean.
I'd eat what others did not want -
then lick their dishes clean.

Sometimes my mom... I'll see a tear.
She hides it pretty good.
But Jesus, I know mother -
she'd help me if she could.
She stays up nights when I am sick.
I hear her prayers to You.
She shows her love to everyone
and knows just what to do.

So answer, Jesus, my small prayer...
I ask it for our Nation -
that it would always thankful be -
bent not unto temptation.
I wonder if Americans
will ever truly know -
this wagon trails' a long one and,
we have so far to go.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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number of comments: 0 | rating: 6 | detail

louis gander

louis gander, 22 december 2011

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Jesus

To the tune of:
"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"

It's beginning to look a lot like Jesus,
everywhere we go.
Take a look at the Christmas birth. Seeing it once again -
it warms our hearts and makes our spirit's glow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Jesus,
miracles in store -
but the prettiest sight to see
is the baby that will be -
who we can't ignore.

With no pair of sandals and cross with no handles,
He carried it right up until -
the weight was tremendous, our actions horrendous -
He fell halfway up the hill.
The soldier men, so full of sin, just wanted to torture and kill.

It's beginning to look a lot like Jesus,
as we knew before -
so Christians must always be, like the Jesus that we see -
in a world at war...

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/


number of comments: 0 | rating: 6 | detail

louis gander

louis gander, 30 november 2011

Terror & Blessings

Terror on the rampage,
terror in the sky,
terror in the cities,
terror by and by -
with no concern and no remorse
with cold and callous sigh -
enjoyment from the children with
their most despondent cry.
Death is by the devil,
where hate and anger lie,
terrorizing innocent,
until they see them die.

Blessings by the number,
blessings by the score,
blessings from the Heavens,
blessings that outpour -
to each of God's creation,
yet then He gave us more -
a Son who came to save the lost,
with crown of thorns He wore.
With nails in His hands and feet,
from terrors' angry roar.
The greatest of all blessings,
though terror wanted more.

Spiritual life
to terror's death...
who took dust
and gave us breath?
No matter how dumb
or how naive -
no matter what man
still wants to believe -
earth is below
and Heaven's above -
God is love.
God is love.
God is love.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/


number of comments: 2 | rating: 6 | detail

louis gander

louis gander, 19 january 2013

Grandma

Grownups seem so funny. They never seem to change.
‘Specially my ol’ grandma. She always acted strange.
Peculiar smells escaped out when she opened up her door.
And as I stepped into her house - heard creaking in the floor.

She seemed a bit hunched over. She wasn't very thin.
Her teeth would sometimes chatter when she moved her double chin.
She decorated very nice. A corner held the broom.
And she'd have her nylons hanging ‘round the living room....

God made grandma special. Her cooking, Heaven sent.
She hadn't much to offer but she really was content.
She was always cooking with her hair back in a bun.
And always had her apron on – had little time for fun.

Sometimes I got in trouble taking cookies from her jar....
The crumbs would seem to mark my sin. I didn't get too far.
One day we had a party. She cried when she was glad.
She cried when she was happy too and cried when she was sad.

Once she claimed I was in sin. I asked her what she meant,
So she opened up her Bible and read a whole event.
I had so many questions that she took me by the hand,
She had so many answers that I couldn’t understand.

She said God loved so deeply and - death held the only key,
So back behind the bloodstains Jesus had to die for me.
Maybe sin is so disgusting that - love has to be unfair,
And maybe that's why grandma cried - when she knelt down in prayer.

When I got hurt, she kissed it well. She was the "best-est" nurse,
Then she said, "Be careful" quoting yet another verse.
She often looked so busy. She sometimes looked quite weak;
But when I left, she always had the time to kiss my cheek.

I miss my grandma very much. She died some time ago.
But when she spoke of Jesus, her face was all aglow.
When I close my eyes I see - that same familiar face,
Reminding me of Jesus and God's everlasting grace.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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number of comments: 2 | rating: 6 | detail

louis gander

louis gander, 16 december 2012

I'll Not Forget

My little Angel sat in school
to learn her A B C's -
yet no one knows the 'half of it'
to put my mind at ease...

There's something in the way I talk
that seems so different now -
that weighs me down here on my knees
and makes me take this vow:

I'll not forget those days we spent
together - you and me.
I'll not forget our memories
and they will always be.

I'll not forget your sunshine smile,
the freckles on your skin.
I'll not forget your flood of love
that flowed from deep within.

I'll not forget our little games
we played - like 'hide and seek'.
I'll not forget your kisses from
your lips upon my cheek.

I'll not forget those little tears -
those times I saw you weep -
then mixed with mine, ran down my cheek
before you fell asleep.

I'll not forget your final hug
was very, very tight.
I'll not forget your final wave
was such a lovely sight.

I'll not forget your first small step
or your first day at school.
I'll not forget God's wonderment -
my precious little jewel.

I'll not forget your favorite clothes,
or favorite ice cream choice.
I'll not forget your little ears
that heard your teacher's voice.

My little Angel sat in school
to learn her A B C's -
It's God who knows 'the all of it'
that puts my mind at ease...

In memory of the 20 children
and 6 adults killed at Newtown, CT

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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number of comments: 3 | rating: 6 | detail


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