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	louis gander
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louis gander, 27 january 2013

A Rainbow Life

No matter how the breezes blow,
just seek the promise, God's rainbow.
For Noah's faith was always pure,
never failing - always sure.

A rainbow I can see, not touch -
though it doesn't matter much.
God holds it fast, as He holds me.
Bright colors of His rainbow see.

So close, God's armor I will wear.
This world can't fill me with despair.
The storm clouds of the world seize
when touched, I am, with Spirit's breeze.

I state I'm not a 'doubting Thomas' -
but standing fast in Jesus' promise.
He parts the dark clouds of man's sin,
and brings full light of life within.

Before God's spectrum kisses ground,
I know His promise will be found.
I gaze - awed at His universe,
singing praise - each word and verse.

If joy is violet and indigo,
patience pink and peace yellow,
if kindness orange and goodness gold,
then all good fruit of His I'll hold.

If grace is blue and love is white,
and prayer is green and God is light,
the world's sin won't overwhelm,
for I'm in Him - another realm.

If life's a footrace, death blood red,
then God is rainbows of color ahead.
If we're resurrected from sin and strife -
then we have one great "Rainbow Life".

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

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number of comments: 3 | rating: 5 | detail

louis gander, 21 december 2012

Tears No Longer

Behind the doors of many homes,
no matter where you go -
a multitude of people weep.
Their tears forever flow...

I sat behind my mommy in
the back seat of our car.
My daddy did the driving, but
we didn't get too far.

My mom and I were talking,
and we were smiling wide,
but someone ran the traffic light
and hit us hard broad-side.

The truck came out of nowhere -
the driver, DUI.
And buckled in her seat belt, mom
had watched my daddy die.

I woke up in a hospital -
in pain for several days.
Our fragile world turned up-side-down
in many, many ways...

"Jesus, heal my broken heart.
I feel emotion's tug,
whenever mommy holds me tight
and gives me daddy's hug.
Embraced below Your sunsets
through visions of the wreck -
I know my mom is crying too.
Her tears run down my neck.

"She says we'll be in Heaven there.
It is her only prayer.
Daddy, mother, also I -
are in Your precious care.
Though she forgives the driver -
forget? She never will.
And though the years are passing by,
our tears are flowing still.

"But please forgive me Jesus -
I can't get on my knees.
Fun and laughter, drugs and beer
is all the world sees.
Is several years of crying worth
some stranger's day of fun?
'They know not what they do' You said.
Our tears forever run.

"You hear all my petitions
My deepest thoughts I share.
Your great omniscient presence
surrounds my wheel chair.
And I am not discouraged.
Through faith in You, I know -
in Heaven, we'll be together -
where tears no longer flow."

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

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louis gander, 17 january 2013

A Moment To Smile

(A true story from southern Wisconsin - 2006 or 7)

Deep into the woods in my truck I seemed lost.
The brisk, chilly breeze was still holding the frost.
Because it was dried up and totally dead,
I decided to cut down this big tree instead.

The ants had been busy all over that tree,
before my big chain saw had made them all flee.
The noise and vibration and all the turmoil,
(had it happened to me, would have made my blood boil).

But they simply scattered if off to the races,
to other safe havens - to other safe places.
My muscles all ached from my head to my feet,
but I felt so content - with my job now complete.

It seemed that my actions were merely a bump,
to ants now so busy inside that tree stump
I wondered which one, if any, had won -
the ants or myself as I thought my job done.

As I sat on the gate of my rusty old truck,
loaded down heavy with logs - was now stuck -
and realized then that it's sometimes worthwhile,
to sit back a moment, a moment to smile.

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

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number of comments: 3 | rating: 5 | detail

louis gander, 29 november 2011

SPEED!

The hare runs very swiftly,
for ten years he can go -
but patient, walks the turtle for
a hundred years or so...

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Rounding curves, squealing with a
couple hundred horses -
stretched out over lawful edge,
anticipating forces.

Sporty style and glossy paint -
surpassing every class -
clean and polished, buffed and waxed,
with tinted window glass.

Transmissions humming through the gears,
bring screeching to the tires -
and then the booming drowns the streets -
huge speakers strung with wires.

Flying off at green lights hue,
with pedals under lead -
wasting gas, polluting air,
to break at every red...

The pedals crush the metal flat
with heavy laden feet -
yet idle through the drive ups then,
for food that's good to eat.

Running full in circles wide,
while rushing far and near -
important is the coffee cup,
some cigarettes or beer.

Another day, another laugh,
for fun is not a crime!
Let's get the guys together 'cause -
it's almost party time!

Then sharp, the sirens pierce the night,
and everything goes wrong...
A child wandered in the street.
The doctors take too long.

So many people crying,
so many people sad -
so many people blaming God,
so many people mad.

This poem's not about a car,
a cycle, or a van -
but oh, about the drivers there,
the much impatient man...

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Now God created turtles,
and God created hares -
but then created patient man,
if patient are his prayers.

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

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PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY - ALWAYS!

number of comments: 0 | rating: 5 | detail

louis gander, 17 february 2013

Secret Admirer

(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 flower 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 there behind raised arm, 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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number of comments: 3 | rating: 5 | detail

louis gander, 28 february 2013

All To You

Oh, just as winds will carry on -
for years and centuries,
mere words cannot describe my love.
They pass with every breeze.

The winds still make it futile
as words pass by above –
but if I could grab hold of one,
I’d grab the word called ‘love’.

Words may describe a landscape -
some animals or birds,
but never is your picture worth
a mere one thousand words.

Oh, it would take a million words,
and then a billion more -
but have you time to listen as
I stand here at your door?

For every time your doorbell rings,
you yell, “Please stay away!”
but I have yet to even knock.
I’ve found no words to say...

Your doorbell keeps on ringing though
by yet another guy -
who runs on off to other doors -
and other doorbells try.

It seems I've stood forever –
but I will never quit -
in hopes that privately your door
will open up a bit.

Mere words don't mean so very much.
Our love was meant to be -
so I’ll keep standing at your door,
until you notice me.

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And then, by chance, your door should crack
and open up a bit -
I'd show you to your porch swing and
encourage you to sit.

Should sound not find my wordless lips
I'd take my nervous arm -
and put it 'round your shoulders with
a meek romantic charm.

Mere thoughts would run throughout my head -
for possibly a mile -
but then I'd hold your hand a bit -
as we sat there awhile.

My passion and my energy
could not hold back the bliss -
so then I'd lean right over and
I'd give your cheek a kiss.

I'd hold you close there in my arms
emotions on the move -
and there I'd stay committed as
my fervent love would prove.

The sun would set, but there we'd sit
in one prolonged embrace -
as words would still be meaningless
when I look in your face.

Oh, guys would still come knockin' -
recite their newest line -
but love cannot be broken now -
as you're forever mine.

And girls, also, just like words,
lack all their meaning too.
For I have packaged all my love -
and give it all to you.

~gander Copyright 2013

number of comments: 5 | rating: 5 | detail

louis gander, 19 december 2012

Love To Love

It started out as others, when I got dressed today -
ate breakfast with my fam'ly, for that was just our way.
You dropped me off at school. Your love shone in your eyes.
We hugged and kissed each other. We said our last "Goodbye's".
As I stepped to the entrance, I turned around once more -
and waved to you one final time - then stepped on through the door.

I saw some other teachers. They do what teachers do.
They all had smiled, said "hi" to me - and I said "hi" back too.
I soon got to my classroom. Some other friends were there.
I chatted with my classmates some and then sat in my chair.
Obey the teachers, I was taught. I followed every rule -
but no one knew that this would be, our final day at school.

Life usually, will glide along - and all goes fairly well -
but those are times we soon forget how close we are to hell.
We soon forget that God is love and hates our every sin -
but selfish man gets what he wants as he is dead within.
Not even one short moment here, should ever pass us by -
where Jesus holds our inner thoughts and we don't question why.

Though God hates sin - do we as much? For what man wishes, weaves -
his 'wants' to be accepted - until himself deceives.
From smoking, drugs and alcohol or any selfish thing -
there's someone who will pay the price for what these habits bring.
Why is it there are people who will only love to hate.
I pray that others will be saved - before it is too late.

Oh, why do we love other 'gods' including 'killing games'?
Why do we swear, show disrespect, call God [our Father] names?
Why don't we often worship - honor father, mother?
Why are we never faithful - steal, lie and murder?
Why are we very jealous, envious and covet?
Why not confess, repent? Oh, why will we not do it?

I heard that last announcement. Today, pure evil flowed.
Now I'm okay. I'm in HIS arms, because HE loves me so.
I know it's hard to hold back tears from feeling deeply blue -
but I so love you mommy still - and Jesus says so too.
I'm so amazed to see this place you couldn't even dream of -
a place of immense beauty - where here, we love to love.

In memory of the 20 school children and 6 staff/teachers at Sandy Hook School, Newtown, CT

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

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number of comments: 1 | rating: 4 | detail

louis gander, 11 march 2013

Show The Lord (an Easter Poem)

Now everyone was nervous here and not a thing made sense.
The Judge had entered quietly. The room was very tense.
"Let's only hear the gospel truth and accusations quench!
This court is now in session!" said 'His Honor' from the bench.

The 'Whip' was not at all deterred and spoke up suddenly,
"Alive, He was, when I was done - untied and then set free!
But I had noticed something else when He had left my place.
I saw Him with the rugged 'Cross'. Now that's your real case!"

The 'Cross' responded bluntly and without an ounce of tact,
"It wasn't me, Your Honor sir, and that is just a fact!
I didn't do a single thing and really, I did care.
I merely was the backdrop for the 'Nails' had held Him there!"

The 'Nails', three, were hence accused but chimed in unison,
"It wasn't us who had Him killed (God's one and only Son).
When all the three of us looked up, the truth had come to light -
that wicked "Crown' had pierced His scalp and made a gruesome sight!"

Then hushed, the crowd, who set their eyes on such a cruel 'Crown' -
but it had sought the mercy of the Judge with sorry frown.
And then it weaved so carefully a short and subtle lie,
"It wasn't I who killed Him sir, the 'Whip' caused Him to die!"

And so it was that blame was passed around, around again -
so tell me, "What had killed Him then - just plain and simple sin?"
Yes, then that Judge, with piercing eye, had raised his brow at me,
and said, "You are the guilty one! I sentence you to be..."

But then that very instant, a gentle voice was heard.
His voice had calmed the courthouse down - and every heart was stirred.
"Release those who've repented and were faithful through and through.
For I have paid the highest price and saved their souls too."

The Judge slammed down His gavel hard - and said, "I will it so!"
And that is where this story ends. Are you prepared to go?
Don't be the Whip, Cross, Nails or Thorns- who passed their guilt along -
who tried to blame somebody else and claimed they did no wrong.

The heart you have you made yourself. You're humble or you're proud -
so if acceptance you must have, you're lost just like the crowd.
How long has pride now stole your soul? Days, weeks or months, or years?
Don't pass the blame to someone else, but show the Lord some tears...

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

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number of comments: 2 | rating: 4 | detail

louis gander, 19 march 2013

How Little Love

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Another child molested,
while we live unaware.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Abused and battered mothers -
but leave - they wouldn't dare.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
A mother and her daughter -
now homeless, in despair.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
They've no place with little food
and nothing much to wear.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Then a fellow takes them in -
another plight they share.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Tell yourself that they're okay -
it's not so bad out there.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Go about your business and
convince yourself it's rare.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Faithful always, our routine
with comfort in the air.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
It doesn't really matter.
It's happening elsewhere.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
We'd rather do the talking
from our most favorite chair.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Pray a few more minutes and
convince your God you care.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Tell God about your troubles -
then see if He's unfair.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
'Common folk' to billionaire,
how little love we share.

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

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Matthew 25 (NASB)
42 '...for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat;
I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;
43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in;
naked, and you did not clothe Me;
sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.'

number of comments: 2 | rating: 4 | detail

louis gander, 23 february 2013

Final Walk (Easter)

Now forty lashes - minus one
The torture, anguish has begun.
Thirty-nine lashes, horrid pain,
I can't endure - but won't complain.

A crown of thorn cuts in so deep,
Energy gone, I've got to sleep.
But on my back, a timber placed -
it weighs a ton, blood/sweat I taste.

I feel the cross beside my face.
I cannot walk a faster pace.
Skin open rips - each time I slip,
so tighter, I must keep my grip.

Each step I take is harder still
when trudging up this cruel hill.
The slivers pierce me as I trod,
both big and small - please help me God.

Please give me strength - for Heaven's sake
for every muscle in me aches.
With that huge cross along my back,
my knees give out. My legs go slack.

Exhausted, I can hardly crawl
and then I drop it as I fall.
My shoulder hurts, the pain intense -
then they all stare in awed suspense.

I can't hold it any more
yet I know next, what is in store.
My lungs hurt so, I've lost my breath -
but give me strength before my death.

At the top, I finally rest -
but now this cross, my final test.
I love you all - am faithful still,
right here on top of Calvary's hill.

Yet all the pain endured thus far
cannot erase the sins that are.
Sacrifice, death - wages of sin -
now demand pain on the cross begin.

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

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