Contentment's Glove 7-18-06

We thirst for it. We grab for it - contentment's out of reach.
We think of it. We dream of it - that perfect sweetest peach.
Some beg for it. Some steal for it. Sin grows a longer vine.
Some fight for it. Some die for it and tangled they entwine.

Growing anger, hate and madness continues on to seed;
And then with pride so many die, in wars through hate and greed.
I, too, once packed, and walked away. I took my tiny tent;
As a lady, so deep depressed, I just was not content.

I saw this girl. She hugged a glove. She wore it on one hand;
She seemed to be enjoying it. I couldn't comprehend.
From where I stood, She looked a mess, with mud caked on her face;
She smiled big from ear to ear. How'd I come by this place?

I raised my nose and pursed my lips, ignored her every call.
But then she ran - caught up to me, and stopped along a wall.
To be polite, I said to her, "Your glove had caught my eye."
She tugged at me, then said with glee, "Please tell my dolly 'hi'."

And then my thoughts turned negative, as she grinned ear to ear;
She's so happy. I'm so depressed. Does this girl not know fear?
So then I said, "If that was mine, I wouldn't be so proud.
I'd hide it good - or throw it out - not show it to a crowd."

"Why, she's my friend, my 'pretend' doll. I like to keep her near.
And if you want, I'll share with you, go on and hold her - here."
She held it out in trusting love. I knew not what to say;

Then I found out she had her trials, and seen her parents death;
She lived alone without a home, and that had seized my breath.
She clung to me - gave me a hug, it had to be pure love;
Was all she had, and then again, held out that special glove.

Then my focus fell off of me, I’d surely lost my case;
In tailored clothes with makeup on, I lost my perfect face.
I have so much - her so little, she hugged me as I tried;
To hold the flood of many tears, but I broke down and cried.

I spent the day with my new friend, contented as a pearl;
And as we walked, She gave her 'doll' to yet another girl.
There is nothing, more special than, to be a real glove;
Once I had less than this small child - of pure, unselfish love.

Greed and envy, hate and anger, will see no Nation through;
It's who you are and what you do - results are up to you.
You have to be that unique doll, that special one to love;
A tailored suit cannot replace, or be contentment's glove.

©2006 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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There Comes A Time... 7-8-06

There comes a time in all men's lives,

-When he questions all he's done.

Should he continue on his course -

Or finally say, "Well done"?

There comes a time his children leave,

They seem to be so busy.

Should we wait for them to call?

Or call them? It makes us dizzy.

My wife and I became a pair,

So many years ago;

But things became so different as,

I watched her knit and sew....

Now faster time accelerates.

I buried half of me.

I sit alone in disbelief -

so lonely I will be.

And now my time will surely come,

It's sooner than I think.

There'll come a time in your life too,

Be watchful - do not blink.

I'm torn in two as tears begin

to wet my wrinkled face....

At least I know we'll be, one day,

together in one place....

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Our Treasure Cove 7-7-06

I am human. My God divine-
but yet I cling to what's not mine.
I hold on tight and won't let go,
but finally give a mite or so...

I drove one day. I drove and drove-
away from my dear treasure cove.
I saw His beauty was so free,
but there was not one speck in me.

I tried to run far from the truth,
and tried to buy back all my youth;
but then God spoke so brutally,
and crushed my heart that I might see.

I was no cup with just some cracks,
but crushed to dust. It's just the facts.
He paid just once - but paid it all,
so why not me? I heard His call.

We are human, God divine,
you might have yours, but God has mine.
My treasure cove is very bare.
God owns it all. It's only fair.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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What About Me? 6-30-06

.

What about me? Who will atone?

What can be done? I am alone.

Life's so unfair. How can this be?

Oh, what did my God do for me?

God made some to be a king,

And to a crown we often cling,

They give their law through their decree.

But what did my God do for me?

God made some to be so rich,

Some born into - without a hitch;

Wealth and power in large degree -

But what did my God do for me?

God created everything,

On earth - gave life and made it sing;

He sent His Son for us to see -

But what did my God do for me?

Yes, God came - a virgin birth,

A miracle - right here on earth!

And He holds, the only key -

Is this what God has done for me?

Jesus threw demons into swine,

And turned some water into wine.

He raised Lazarus perfectly -

But what did Jesus do for me?

Jesus slept upon a boat,

But His disciples stayed afloat -

Despite huge waves upon that sea -

But what did Jesus do for me?

As Jesus traveled on the road,

His miracles of healing showed.

He cured the blind so they could see -

But what did Jesus do for me?

Barren, worthless, not one fruit,

A fig tree stood which had no root.

Jesus spoke - withered the tree -

Is that what I have done to me?

Oh, His mercy and His grace,

He loved the world - all - every race.

Through faith in Him, He set me free!

Yes, that's what Jesus did for me.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

www.ganderpoems.org

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The Terrorizer 6-5-06

It's smaller than a meteor and hasn't that much girth -
yet stronger than the largest bomb and could destroy the Earth.

It can be smooth as velvet and sometimes it can run -
or cooler than a summer breeze or hotter than the sun.

It's smaller than an average gun but started many wars.
Oh, but its so lazy too, escaping many chores.

It started every argument that those around can hear.
It's something most will never lose and always very near.

Receiving orders from the brain, air flowing from the lung -
but if you don't quite get it yet, just bite your wicked tongue! 

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Psalm 10:7 (NASB) “His mouth is full of curses and deceit and oppression; Under his tongue is mischief and wickedness.”

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It's all up to Him 5-30-06

.
In all I had eyed, and all I had tried –
and all I had done;
in following herds, relying on words –
I couldn't have won.

For I was fleeing, with all my being –
but I was jailed.
All words I had said - were empty instead –
as He was nailed.

He gave it all up, His one only cup –
He surrendered all.
Then came the rejoice - In His still, small voice,
as I heard His call.

From way up above, in all of His Love,
free grace was given;
and now for my prize, through faith I can rise,
as He had risen.

He faithfully feeds, my wants and my needs,
indeed, everything;
to Him I now call, for He is my all,
and to Him I cling.

When burdens break in, I'll put on a grin –
and I'll sing a hymn!
I know not quite how... but He has them now.
It's all up to Him.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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The Master's Key 5-18-06

Have you ever lost a key and couldn't find it anywhere?
Or ever had that special one and held it in your care?

Some are bright and shiny working fancy doors in town.
But it doesn't matter how they look as long as they are found.

Some keys will open just one door but some can open many.
Others open big, old doors, but some won't work on any.

Some we use most every day. Some stay on the wall.
Every key will have its task - but only one can open all.

Who holds the key to earth and space and hangs it all in perfect place?
Who sends it off in balanced pace and began the human race?

Who controls the wind and sea, the largest beast, the smallest flea?
Who grants to us our humble plea - through answered prayer - who could it be?

What's in your heart, you will hold dear - whether cars or sports or rancid beer;
Some special times might bring a tear, but if God's there He'll hold you near.

So if your heart is way too small - with no room for even two;
Then it's time for thorough cleaning because your heart is full of you.

Evil lurks in all dark shadows – behind doors falling apart.
There are so many keys in life – but only One can heal your heart.

It doesn't matter who, what - when, why, or how.
The Master's Key will fit and fix the mess you're in right now.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Truest Love 5-17-06

The morning breaks, a cry is heard;

My mother cries in anguish word.

I take a breath and wiggle some.

I have a life and want some fun.

The presents came that afternoon;

I even got a silver spoon.

In younger years, I got my way;

And even taught my dog to 'stay'.

And through my youth, I looked at me;

Where I'd go and what I'd be.

I grew up knowing everything;

-From subs and jets, and all between.

Then it hit - one autumn day;

I saw a farmer bailing hay.

Life was just an ugly chore;

-From getting more and more and more.

The sun now setting in the west;

I know I failed my life's big test.

But just before the sun went down;

I looked around my little town.

I pushed it all away from me;

And for the first time felt so free!

When my day is past, I'll see the moon;

So take it now, your silver spoon.

You do with it - what ‘ere you will;

But as for me, I've had my fill.

There's more to life - just look above;

And get to know the Truest Love.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Very Good Person 5-17-06

.

I should say you're a very good person,

Your countenance proves you are real;

But under that mask of a smile,

I'm really not sure you can feel.

I should say you're a very good person,

For you give to the sick and the poor;

Though you think of yourself very highly,

I'm sure without debt you'd give more.

I should say you're a very good person,

Your love and compassion are vast;

You are your most favorite of persons,

While you put all the rest of us last.

I should say you're a very good person,

On Sundays I see you in church;

If I don't really think that you're perfect,

I'll continue more years of research.

I should say you're a very good person,

Your intelligence makes you a whiz;

So I won't tell you all about Jesus,

Because you know all that there is.

I should say you're a very good person,

There's nothing that you can do wrong;

And if I could read all about you,

I know that the book would be long.

I should say you're a very good person,

But it'd probably all go to your head;

So I'll just say good bye for the moment,

But think "and good riddance" instead.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/ 

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Separation of church and state 5-15-06

There IS separation of church and state,

And you'll never hear me recriminate.

Never before have I heard such a jeer,

And heard it so often - year after year.

Change every rule, and rule every change.

Then change every fool so that they become strange.

Scream bloody murder, and see if I care,

Then sue everyone, with all the hot air.

For only One Truth - can be absolute,

And everything else falls pointlessly mute.

You can have the vast killing galore,

-By pulling our God from each school door.

For if you make legal, murder and lies,

We’ll all be innocent - in even your eyes.

So open you may, your Pandora’s box,

But beware when it comes to your door and knocks.

Have you not read the 10 Commandments?

Or even know what it all represents?

It's not from a sect, a synagogue, or church,

So get with it now and do your research.

God never says to lust, murder, or steal,

But to love everyone and help them to heal.

Keep separate the church - for there's no debate,

But you can't separate our God from our state.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Only One Journey 5-14-06

I walked through the valley of the shadow of death.

I turned each direction. The sight took my breath.

The way through that valley was ever so wide,

and sin was so rampant that many had died.

Lust, lies and deception, like grains of the sand,

the bodies and souls - they covered the land.

Stepped over, I did - strewn here and there,

for they were all lost, in death, unaware.

It seemed so atrocious. I felt so inept -

but I journeyed along as I carefully stepped.

So many had fallen far short of their goals,

and the valley was covered with forgotten souls.

Now so many limbs and bodies were crossed,

that each proved our sin has a very high cost.

In every direction, I trembled in fear,

yet some tracks pressed on, so vividly clear.

So many had prospered, so many were great,

but they had all worked to a merciless fate.

I stepped over more - the young and the old.

Each day some would fall and then would turn cold.

It seemed, was no end - as a fight in a sewer -

then noticed the footprints, were fewer and fewer.

I pressed on ahead through trials and all,

I fought the good fight and then heard His last call.

The footprints had dwindled to just a small few.

Then leaving the valley, there were only two.

Now one set of footprints went straight on ahead,

while the other one stopped, and turned back instead.

But through the dim darkness, a light I could see.

It fell as a halo - then covered me...

My armor still glimmered as if still brand new,

despite all the work that He asked me to do.

There up from the valley and over the crest,

I saw that old cross and knew I was blessed.

Some friends greeted me. There were but a few.

Then I laid down my cross, as they had done too.

We're living here now, above valley and loss -

for we wore our armor and looked to the cross.

It's easy to know now, how we gathered here,

despite those one set of footprints, it's clear.

When He is in us, we are more than a sparrow -

we walk in His sandals, the straight and the narrow.

You have but one journey. He guides your steps now.

He'll show you the way and - He will show you how.

He knows that the valley of death will bring pain.

It'll run you in circles and drive you insane.

But wear your whole armor. Endure to the end -

for He is your Savior, Defender and Friend.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

The TRUTH 4-13-06

What's a simple, solid truth?

Is it something not so real,

because it doesn't fit our wishes -

just isn't how we feel?

If it's something in the past,

not necessarily cast in stone -

then we all can make it live

and say Columbus came alone...

If it's only what we want

and the truth is but a quiz -

then wars will be increasing

as we lack what truly is....

Truth eludes the greatest men

to them that know their goal -

if it isn't what they wanted,

they will take another poll.

And if, indeed, truth changes -

then black is same as whites;

and we'd toss and turn for hours

with shallow, sleepless nights.

"Two wrongs don't make a right"

it was said so long ago.

And truth will hurt a whole lot more

when we say it isn't so.

The truth is very special.

It's not for us to claim -

so don't strut around parading

letting others take the blame.

The truth is very simple

but we must be on guard -

and as much as we can want it,

thirty inches makes no yard.

The truth is all but buried

in this world of selfish woe -

so is money our new friend

as our friends become our foe?

Now let me summarize this all.

The truth shall never die.

Its there to be discovered

and will surface by and by.

To be honest with ourselves,

the whole world must confess -

truth is truth and that is all,

nothing more and nothing less.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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Voices from God 3-25-06

It was a quiet Sunday morning, I was not the least bit lost;

But I heard some children singing, that had warmed the morning frost.

I was just around the corner, just behind some oak and birch,

When I heard those children sing out from that little country Church.

It stood between the grocers, and a little barbershop;

As its steeple rose above it all, ascending there on top.

Its cross was seen for miles, from around the countryside,

And the evidence of its power was witnessed there inside.

All the children's voices rang - with sincere, persistent calls,

As they carried through the valley - from behind those painted walls,

As I came a little closer, I could see above the dew,

Some pedestrians had stopped, as they listened to them too.

I had thought that I was busy. My schedule was quite full;

But I didn't dare to walk on by, as I sensed a tender pull.

I heard the soft, sweet whisper when the bells began to ring.

Right there inside those cedar doors, I found the Lord, my King.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Move Your Mountain 3-13-06

The youth seem to covet the future,

old women reside in the past;

the rest of us, merely foolish,

-for running through life so fast.

If our heart is into tomorrow,

or mind is stuck in a braid;

the page that is holding today,

is blank or surely will fade.

Youth hurriedly flips all the pages,

her mother stores volumes of books...

It's no wonder we wind up so empty,

-with tired and sorry old looks.

The chapter of greed we must close,

so surrender, it can't win the fight;

we're to write on God's great creation,

as a stream reflecting His light.

The big world is round for a reason,

we know that there isn't an end...

The Heavens do not have a ceiling,

and there's nothing on earth to defend.

So carry your burdensome mountain,

a little bit farther, I'd say;

for you will not move tomorrow,

-the little you've moved it today.

Yet within a small, tiny seed,

in potential to greatly outweigh;

and if planted deep down inside us,

faith will lighten the way.

Tomorrow is just for your planning,

as yesterday's over and gone...

so write as a stream very faithful;

-beginning in prayers before dawn.

Today’s page was given to you.

Don't simply write down your dream;

but rather through reams of endless faith,

move your mountain with your stream.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 17:20 And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed,

you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

TRUTH 2-16-06

What is truth, what is a lie?

Well truth is one, but lies pile high.

They pile up without a base,

and topple o'er without a trace.

Truth is full, and all complete -

not part or half; but both halves meet.

And we must live by truth alone -

the perfect pitch, the perfect tone.

Myths and lies are never rare,

we find them here and everywhere.

Don't be deceived or be naive,

when truth is tied, twisted, weaved,

Some eat them up, a million words -

scream opinions, strut like birds.

Tragedies come, when kids are taught,

and get ideas, from slanted thought.

Lies will die, like wilted wheat;

and truth is fact, not obsolete.

When to the sky the weeds can reach,

be careful now just what you teach.

Amendment one, allows free speech,

responsibility though, we must not breech.

And only teach - our thirsty youth,

perfect, simple, unbridled truth.

History's fact. It doesn't live.

It doesn't take. It doesn't give.

And it proclaims to everyone -

that it's over - done, done, done.

All truth is built on nothing less,

than fact alone - It's not a guess.

It stands alone - a priceless vase,

without a flaw - to rest its case.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Perfect Man 2-16-06

Joe is perfect.

He wakes up just before the alarm goes off.

He shaves with the perfect razor,

brushes his teeth with the perfect toothpaste, flosses,

takes a shower, combs his hair and holds it with perfect hair spray.

He puts on his perfect suit, his perfect tie, and his perfect shoes.

After his perfect breakfast,

he pats his perfect kids on their heads

and kisses his perfect wife goodbye.

He gets in his perfect car

and backs out his perfect driveway

past his perfectly groomed lawn.

He gets to his perfect job

and performs his work perfectly.

No.

Did you really believe that? Nothing is perfect - despite the appearance.

If you really knew Joe,

you'd find many imperfect circumstances in his life.

And, you'd observe that he isn't perfect either.

Not in the least -

especially on the inside.

And just like Joe, another man woke up -

but with confused friends.

He didn't use perfect toothpaste or perfect hair spray.

He had no suit - much less a perfect one.

He had no perfect wife or kids.

He had no perfect vehicle.

He had no perfect home.

His work didn't pay much.

He didn't have perfect friends.

He did have some perfect enemies, though.

In fact, one day, He was beaten with a whip.

Later that day He died.

He was hung from an imperfect tree

with imperfect nails

and an imperfect crown -

not at all fitting for a perfect Man.

Why?

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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White Is White 2-16-06

When I was just a little child
so very long ago,
My grandpa called me over close.
He often told me "No!"

But this time it was diff'rent as
he held my little hand,
He just said "wrong is black",
one day I'd understand.

So now that I am old and wise,
I know just what he meant;
That truth is never black or gray,
that truth is never bent.

Truth is nothing more or less
than what is in God's plan.
And doesn't add a single breath
to lives of mortal man.

And sometimes it seems difficult
to do what's always right;
When everyone is hurried and
so blinded by the night.

But when the soft sweet whisper comes
from Father up above,
We'd better heed the warning from
the Man who’s full of love.

If living, we, just one "white" lie,
our lives are black as coal,
so better make things right before
they drop us in the hole.

For lies are nothing more than sin's
black darkness in the night,
but sunshine kills the darkness and
regains our Christian sight.

Black is black and white is white.
There is no in-between.
And as it was with grandpa there,
it won't go sight-unseen.

It's God alone, who knows what’s best.
His plan we must obey.
So follow in His footsteps. Do
what's white, not black or gray.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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What If? 2-16-06

What if, by chance, the sun didn't rise,

the moon didn't shine, one dozen was nine?

What if, by chance, streams didn't flow,

the wind didn't blow, and we didn't grow?

What if, by chance, birds didn't fly,

fish didn't fry, and we didn't cry?

What if, by chance, we couldn't see,

we couldn't agree, and we weren't free?

What if, by chance, a few were a lot,

ice was too hot, but fire was not?

What if, by chance, a dollar's a dime,

colors were time, and lies were sublime?

What if, by chance, the horizon was near,

a day was a year, and front was the rear?

What if, by chance, kindness was crime,

soapsuds were grime, and talking was mime?

Then that, for sure would be day in the night,

and wrong in the right, and peace in a fight.

Yes, we do have a right to our opinion -

but truth will always prove if it's right.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Greater 2-12-06

Just look at me now. If you want, you can stare.

And tell the whole world. But I really don't care.

Wrinkle your eyebrows and look down your nose,

And practice that jeer as you straighten your clothes.

We all know by now - it's a very, old song;

That you're always right - and I'm always wrong,

While the speck in my eye is driving me crazy,

The log in your eye has become downright lazy.

I know I'm not perfect - for only One is,

But it doesn't matter. I know that I'm His.

There's only one difference between you and me -

For you're still in prison, and I was set free!

You can yell, you can scream, you can beat me to death,

But I'll keep on saying until my very last breath;

"Don't look at me - then judge my Creator,

For I am the lesser and He is the Greater."

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Who Is This Man Really? 1-31-06

.
Long ago, I met someone
who bent my eager ears.
He displayed the widest smile
and held me captive many years.

His words seemed very humble,
a pleasant, healing sound,
so he was followed closely by
this unsuspecting hound.

He wore the newest clothes
and stories he could tell!
He seemed to be familiar and
I thought I knew him well.

I did see all his actions
and followed in his thought.
I sometimes noticed dancing
in all his wayward talk.

So as he seemed to sparkle,
brighter than his youth,
I finally asked the question,
"Was he a lie or was he truth?"

The man I met was not so good -
although at times was fun,
but he surely wasn't really me
I hid the real one...

Was I just an empty suit,
a giant human fake?
If that were true, I'd have to be
the greatest grand mistake.

As it is with all of us -
throughout the human race,
the man we must address some day
resides behind our face.

You might think insignificant -
and maybe somewhat odd -
but one day soon the real you -
will step before our God.

For only truth will win for sure
when all is said and done,
a casket will not close on two -
but on the real one.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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