That Empty Rocker 12-27-08

Pull up that empty rocker - and spill your problems Dear.
I may have no solutions but my memory is clear.

No one can steal the memories - the memories I know -
of pine trees holding branches up - though drooping under snow.

There's only good in cold lakes if we're the frozen duck -
and that's how we find blessings - when we are down in luck.

No. Nothing's ever perfect - and we're not always glad,
unless we see the blessings - in both the good and bad.

We slide down every hillside - with chilly hands and toes -
but sunshine on our faces - should be how sledding goes.

I was told to "stick it out". It is what I was taught.
Yes, he and I were loving - despite what others thought.

Oh, often there were trying times - priorities to sort -
and working close together, our tempers could run short.

It took some perseverance when I was "up to bat",
but giving up comes easy - and many do just that.

Unlike many moms and dads, we always stuck together,
but Christmas time was special in any kind of "weather".

My gifts were quite abundant under every Christmas tree -
but what I lacked in substance I could hold in memory.

He wasn't always thoughtful, at Christmas year to year -
but he was my tremendous gift, as he was always here.

I know your troubled marriage. I sense it's no more fun -
but notice all my gifts are here - all my gifts but one.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Family Christmas 12-17-08

Aside from better and the worse,
aside from workers so perverse,
aside from friends who are diverse,
time with those I most converse,
is family.

Aside from jokes on my behalf,
aside from every quip or gaffe,
aside from the whole office staff,
time with those I'd rather laugh,
is family.

Aside from worldly wisdom's trend,
aside from strangers I befriend,
aside from those I can depend,
time with those I'd rather spend,
is family.

Aside from all the lights I see,
aside from all the joy and glee,
aside from any Christmas tree,
the all important thing to me,
is family.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Christmas 12-16-08

.
Christmas is a time to care,
A time to love with gifts to share.
Lift your voice, sing carols out -
for that's what Christmas is about.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org

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Lights Of Christmas 12-16-08

.
With people running to and fro
Christmas time would come and go.
All in smiles, in sunshine grow -
but I, in blackness, could not glow.

Inside living differently,
sorting through my mess -
yet nothing changed inside of me
Confused I lived in darkness.

Christmas days - I'd learn to cope,
I'd live through each quite aimless.
But this time though - a speck of hope,
pierced right through my darkness.

This Christmas night - a manger scene,
was lit under the blackness.
I saw it no more as routine -
as something pierced my darkness.

A simple manger in the night
that only God could bless.
And just that little speck of light
pierced right through my darkness.

That night a star - shone up above,
so bright the night could not suppress.
And that was when - a speck of love
pierced right through my darkness.

I saw that day - a baby boy,
Surrounded by all humbleness.
And then I knew - a speck of joy
pierced right through my darkness.

As I felt my sorrows cease,
and knelt there to confess,
was then I felt - a speck of peace
pierced right through my darkness.

I heard behind me snickering
I felt the chilly breeze.
but it was there I saw the light
while praying on my knees.

That blackness in me fell apart.
I knew there at that stable,
a light had pierced my buried heart.
I glow - for He is able.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org

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Humble Child 12-15-08

.
Dreams, a wish, a want and cloud,
I chased a rainbow all allowed....
I saw futility.

Career, work, a job and more,
opportunities, times, an open door....
I grasped futility!

I entered life I could not shut -
in filth and mud - then in a rut....
I wore futility!

I scaled the ladder - oh, so high -
the lights below I couldn't buy....
I lived futility!

In total darkness, there I was -
you asked me "why"? I said "because"....
In full futility!

Then humbled there, I saw a child,
as I looked down, He saw I smiled....
- and then He set me free.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org

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The Pain Of Sin 12-14-08

.
It has started every war.
Don't believe, and see what is in store.
It deceives. It’s rotten to the core.
Sin's killed millions – hundreds of millions -
and it will kill millions more.

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - to stop man's ugly riot?
Someone lies to everyone. Despite all efforts, you can't forget.
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, and break out in a sweat?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - when it is all but quiet?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - but no one hears a peep?
Someone wrongs you, no one hears - as pain hits bottoms' deep.
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, but have no tears to weep?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - and can't go back to sleep?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud? You've heard the same old song.
Someone hurts a lot of folk. You could see it all along....
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, though you have done no wrong?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - and knew you don't belong?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - and yelled, "I told you so!"
but it doesn't do a bit of good - as you hear their hot air blow?
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, because of "quid pro quo"?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night – and sometimes yell out "NO!"?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - but it's all inside your head?
Someone kills a lot of folk - and you can see them dead?
Have you had nightmares - where you're in pain? Could it be you instead?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - as you see it ahead....?

It has started every war.
Don't believe, and see what is in store.
It deceives. It’s rotten to the core.
Sin's killed millions – hundreds of millions -
and it will kill millions more.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org
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Where Is The Greater Love? 12-14-08

.
Where is the greater love?

when someone hugs another,
when a wee one hugs her mother,
when strangers hug each other?

Where is the greater love?

when a king respects his base,
when two enemies embrace,
when a smile grows on a face?

Where is the greater love?

in those who haven't any clue,
in those who cannot follow through,
in forgiving those who know not what they do?

Where is the greater love?

when truth is now uncovered,
when a babe is soon discovered,
when sacrifice is finally covered?

Where is the greater love?

when one forfeits his very gun,
when presents are for merely fun,
when God gave us His only Son?

Where is the greater love?

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org/

Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
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Shattered Glass 11-24-08

A gold fish swam inside the bowl.
It's tail fin made the water stir -
against the glass. It peered beyond
but it could swim no further.

I reached out too - but couldn't through.
That invisible glass prevented me -
but living in our little worlds
just isn't meant to be.

We have our eyes but what deceives?
For everything will come to pass -
this side of the present tense,
and out beyond the solid glass.

Sins law, like glass, invisible.
It's nothing but a deadly lie.
I reached but couldn't feel His touch.
It held between my God and I.

For I was deep in waters sin,
within there is no air.
There is no grace inside the law -
and faith cannot live there.

But then one night some time ago,
in quietness, the world heard -
a star shone bright above a babe.
Something big on earth occurred.

Reputed, He, our wisdom there.
His death on earth did pass,
but heard before that quiet night -
the shout that shattered glass....

Yes, "Abba, Father" shattered it.
Sin's law shattered everywhere -
forgotten, forgiven, gone.
Grace unlocked us from despair.

Hope washed us ever closer then.
Free from circling without breath,
free from sinful bondage where,
the wages of sin is death.

Some day we'll occupy our graves -
yet sin no longer holds us slaves.
The glass is broken. Make no waves -
just tell the world that Jesus saves!

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Armor's Yoke 11-22-08

.
(Ephesians 6)

I STAND FIRM in
the armor of God. (vs. 13)
and in gospel's PEACE
my feet are shod. (vs. 15)

I STAND FIRM -
will not transgress. (vs. 14)
Wearing my breastplate
of RIGHTEOUSNESS, (vs. 14)

From each crevasse
in the world, (vs. 16)
fly flaming arrows
at me - hurled. (vs. 16)

I'm not slack
and will not yield - (vs. 16)
but raise up high
my FAITH, my shield. (vs. 16)

And with the belt
of TRUTH I'm gird. (vs. 14)
I seize the sword
which is His WORD. (vs. 17)

Darkness, wickedness -
I'll not allow. (vs. 12)
SALVATION'S helmet,
I take now. (vs. 17)

If perseverance
stays alert, (vs. 18)
I'll Pray and fast,
and won't get hurt. (vs. 18)

When I believe
and do what's right,
His Yoke is easy,
His burden, light. (Matt. 11:30)

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org

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Wheelbarrow Christian 11-20-08

I pulled you hard from deep within,
from a trash heap dead in sin.
From your true and certain peril -
I lifted you - a wheelbarrow.

You long outlasted rusty peers
and persevered for many years.
Diligent, you worked all day -
never asked an ounce of pay.

Your tire worn - you didn't care.
At times you'd need a little air.
Your wooden sides were warped and bowed
but never once, refused a load.

Working streets or fields of clover
you, at times, would tip right over.
Though humbled there, one might expect,
you hadn't any disrespect.

So willing you, without excuse -
would faithful take all sins abuse.
Whether weeds or rocks contained,
you never, ever once complained.

And burdened down with dirt or stone,
you never once had worked alone -
for I was there - I pushed a bit,
because I knew you'd never quit.

I gave you every push and shove -
but did it all in Godly love.
Yes, you surpassed the near and far,
and you, my faithful servant are.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org//

2 Peter 1:4-8 (NASB)
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,

6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Think About It.... 11-19-08

.

There's a fork in the road.

I'm looking for a new career.

I choose one or the other,

Now where do I go from here?

There's a rock in my path.

I must make it clear.

I work hard to roll it off,

Now where do I go from here?

There's brush on the trail.

I really must persevere.

I work a lot to clear it,

Now where do I go from here?

Troubles are a way of life

and never disappear.

I've tried to fix all my troubles,

Now where do I go from here?

When I am on my deathbed,

and life is in the rear.

What do I look forward to,

And where do I go from here?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

 And as it is appointed unto men once to die,

but after this the judgment:

That Trampled Rose 11-18-08

I so remember long ago

a Fair had came to town.

People talked for many weeks

and came from miles around.

Now there were several contests.

Two roses were compared.

It seemed like only yesterday

the way the people stared....

A mass of people circled.

Around the roses, stood.

But sitting in my wheelchair,

I couldn't see too good.

One received the highest prize,

the other one was tossed -

as people cheered the winner and,

ignored the one that lost.

Now for the rose that lost its case,

the judge just cast aside.

It then was trampled under feet.

Its owner nearly cried.

The winning rose was held up high

for all the world to see.

The people crammed around it close,

and oh, they did agree.

For better look, the crowd in back

stood high on their tiptoes.

They shifted 'round for greater view,

and trampled on that rose.

Then finally, a little boy

'bout three for four years old,

picked that trampled flower up

and gave to me to hold.

It's stem was crushed quite thoroughly.

It wasn't very long -

now hardly recognizable

with most it's petals gone.

I wanted nothing of it -

to see the other rose!

But I sat in my wheelchair.

That's how this story goes.

The boy stood right beside me.

He thought he'd done me good.

He never said a single word -

he just misunderstood.

There on my lap it laid until

I got back to my room.

I tossed it in the trash can as -

it would not ever bloom.

But then a few days later,

the County Fair had passed;

when all excitement dwindled,

when people left at last...

I unburied that dead rose,

and pressed it in a book.

Now when I'm most discouraged,

I take another look.

Pressed deep within the pages

of Psalms One-hundred-three;

I often think of that small boy -

the love he showed to me.

The winning rose has long since passed

and gone, its worldly shine.

Though others long for other things,

that trampled rose is mine.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 103 (NASB)
Praise for the LORD'S Mercies.
A Psalm of David.
1"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name."

BEWARE 11-15-08

.
Walk the straight and narrow. (Matt. 7:14)
God protects the sparrow, (Matt. 10:31)
BEWARE! Don't tread on streets of dung.

A wise man is prudent. (Prov. 16:21)
The foolish - ignorant. (Psalm 73:22)
BEWARE of sin, the foolish young.

Do not betray the truth. (Mark 14:11)
better now a broken tooth. (Prov. 25:19)
BEWARE of promise - Judas hung.

Do not be deceived. (Jeremiah 9:5)
Can truth be retrieved? (Matt. 24:43)
BEWARE of sweetness when lies are sung.

Watch for the blitz (Mark 15:13)
from all hypocrites. (Matt. 22:18)
BEWARE - hot air from anyone's lung.

Whether from man, (Luke 2:1)
or the great satan; (Gen. 3:4)
BEWARE of the one with the silver tongue.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Genesis 3:4 (KJV)
"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:"

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UNWANTED 11-13-08

Why do some complain so much, when they've so much to gain;

and others weep so bitterly? I think they're all insane.

I would have smelled the roses, ignored those thorny stems;

and gladly traded places, with anyone of them.

I wasn't ever wanted, by mother or by dad;

and not to even have a right to live - was really sad.

Birth certificate? Oh no - for I got all the blame;

and I was too unwanted - to even get a name.

Tossed into a trash can - was found among the muck;

survived that botched abortion. Some would call that "luck".

Yes, an angel found me, washed me with her tears;

wrapped me in a towel, soothed my many fears.

Rocking very patiently, she knew what was in store;

but hugged me tightly in her arms, for she could do no more.

Many rights protect us, from beatings and abuse;

but "life" just doesn't matter now, if one decides to choose.

I had no right to ask for help - even if I could.

She had to let me fade away - for no one understood.

Rights are very twisted things, Some get them. I did not;

so go about your duties now, for I am best forgot.

Why do some complain so much? Let's make this very plain.

It all comes down to money - when wisdom's down the drain.

Now I'm held in Jesus' arms, within His warm embrace;

"Lord please, for this kind angel, reserve a special place...."

"a special place right next to me, to cry and hug again.

where we can share eternity, together, please. Amen." 

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------- 

True story from Oak Lawn, IL on a failed abortion (1999).  The child was left for dead but lived for 45 minutes.  A nurse (Jill Stanek) held the child until his last breath.  No medical help was attempted and none permitted.  The nurse was fired (2001).  We called ourselves 'civilized'...

http://www.bornalivetruth.org/jillstory.php 

Matt: 25:40 (KJV)

And the King shall answer and say unto them, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Now That's Christmas!! 11-10-08

.

Sending the gifts to place under the tree -
or

sending His Son - in place of me?

Presents all wrapped under colorful bows -
or

a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes?

Watching a tree, its flashing star -
or

watching three wise men come from afar?

Seeing a horse pull a grand open sleigh -
or

seeing a babe fast asleep on the hay?

Knowing that children are still waking up -
or

knowing that Jesus must drink from the cup?

Children all screaming at presents galore -
or

people all screaming, their anger outpour?

Children who struggled with patient surprise -
or

Jesus who struggled with tears in His eyes?

Proof there was chocolate I got with a whiff -
or

proof that God loves us with His special Gift?

Gifts from our mother and father we love -
or

gifts of blessings from our Father above?

Sharing the truth with each, one another -
or

sharing Jesus to our sister and brother?

A warm embrace -
or

His matchless grace?

Giving -
or

forgiving?

Now that's Christmas!
The greatest gift!

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Mother 11-8-08

If a picture's worth a thousand words,
each word, a pound of letters -
then mother tops the sunsets
and pounds of gold from debtors.

Mere words describe so many things,
each one beside another -
and words explain those many things
but can't describe my mother.

A million smiles can't match her worth.
She carries loving scars.
Her gifts surpass bright rainbows' arcs.
Her worth exceeds the stars.

My mother's very special and
the only one I'll get -
and I'm the one she could afford.
I love her quite a bit.

So what explains my mother now?
What in my vast report?
And what describes my mother when
my many words fall short?

We shared so many memories,
our hearts shared many years -
so what describes my mother is -
the love within my tears...

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Proverbs 31:(KJV)
10"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

World's Apart 11-8-08

EVERY DAY, God shows us our imperfection -
by giving us an imperfect world.

Men with pride, and a world of governments.
Men with deception, and a world of ways to fall off high mountains.
Men with anger, and a world of volcano's.
Men with tempers, and a world of earthquakes.
Men with confusion, and a world of thick, dark rain forests.
Men with hate, and a world of hurricanes and tornado's.
Men with lust, and a world of deserts.
Men with greed, and a world of floods.
Men who are wild, and a world of wild animals.
Men who get drunk, and a world of waters for drowning.

Yes, EVERY DAY, God shows us our imperfection -
by giving us an imperfect world.
However.... INSIDE this imperfect world is yet another world -
of perfection and of beauty and of miracles.

The perfection of an atom.
-of a dry seed planted.
-of the balance of the heavens.

The beauty of a rose.
-of a hummingbird.
-of a sunset.

The miracle of life.
-of healing.
-of the cross.

Only God creates.
Only God heals.
Only God can.

Yes, INSIDE this imperfect world is yet another world -
of perfection and of beauty and of miracles.

Isn't God showing us something?
Do we have eyes?
Isn't God telling us something?
Do we have ears?
Hasn't God proved something?
Do we really know?

Imperfection to show perfection.
Imperfection to understand perfection.
Imperfection to prove perfection.

Can we see the picture here?
Do we hear the message?
Will we ever understand?

Imperfection to perfection.
Outer flesh to the inner heart.
By grace through faith.

Man blames God - but God is Love.
Man sends big earth movers - but God sent Jesus.
Man yearns - but God holds.

The outside world of flesh - to the "heart" of perfection.
Hell and damnation - to everlasting life....
World's Apart.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Do Not Wait 11-07-08

It's not too late. It's not the end,
if now you start to comprehend.
It's not too late to understand,
the beauty of God's grace at hand.

So realize it's all of grace,
about His love, about His face -
to focus on and answer, "yes".
It's not too late to now profess.

It's not too late if tears you shed,
though you may be on your deathbed.
If humbled heart can ask Him now.
It's not too late to repent now.

Satan claims the time has passed,
but Jesus' grace has so surpassed,
the limits of all man and beast.
You're only late if you're deceased.

So do not think at this late date,
that it is over - it's too late.
God patiently awaits your word.
He loves you more than beast or bird.

Can you not see Him at the gates?
Your solemn vow He still awaits.
He has called and you will see,
if broken, crumbled, meek will be.

The promises of God above,
will so surpass all earthly love,
where rust and rot and all decays,
where earthly focus never pays.

Through faith in Him you'll always find,
(so be ye humble, be ye kind)
contentment and a lasting peace,
where sinful guilt and anguish cease.

Don't be greedy. Don't be proud,
No arrogance - is there - allowed.
So call to Him both man and wife,
that you may have eternal life.

He will carry you on through,
If faith's in Him and not in you.
So call on Him - shed burdens weight.
Pray right now and do not wait.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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More Than Words 11-2-08

Reciting prayers for two thousand years
won't make them anymore truthful -
and reading, planning all day long,
won't make us anymore fruitful.

And where is the prayer when it is spoke
if no one understands it?
Where are the prayers when acts don't match,
with words and acts so split?

A cake might be the perfect one and hungry eyes may lurk -
but the oven must be hot enough for everything to work.
And cakes are more than recipes and more than ingredients.
Prayers cannot exist alone - but take obedience.

While birth is more than birth pangs and a baby we're proud of.
Love is more than marriage and, God is more than love.
Life is more than a beating heart - one sparrow, more than birds.
And life is more - once it's lived - as a prayer is more than words.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Worn Out 11-2-08

.
I can see but I can't see.
I can hear but I can't hear.
I can sing but I can't sing.
I can fear but I can't fear.
I can love but I can't love.
I can grow but I can't grow.
I can live but I can't live.
I can know but I can't know.

Like road run over many time,
I wrinkle, crack, become the grime.
For years the world has crushed me down
and turned my innards gritty, brown.

The sin of man with fire's roar,
has burned me to my inner core.
It's sent me on a beaten track
and soot has turned me satan black.

It pulled the flesh right off my skin.
It takes nutrition, makes me thin.
It's thrown my bones both far and near
and tells me I belong right here.

I can see but not Your face.
I can hear but not for hours.
I can sing but not in tune.
I can fear but not Your powers.
I can love corrupted space.
I can grow - not healthy though.
I can live but I can't give.
I can know but I don't glow.

Dear Lord and Savior, hear my plea.
There's really nothing left of me.
Take me home to live with thee.
Help me die that I might see.

Die to self and all that haunts.
Die to "things" and all that flaunts.
Please rip my soul from deep within,
then pave me white - renew again.

I was pounded ear to ear
with traffic noise, I couldn't hear,
Blind from dirt, I couldn't see.
Dear Lord and Savior, forgive me.

Help me see Your splendid face.
Help me hear You every hour.
Help me sing a life in tune.
Help me fear but not to cower.
Help me love that greatest gift.
Help me grow in faith and deed.
Help me live that I could give.
Help me go and spread the seed..

Blot out now the earthly scrawl.
These words cannot explain it all.
You can hear and You can see -
so Holy Spirit - enter me.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org/

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