No Cookies From Grandma 12-20-13

No one was to blame but it wasn't the same

without fireplace or a flickering flame.

No stockings to see and no cider or tea,

not even a little ol' Christmas tree.

No raking the leaves, no lights strung on eves,

no lock on the handle to deter the thieves.

No wreath on the door and no presents galore,

no records on turntables played there before.

No mistletoe hung for the old and the young,

no cookies from grandma to sweeten the tongue.

No brownies were found nor was snow on the ground.

No lit decorations were scattered around.

No bell's ding-a-ling, no voice caroling-ing,

no joyous old hymns and no people out singing.

No bright, shiny wrapping, nobody was clapping

'cause one little child was tired and napping.

No pine needles fell but there sure was a smell,

yet everything happened as planned.  All was well.

Rejoice it.  Discuss, for it all was for us -

the wonderful birth of our savior, Jesus!

Merry Christmas!  Merry Christmas!

©2013 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Christmas, In Silence 12-16-13

The house now is lifeless with rooms plain and bare.

Though silence is eerie, does anyone care?

Remember, I do, our tree sure looked good -

but corner's now empty where it had once stood.

I sat for awhile on the cool, dusty floor -

reflecting on failures.  Could I have done more?

I know I have no one - have no one to blame -

but with mom and dad gone, it isn't the same.

The cupboards are barren - and too, every shelf.

The emptiness here now resembles myself.

Time marches on by - like it's tethered to sin!

Oh, to have Christmas with fam'ly again!

Such colorful lights had once brightened this place -

but visions of mom now bring tears to my face.

Our hopes and our dreams seemed to lift spirits high,

but now with house vacant, tears come ...and don't die.

My steps sound so hollow and echo in rhyme -

but mock me out loud for the very last time.

Spend time with your parents.  Please figure out how -

to get all your work done and visit them now.

---

Sin separates us from the joys of creation.

Without Christmas day there's no hope of salvation!

So celebrate Christmas!  Do not be afraid!

Kneel humbly to Christ... who, in manger, once laid.

Kneel humbly to Christ...

Kneel humbly...

Kneel...

---

This world throws the wrapping - with big, greedy eyes

but Christmas, in stillness, is joyously wise.

Such great revelations do not shout with pride -

but rather reveal, through whispers, our Guide.

The house now is lifeless with rooms plain and bare.

Though silence is eerie, does anyone care?

©2013 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Merry Christmas! 12-14-13

A privilege, my rights aren't.  They come straight from God.

I find it offensive, I find it quite odd -

I can't say "Christ Jesus" whom God did exalt?

If someone's offended, it isn't my fault.

I am not offended when someone tells me -

they worship to baal on their bended knee.

I say, "Merry Christmas!"  I say it out loud.

I dare someone tell me it isn't allowed.

So say, "Merry Christmas!" and say it to all -

yell it from rooftops but gently in mall -

for this is the season that we all take part.

Just say it sincerely and deep from your heart.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Something Tugged Me 12-12-13

The stars sparkled brightly above frigid sky

and then something tugged me.  I didn't know why.

In fresh-fallen snow at the end of the day

were parallel tracks from a horse-driven sleigh -

which led down the road to the center of town.

I followed those tracks and I looked all around.

Nativity scenes were all scattered about,

but one seemed quite diff'rent.  It seemed to reach out.

And there, sure enough, the closer I trod,

I saw a few movements which seemed somewhat odd.

On one side, a lamb laid - on other, stood goat -

and Joseph and Mary were wearing a coat.

The babe was a doll and was there in between.

Yes, this was a living Nativity scene!

My eyes took this in as my thoughts had explored.

The "stable" was built out of painted cardboard.

And though it was made kind of flimsy and cheap,

the shepherds were there with the "baby" asleep.

The wise men held presents with paper and bow

as colorful lighting reflected off snow.

The cold was quite icy.  The dark dampened air

had frozen my cheeks as I tarried out there.

The genuine smiles on faces were real.

The spirit of Christmas was something to feel.

Then Mary's eyes twinkled - and with wink and nod,

she mouthed the words slowly, "Yes, the Son of God."

This Christ child would give of Himself and then die.

So question that came to me was...  How could I?

Oh, how could I love those who hated me so?

And how could I die for sins I didn't owe?

The stars sparkled brightly above frigid sky

and then something tugged me.  And now I know why.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Tell Me Why 12-7-13

The lady... she was weeping.

It saddened me to see -

that she was drawn within herself

and just as sad as me.

I asked if she was hungry.

I asked if she was late.

I asked her if she had a home.

I asked her if she ate.

She shook her head at each of these

short questions that I asked.

I knew I had to help her though.

I knew this was my task.

I also knew I had no cash -

and all this made me sad.

For I was just as homeless too.

I lost the job I had.

To find a place for her to live

and put food on her shelf -

oh, how could I do just one thing -

when I can't help myself?

All I could do was wish her well.

I had no more to say.

My stomach soured and I wept 

as I had walked away.

Some children laughed and giggled with

their mother from a store.

Ignored, the old and lonely ones

that my heart bleeds out for.

And then I prayed.  Oh, how I prayed -

that time would hasten by.

It hurts the most at Christmas time.

Please, someone, tell me why.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Her Old Rocker 11-29-13

I quietly sat in her rocker -

a squeaky and rickety chair.

With paint almost gone, it had weathered -

but no, I did not even care.

The folks in the yard were all browsing.

The yard sale was going quite well.

As people were searching through items,

a man came and asked if I'd sell.

He asked if I'd sell her old rocker.

He asked me what I'd sell it for.

He gave a most generous offer -

then said he could pay a bit more.

I answered, "Her chair's not for sale.

My grandmother used it a lot.

She held me as we both rocked gently

right here in this very same spot.

I turned back the years to my childhood -

It seemed it was just yesterday.

Through planting and summer and harvest,

she whispered in music this way,

"I love you just like Jesus loves you.

I'll hold you as long as I live.

And if you have faith in me darling,

I promise to always forgive."

The man smiled sincerely and stated,

"I can't afford one quite like that.

Your rocker there surely is priceless."

He left with a tip of his hat.

I smiled yet my eyes became watered -

as visions of grandma came back.

She sat in this very same rocker -

when she had her last heart attack.

In Heaven she has a new rocker -

without all the paint worn away.

She holds a young child without mother

and whispers the very same way...

"She loves you just like Jesus loves you.

Regretting her choice, she'd relive.

But pray that she's trusting the Father -

He's faithful and sure to forgive."

I quietly sat in her rocker -

a squeaky and rickety chair.

With paint almost gone, it had weathered -

but no, I did not even care.

2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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I LOVE AMERICA! 11-26-13

I don't love America because of its free economy.

I don't love America because of its strong military.

I don't love America because of its great inventions.

I don't love America because we can worship freely.

I don't love America because I can get my free stuff.

I don't love America because we care for one another.

I don't love America because I can make a ton of money.

I don't love America because my political party is in power.

I don't love America because we protect our interests around the world.

I don't love America because over a million innocent babies are killed each year
& I don't love America because we've replaced them with illegals jumping our borders.

No, I LOVE AMERICA because "WE, THE PEOPLE" can be a

God fearing, people helping,

infant holding, child rearing,

moral raising, disabled curing,

humble praying, Bible reading,

Jesus trusting, history teaching,

fact checking, truth telling,

pastor preaching, gospel breathing,

hard working, earth-moving,

family loving, elderly caring,

honest speaking, respect keeping,

humble swearing, fair sentencing,

environment respecting, heaven searching,

government limiting, bureaucrat checking,

conservative spending, tax repealing,

federal limiting, priority budgeting,

rights protecting, liberty voting,

forward focusing, Constitution defending,

veteran supporting, enemy defeating,

flag waving, freedom fighting,

always standing, never caving,

sometimes talking, always walking,

ever seeking, promise keeping,

UNITED PEOPLE once again.

(if we, but will fight for it).

From black to white,

from deaf to dumb,

E PLURIBUS UNUM.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Bounce Back Up! 11-25-13

Why do the people swiftly pass?

Do they not know they trample grass?

Pray tell me, is life ever fair

and really, does creation care?

Beneath the hidden sun at noon,

beneath the silent crescent moon,

beneath the dark and cloudy sky,

beneath it all, do we know why?

Beneath the laws and rampant crimes,

beneath the troubles of these times,

beneath the blizzards of all sins,

beneath the toil, God's work begins.

As with the sparrow in God's hand,

the truth of love will always stand.

And blessed with our Creator's touch,

our torment will not matter much.

Beneath the snow, beneath the sod,

beneath all things- we must trust God.

For God raised up His faithful One -

so don't forget His only Son.

Our prayers see answers all around

as snow starts melting from the ground.

In spring when ice is melted off,

the faithful stand to silence scoff.

One answer proves (though very small),

that God can save right through it all.

So should they stop and pause to pass

they'll find this single blade of grass.

For God created, God has made -

and faithful I, as single blade.

Forgive, I shall, their rushing on -

and bounce back up when trod upon.

2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Taste God's Love Again! 11-13-13

Tall trees are swaying to and fro.

The stiffness of the breeze is such

that I can feel the frigid wind.

I try, but cannot see its touch.

My nose is nudged by autumn's breeze,

but what is really meant -

by fragrances that breezes send?

I try, but cannot see its scent.

There's rustling from some fallen leaves

that swirl around the ground.

They seem to try to speak to me.

I try, but cannot see their sound.

I savor flavor on my tongue,

that it not go to waste -

yet stomach yearns for sustenance.

I try, but cannot see its taste.

The feel or scent or sound or taste -

our eyes won't comprehend.

We, only by our eyes, believe.

On senses, we depend.

Accumulate, we do, so much.

We see the things we've stored.

We search all our possessions through.

We try, but cannot find the Lord.

If hands can't hold the truth of life,

if lungs can't breathe the thrill,

if ears can't hear His still small voice -

then taste our death, we will.

The purest blood may fill the vein

and freshest air, the lung -

but blind and dead we'll ever be -

if we but taste with tongue!

IF we touch only physical.

IF follow we, our nose.

IF hear we, only mortal words

we'll taste but earthly woes.

But feel, if we, the spiritual,

and peace can fill our lungs,

and truth can teach our selfish ears,

great joy can voice our tongues!

So feel it now - the Master's touch -

and breathe His blessings in -

and hear the music of God's grace -

and taste God's love again!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Jeremiah 5:21 (NASB)

21 21 

‘Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people,

Who have eyes but do not see;

Who have ears but do not hear.

Tears Of Joy 11-5-13

I'd worked and sacrificed and slaved with neverending toil -

and planted many seeds of doubt in rich, organic soil.

The cultivated soil that I, had worked down deep within,

was fertilized with years of pain that nourished all my sin.

Then when the ground that I had worked had watered all my seeds -

astonishing, the lesson learned - that I had planted weeds.

Depressed, I was and feeling low.  This isn't what I'd planned.

Oh, why was I so tired of life?  I didn't understand.

I dug them up, the big and small - those sins that tore me up -

and then confessed them to my Lord - who overflowed my cup.

So now when weeds of doubt arise, my God and I destroy -

and He replants my seeds to life, while I cry tears of joy.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Above My Bloody Fist 10-11-13

The waves would make, across the lake,

their way to other side.

I had a task, so I had asked

if I could hitch a ride.

"We are not fools.  We follow rules.

Just find a boat to rent."

So "No." they said, which turned me red,

in deep embarrassment.

The breezes blew.  I knew them too -

but could I fly away?

I know I'm old and not so bold -

and much too shy to say,

"Please do not fail to let me sail

up where the seabirds soar.

We'll get along.  I won't be long..."

then tried so, all the more.

In all the earth, have I no worth?

I wondered, "Was it true?"

I saw leaves dance and viewed my chance.

They seemed to beckon too...

But then they yelled, "Hey, duck your head -

for we are passing by!"

My eyes got red.  I bowed my head -

as tear came to my eye.

The places vast, the faces masked.

The people know me not.

And now today, I'm in their way -

Memories - all I've got.

To do what's right we had to fight.

There was no other way.

The heroes I had fought beside

had met their Lord that day.

With muddy gun, it was no fun -

not like a hand-held game.

The bombs were real and I could feel

the pain that always came.

There was a time when 'will' was mine

and I had much more hope.

It was a chore to take the shore

and scramble muddy slope.

The bullets flew, the booming grew -

when planted with a twist -

but colors loomed when wind resumed,

above my bloody fist.

Oh, how we fought!  The wounds we caught

as blood mixed with our sweat -

but showed the world when it unfurled,

the flag that we had set.

Though day has dawned, my friends are gone.

The waves march 'cross the lake.

Though friend or foe, no man can know

the liberties they take.

For if they knew what we went through

(where they were never sent) -

they'd not uproot, but would salute

our sacred monument.

2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Bridge, The 10-6-13

A hungry crow soars high above where wicked winds doth blow

to see if there will be some scraps of tasty food below.

Our train is flying down the tracks.  On 'hope' and 'change', we go.

The bridge between the mountain's out, (but no one's in-the-know).

We're asked, while on our merry way, to pay what others owe -

in premiums.  Obamacare, it's good for 'so and so'.

Will we be forced to pay for it?  Will they take all our dough?

And soon extinct - 'good healthcare' gone - a thing of long ago.

The engineer had parts delayed, attempting to forego

a sure disaster for his friends, while doctors are in woe.

They scatter from their practices as lines for healthcare show.

We ask, "Oh, please negotiate" -but engineer screams, "No!

"Just shut down everything we have, from seas to rivers' flow,

from monuments for veterans to where sequoias grow!

Then shut down everything we do - except still stomp the toes

of all who disagree with me and hosts of their talk shows!"

Exemptions paid off union shops but no, not "plumber Joe" -

who rides with all us passengers and sees that starving crow -

which soars the highest mountain tops - peers canyon floor below.

As train is flying down the tracks, what halts a big ego?

2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

--------

Where's the incentive to be responsible- if it's acceptable to be irresponsible?

Where's the incentive to save money- if others are required to pay our bills?

Where's the incentive to love others- if it's all about loving ourselves?

Where's the incentive to help others- if it's just all about us?

A soul, once dead, is not always lost -

but a Nation, once lost, is forever dead.

Ask Rome.

Soft Crosses 9-27-13

I'm under the leaves of tall coconut trees,

(on trunks that are warped in a curve).

They rustle up high in the oft windy sky.

Enjoying the shade, I observe...

...the Heavens above that are filled so with love

and grace only God can bestow -

from free virgin birth for the people on earth.

I ask, "Have I failed Him so?"

Am I like the leaves that everyone sees,

that wave to and fro in the wind,

drawing attention as if I'm important?

Could that, my dear friends, be a sin?

His sheep, under wool, must be fully faithful -

not warped as the coconut trees.

How is it fitting if I am still sitting -

not helping the poor "least of these"?

How disconcerted am I that Christ suffered?

I hold my small cross close to me.

Genteel, I'm living, but what am I giving?

Are soft crosses not meant to be?

Oh, should I be stunned if my cross isn't cushioned?

I'm carefree- and comforts I seek!

Is love, au contraire, to this cross that I bear

as others are hungry and weak?

Our God sits above and He fills us with love.

We're blessed with His soft, gentle breeze -

on tropical islands with soft, idle hands,

enjoying a lifetime of ease.

I'm under the leaves of tall coconut trees,

(on trunks that are warped in a curve).

They rustle up high in the oft windy sky.

Enjoying the shade, I observe...

2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 6:24 (KJV)

"No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one, and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

Grandpa's Wisdom 9-24-13

Homer 1896-1991

Before the jets, before the planes,

before the cars and traffic lanes,

before genetics changed our corn,

before the IRS was even born,

before CD's and movie stars,

before the rover got to mars -

was born a man, a little tot,

who endured much, but learned a lot.

His life saw many swinging doors

including two hard world wars.

Depression great.  Its pain would gnaw -

and many other things he saw.

I knew him well and we were close.

At times he'd offer me a dose -

of wisdom gained along his way.

I'd listen close to what he'd say.

The years passed by as he grew old

but many truths he had foretold -

respect would lack, expensive gas...

It seems it all has came to pass.

Now, it's not hard to peer beyond

a lack of faithful family bond -

where babies know their father not -

and debt would bury quite a lot.

Where morals lack, great pain will be

and little things called bankruptcy -

yet we can wipe our whole slate clean

and make it so it's never seen.

But when amiss at what we're taught,

when our responsibilities are naught,

when we're in need of steak or ham

we'll ask for more from Uncle Sam.

It seems we do not want to pay
for all the things we have today -
nor want to ever pay, when due,
the moral debt we're going through.

But unlike others 'on the lamb’,

my grandpa was a faithful man -

who read his Bible inside-out

and knew what life was all about.

Oh, one day man will find it out,

(make no mistake and have no doubt),

after kings have misbehaved,

after money buys their slaves,

after parents kill and die,

after homeless babies cry,

after we've lived life our way -

and after death on judgement day.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

(if you enjoyed this poem, you may enjoy reading more about 'Homer' here):
http://www.ganderpoems.org/2009/05/homer-5-16-09.html

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Revelation 21:8 (KJV)

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers,

and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,

shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:

which is the second death.

Morning Light 9-15-13

From ancient times, the church bells chimed

to open up our eyes,

with predawn light from Heaven's might,

to bold and brighter skies.

Above the crops and mountain tops

and score of evergreen -

this fleeting night sees hints of light -

though sun is not yet seen.

On baby blue an amber hue

now glows on fringe of clouds.

So few will glean this wondrous scene

throughout earth's massive crowds.

And here, in flaw, I stand in awe

as I stretch high my hands!

I want to touch - I do, so much -

but life has such demands.

I need some clothes, yet glad for those

who need be highly viewed -

and scarcely live that I might give

so others have some food.

My insides ache, for goodness sake,

for those who have to cope.

Oh, there's no gain from earthly pain

for those who have no hope.

I never knew what I could do -

for I am just a man.

But it's not strange that God can change

the heart that He began.

So now today, I see a ray

as clouds bright edges glisten.

A still, small voice is still the choice

if only we would listen.

Through fervent tears, beyond my years,

I see the birds are singing.

I harmonize now ears and eyes

as church bells keep on ringing.

From ancient times, the church bells chimed

to bold and brighter skies.

Now morning light from Heaven's might,

has opened up my eyes...

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Those Nail Scars 9-12-13

Must we see it to believe it?
Must we ask the Lord if we
may touch His prints to get some hints
of what has come to be?

A 'doubting one' had seen God's Son.

He saw our Master's hands.

Did Thomas learn and then discern

mere facts to understand?

Are we to seek and take a peek
for proof so we might know?
Are we remiss within our bliss

that our faith fails to grow?

Those nail scars were never ours.

Pure sin had seized those crowds.

But in the end, Christ did ascend

up through the yielding clouds.

So many view, but there are few

who understand 'the fall'.

Through burdens' weight, our Lord was great -

then rose above it all!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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One More Day 9-9-13

My life is not worth one red cent
for I was never innocent.
I chose to live my selfish way -
and lived it every single day.
So soon prepared, rectangle hole.
They'll close the casket on my soul.
"For all have sinned" and it will be
that I had wished I'd lived for thee.

And when they lay me down to sleep -
they'll dig that hole and dig it deep.
Lost soul, forever, under sod
who lived for 'self' instead of God.
If I had known grace can't be bought,
if I had given life more thought...
If God would grant me one more day,
I'll be sincere and this I'll pray:

"Please humble me, I quote the hymn,
"without one plea...", "just as I am..."
Please grant me faith instead of grief
and save me as you did the thief
who humbled self, who was a man,
who did repent as I, too, can.
Forgive my debts, forgive my sins,
then help me boldly tell my friends."

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Know It All 9-5-13

While robins sing, alarm clocks ring -

and our whole day is planned.

Birds perch steady.  We get ready.

We settle in quicksand.

The leopard lurks while we're at work.

It seeks its fragile prey.

Important though, our Savior know -

yet we still fail to pray.

Forgetting cross, we please our boss,

while truth is right at hand.

God's loving face and lasting grace -

yet we don't understand.

Do you know what?  Our minds are shut,

when we hear Jesus call.

A life of ease - and then Hades.

We think we know it all.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Your Word 8-31-13

Why can't I write one poem, Lord,

that gathers people 'round,

that opens eyes and opens hearts

to all Your truths I've found -

among the pages of Your Book,

which tells me how to live -

which tells life's truths, both good and bad -

and how I should forgive?

Why can't I write one poem, Lord,

that brings the people 'round,

and opens hearts so they forgive

so that Your peace is found -

Your peace of dulcet harmony

which flows from day to day,

which brings us closer to Your Word -

and shows us how to pray?

Why can't I write one poem, Lord,

that calls all wicked, wild,

the selfish men, bad women too -

and every sinful child -

who desecrate Your garden, Lord,

who desecrate Your laws,

who desecrate Your truth and love...

and then wait for applause?

Why can't I write one poem, Lord,

that brings the people 'round,

so they'd forgive the other folks

and hopefully be found -

sitting on the many pews

inside these hallowed halls,

inside our humble churches where -

a still, small voice still calls?

Lord, You are much greater than

my sorted words can brag,

coming from this shaky hand

attached to this old rag.

But maybe this reminder here

can make us humbly look -

at not a bunch of rhyming words,

but rather at Your Book?

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Beheaded 8-22-13

What could it be?  They tortured me

as others stood around.

They seized me tight.  There was no fight.

They threw me to the ground.

There was no ease, down on my knees.

And then I overheard,

Kill him!  Kill him!  It was grim.

They shoved my head forward.

Through their disgust, I tasted dust -

my face against the dirt.

I felt the weight of all their hate

and then I heard them blurt,

Deny! Deny! - or you will die!

With that, one raised his sword.

In dampened eyes I shared my cries,

"Oh, please forgive them Lord!"

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The war against those who love others continues.

There is violence against many loving Christians

who have never hurt anyone- but only helped others-

the sick, the elderly, the children.

The killings and church burnings continue.

We, the people, either stand up for

the peaceful, the meek, the humble and the innocent,

or we stand against them.

There is no in-between.

There is no 'sitting on the fence'. (Rev. 3:16).

Educate yourself,

then pray, then help, then vote.

Every minute matters.

If, indeed, you love others,

please give to your local church missions,

print this out and pass it on...

Thank you!