Gander Story Poems

September 12, 2015

His Stepping Stones 9-12-15

The trees had towered high above with leaves that blocked the sun,

except sporadic points of light with rays that danced in fun,
reflecting smooth and softened light off surface they would share,

from lazy stream meandering through lush, thick grasses there.

The random, yellow flowers sprinkled down along the bank,

had framed a lovely picture 'round the stream where sparrow drank,

as ripples crossed the mirrored stream where it was somewhat wide,

before that sparrow took to flight beyond the other side,

I prayed that I might also find a way beyond the stream,

but there was no where I could cross to realize that dream.

Determined that I'd have my way, I held each leather shoe

and started wading 'cross the stream to get another view.

But splash! Face down I tripped and fell, then crawled out soaking wet.

I trudged myself downstream a bit. His truth and my eyes met.

It's 'one' to 'zero'. God has won and that's the final score.

Still soaking wet from head to toe, I started thinking more...

Sometimes through life we have no clue. I ponder as I sit -

of what God's done for me and you, just there downstream a bit.

He gives us His instruction and a 'dose of wisdom' loans -

if patient, we can't learn to be, to find His stepping stones.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Proverbs 1:7 (NASB)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

Fools despise wisdom and instruction."

September 8, 2015

My Special Friend 9-8-15

Sad I, the tiny sparrow was.

I wasn't very big.

Yet happy were my friends in flight,

from limb to branch to twig.

I couldn't eat as others did

and didn't seem to grow.

I'd follow quite a ways behind.

I was too weak and slow.

Yes, they had teased and laughed at me

when I was back in school.

They'd scoff, then fly away from me.

Some kids can be so cruel.

Yet growing up, I was okay
here living out-of-doors.

So optimistically I grew -

but when it rains, it pours.

A violent gust of wicked wind

had hurled me to the ground!

The other birds had seen me fall -

so they had gathered 'round.

A Shepherd came when I had felled -
so sudden and abrupt.

My sore and crippled body then

was in His hands He cupped.

I saw some ugly, rugged scars

cut deep into those hands.

My wing was hurt, I couldn't fly.

This wasn't in my plans.

He raised me up. It frightened me!
The other sparrows hushed.

Because I didn't know His love

I thought that I'd be crushed!

Believing things that I could see,
I held to physical.
Unknown, the things that I could not,
I feared the spiritual.

Yet now He holds and cares for me

unlike those other birds.

I can't describe the peacefulness.

I just can't find the words.

It's odd that I once feared the Lord

when I was on the mend.

But I have learned He loves me so.

Now He's my special friend.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

---

Matthew 10:28-30 (NIV)
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.

Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?

Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.

September 1, 2015

Please tell me, "Is there greener grass
that we have been denied
across life's busy highway?
What's on the other side?"
---
Fast Jack, the Rabbit, wanted more
than his ol' world could bring.
So started, he, across life's road
with optimistic sing.

And Tom, the Turtle, thought he too,
could find his life's reward,
so set his mind to follow Jack
...as big, bad engines roared.

Now Jack was quick and darted o'er
the line that marked the tar,
whizzing past a left rear tire
then under low sports car.

Then Tom, the Turtle, had began.
He lifted one front toe,
but pulled it back quite quickly 'cause,
he couldn't start his 'go'.

There patiently, he held his ground
beside that busy road.
And then he heard a chuckle
with a taunt from Timmy Toad.

But patiently, he waited there -
and almost fell asleep -
if not for noisy tires
from a muddy, off-road jeep.

Now half-way 'cross the highway
that 'ol rabbit zagged his wrath,
between the bumpers back and forth.
He zigged a crazy path.

About this time Tom turtle saw
his chance to get across,
but if he wasn't quick enough
he'd end up 'turtle sauce'.

His feet, he shifted into gear.
His legs were filled with pow'r!
His speeds went unrecorded, but
...I've heard "nine stones per hour".

Hence, gap between the traffic
wasn't big enough for Tom.
A Cadillac that fast approached
was driven by a mom.

The tire on that Cadillac
caught edge of Tom's hard shell.
It flipped him forty feet through air
and things did not go well...

Tom did a dozen somersaults,
then landed on his back.
He heard a scream, "Get off of me!"
that came from... yes, Fast Jack.

Well, Jack was somewhat angered
when a semi smacked the two.
It threw him back across the road
and spun Tom dizzy too.

Then Tom rolled off the other side.
Both learned life's road was hard -
with Tom and Jack on either side
frightened, sore and scarred.
---
The moral to this poem is that
Jack had gotten meaner.
And like the fence dividing lawns,
Tom found the grass- not greener.

Now isn't it a futile life,
that Jack and Tom had tried -
despite abundant grass God gave
to each on either side?

Our pride, greed, lust and envy too,
are like Tom's somersaults.
The pain and bandages received,
are really our own faults.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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August 30, 2015

I See Spring! 8-30-15

(Four generations: Lucy Ellen Gander, Sarah Evaline Palmer (standing),

Susanna Sanborn, Katherine Jadwin, circa 1874. Sarah is Nathan Gander's wife.)

"With picture faded on the wall -

oh, who could understand it all?

For yesterday began the spring

when we could dance and we could sing.

But faded now, our lively songs

with grasses dead and flowers gone.

---

Today I stand somewhat dismayed.

and of tomorrow, am afraid.

My wrinkled face now bears a frown.

I find the whole world up-side-down.

From government to businesses -

the world is busy, all abuzz.

The love of money, Satan's hook.

What's with the envy? Take a look!

In all the world, who understands?

Does love for money stain our hands?

---

Some day in Heaven, happily -

I'll sing God's praises out with glee!

Who cares of clothes or car I drive?

I am with Him and am alive!

Today, I see deception's sting -

but of tomorrow, I see spring!

With picture faded on the wall -

oh, who would understand it all?

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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August 28, 2015

If I Haven't Died 8-28-15

There were many things I thought important

when I was a child -

like walking and skipping and running wild -

but were they?

There were many things I thought important

in my middle years -

like career or sports and drinking beers -

but were they?

There are many things I think important

now later in life -

like health, adult diapers and dealing with strife -

but are they?

There will be many things I'll think important -

eternity's ever -

when hell has its fury - 'cause I thought I knew better.

Will they be...?

Do you get the picture now? Do you understand -

of Heaven's importance - not this sin's wasteland?

But Jesus still waits, 'cause it's never too late -

(if I haven't died) -

to confess and repent - and be sanctified -

now. Right now.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Revelation 3:20 (KJV)
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:
if any man hear my voice, and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

August 13, 2015

Li'l Puff 8-13-15

Now Li'l Puff was kind of sad.

He looked up at his giant dad,

"Oh, why am I a little cloud

but you are big and thunder loud?

"Your lightning flashes 'cross the sky

but I can't do it when I try...

And also, when you rain, you pour!

I try and try but can't rain more..."

So once again he tried so hard

to rain down drops upon a yard.

He thought he let down God and Heav'n

when counted, he, but ninety-seven.

The sod was turning gray and brown

and plants were dying all around.

Will ninety-seven drops of rain

still keep alive what does remain?

Then mom spoke up and said, "Dear son,

God wouldn't care if you had none.

He knows if you have done your best.

Be humble and He'll do the rest."

But Li'l Puff, not satisfied,

had drooped his head and cried and cried.

He wanted to be just like dad,

but he was small. It made him sad.

So Li'l Puff had had enough.

He packed his toys and other stuff.

He ran away for life anew -

to be some ice, or maybe dew.

Descending down upon a log

our Li'l Puff became a fog.

For quite some time he rested there,

without a hope, without a care.

Sometimes he'd cry, sometimes he'd sigh.

Two long and lonely weeks went by...

Then suddenly, out of the blue,

he heard a voice from little 'Sue'.

Excitedly, she called her mom -

then called her dad and brother Tom.

"My brand new plant has bloomed a rose!'

It's fragrance touched her little nose.

While Li'l Puff was still in gloom -

what caused that little rose to bloom?

Though sometimes we have not a clue -

those ninety-seven raindrops knew.

We might not see a pretty rose

from poems that we might compose,

but God creates. Yes, He does still.

Just be content to do His will.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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August 9, 2015

Buried Treasure 8-09-15

I found a buried treasure map inside a dusty book.

It showed the paths of journeys old. I took a closer look.

I studied meanings of those paths through all my bias views

and cut more paths with stubbornness in search of crucial clues.

Exposed were possibilities where treasures could be found,
so I mapped out my own small world where I could look around.

I envied after treasures so. I took my ev'ry tool.

I took my shovel and my ax, my compass and my mule.

(My shovel was my selfish greed. The ax was my own tongue.

My mule was my brand new car and friends I was among.)

I loaded up my mighty ship (that one might call 'career')
and I believed that treasure chest was very, very near.
I stood at helm, determined, on my great big sailing ship.

So confident I'd reach my goals, I held a solid grip.

I followed all the earthly rules and took each cautious measure,

went ashore on sev'ral lands in search of buried treasure.
I overturned huge stubborn stones so very burdensome -

but all I found was sinful filth and weary had become.

I thought that gold awaited me, bright silver and fine jewels -

but found out very soon that I was dumbest of the fools.
For years and decades I had searched - until one day I quit.

A treasure hunter, I was not. I sadly was unfit.

So overboard, I threw my pride... Depressed I was, in shock.

My anchor splashed and sank in seas then held in solid rock.

I found a much more stable life - no longer lost, adrift.

T'was then my broken heart exposed that great and precious gift.

Is treasure only found in something torn and ripped apart

and buried down and deep inside - like my own broken heart?

We hope to find true happiness with our own 'treasure maps',

but tell me - are we pirates here - with selfish goals perhaps?

I hadn't found that treasure buried deep inside of me,

until I found a little 'key' that's called humility.
And now that I've discovered it, my soul is filled with glee!

And that uncovered treasure now, has made me fully free.

Don't follow those on stormy seas where you are tossed and twirled.

Accept the treasure of His love, 'for God so loved the world'.

And don't be fake, a hypocrite who doesn't care to look,

but search down deep inside your heart (the map is in His Book).

So follow trail down deep inside so you aren't left behind.

Accept the grace of Jesus then. Great treasure you will find!

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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August 6, 2015

Problems Bigger Than Mine? 8-6-15

"Whose problems are bigger than mine?" asked I,

Whose problems are bigger than mine?"

Oh, who can solve problems that cannot be solved

when the world is in such decline?

---

A flood of deep emotions came

as I washed out to sea.

And drifted off, was everything

that I'll no longer see.

My business assets disappeared

behind those foamy waves.

My friends and fam'ly taken too,

my parents pushed in graves.

I clenched my fists while tears spilled out.

I swung them through thin air -

above the oceans of my tears -

for no one seemed to care.

I screamed in savage anger as

I watched those waters churn.

Depressed, I was, for all those years,

not knowing where to turn.

Who could begin to take my place

and not be temperamental?

Problems, financial and physical too,

so mentally monumental!

My life had fallen all apart.

I was a total loss,

...but then, I learned another One

was nailed to a cross!

---

"Whose problems were bigger than mine?" asked I,

Whose problems were bigger than mine?"

Oh, who solved the problems that could't be solved

when the world was in such decline?

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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August 1, 2015

Great Republican Debate, The 8-1-15

With crowd, ecstatic, you might think

that truth might finally win.

But no, the brag fest lingered on

in shallow, selfish din.

---

The candidates deceive us all.

Pet projects, each discusses.

They came to this, the 'Great Debate'

in jets and campaign buses.

The smiles they wore were priceless, but

so sly, those hungry foxes.

And all of them were standing tall

on top of their soapboxes.

A bulging 'muscle' claimed that he

was strong enough to bring,

a welfare check to everyone -

for he was not 'right-wing'.

The 'fat' said, "I will throw my weight

around when president.

I'll bridge the budget deficit

until you're all content."

The 'hand' had interrupted then

and stated with a flair,

"I promise 'common core' will work.

You'll keep your free health care."

The 'eye' had seen the goings on

and interrupted too.

"I have a vision others don't.

You know the skies are blue..."

Then 'lung' spoke up so very loud

and said, "Economy!"

I promise you more great trade deals

if you'll just vote for me!"

The 'ear' intently listened as

the others took their turns.

"I've listened very carefully

and I have grave concerns."

The 'brain' said intellectually,

"I'll pass new welfare laws..."

then said, "Without me, you've no hope."

(He drew a large applause).

Now 'Rump' spoke up as clapping slowed,

"I have a wallet here.

I will secure the border walls.

You've nothing more to fear."

The 'nose' breathed something awful in

and sneezed out something crass.

"The dung is getting deep in here

and someone's passing gas."

The laughter carried on a spell

'til all was calm inside.

But serious, the issues are.

So many guiltless died.

A silence then, was broken when

a lowly nominee -

said, "Why are we so selfish here

and honest, cannot be?

Our rights are lost when we reject

responsibility.

Our Constitution is the law!

Where is our sanity?

"While some are selling baby parts,

perpetuating lies,

while money flows into their hands -

another baby dies.

May voters not vote selfishly

while those on stage connive.

Atrocious things are happening.

Who here is still alive?"

But he was laughed right off the stage

by old pathetic goats,

by those who memorized their quotes,

by those who bribed for votes.

The one who they laughed off the stage,

the one who they suppressed -

was honest, fair and humble too -

and truly was the best.

My poem ends with corrupt press

who once again refuse,

to give exposure to the best.

Again, from chaff, we choose.

---

With crowd, ecstatic, you might think

that truth might finally win.

But no, the brag fest lingered on

in shallow, selfish din.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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July 27, 2015

Music Box, The 7-27-15

I prayed for peace,

I prayed for me,

I questioned God

to some degree.

---

I loved to entertain myself

so took the small box from the shelf.

I carefully, the dust, removed

from ev'ry little, tiny groove.

Beholding it for quite awhile,

I cherished its antique-ish style.

Can this old box, this afternoon,

play once again, its pretty tune?

Familiar songs with tiny chimes

are like a poet's perfect rhymes.

I hear the clock, its 'ticks' and 'tocks',

then slowly open music box.

It's been some years since it has played,

but soon a simple sound it made.

Through tears of joy and tears of love,

it's grandma now I'm thinking of.

Though she won't sing here anymore,

her music plays as years before.

Her praises in harmonic chord

lift ever higher to the Lord.

The heavens call, emotions float,

on each and ev'ry fragile note.

But decades passed... so many years.

She's often lost among my tears.

Though mem'ry dim, I can recall -

her Godly ways, her life and all.

Her music box is all I've got -

and like my Lord, it changes not.

He doesn't change. He never fails -

despite my storms, despite His nails.

In tune with peace and love for me,

God answers prayers so faithfully.

Before I place it back on shelf,

committed, I will humble self.

So blessed I am, I praise His name.

My life will never be the same.

---

As in the past,

God answers right.

I close the lid...

and hold it tight.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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July 23, 2015

This Wide World 7-23-15

Is this wide world a better place,

or have I made it worse?

Is my life something God can bless -

or is it just a curse?

---

Frustrated, I so often am

when I help those in need -

because when they have turned on me -

I'm hurt, so much, indeed.

Frustrated, I so often am

when I see thieves succeed -

and politicians turn blind eye.

I'm hurt, so much, indeed.

Frustrated, I so often am

when I see Christian seed -

'hawking' books or their CDs..

I'm hurt, so much, indeed.

Frustrated, I so often am

when I see drugs and 'weed' -

killing off our naive youth.

I'm hurt, so much, indeed.

Frustrated, I so often am

when enemies are freed -

only to come kill again.

I'm hurt, so much, indeed.

Frustrated, I so often am

when no one cares to lead -

like Moses, the great prophet did.

I'm hurt, so much, indeed.

No, everyone just seems to roam

where profits feed their greed -

instead to where downtrodden are.

I'm hurt, so much, indeed.

Who sacrificed Himself for this!?

Did our Lord have to bleed?

I pray today we're one with Christ.

I'm hurt, so much, indeed.

---

Is this wide world a better place,

or have I made it worse?

Is my life something God can bless -

or is it just a curse?

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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July 12, 2015

Without A Single Fear 7-12-15

While resting in a field of grass,

I pray, "Almighty God,

The breezes blow in constant waves.

I find it somewhat odd -

I find it odd that grasses bend

and give in to the breeze.

I find it odd that they don't fight,

Are they the least of these?"

God's answer was immediate

as I searched deep inside.

Did I move with the breezes too?

Did I have faults to hide?

Did breezes blow me to and fro?

Did I bend as the field?

Do sins of old and sins anew

keep me from being healed?

Determined then to live correct

in world that isn't 'just' -

I must live life as Jesus did.

Forgiveness is a must.

Oh, there's no doubt that I was wronged

and plagues will follow me,

but faithfully I'll follow Him

and live life reverently.

With elbow on soft, velvet grass

and hand against my ear,

while resting on the greenest slope,

my wishes disappear.

Earth passes now, or so it seems,

as I am resting here,

without concern or troubled angst,

without a single fear.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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July 3, 2015

Creation's Clue 7-3-15

Accept, do I, the words I've heard,

with most correct, but some absurd?

Accept, do I, decision's fate

and all the problems I create?

Accept, do I, the sunset's hue,

that grass is green and leaves are too?

Accept, do I, my primrose path,

my grave mistakes that mandate wrath?

Accept, do I, the brilliant rose,

that it is covered when it snows?

Accept, do I, that winters bring

a certain death 'til warming spring?

Accept, do I, a baby's smile

and baby's laugh that's so worthwhile?

Accept, do I, all I behold,

that truth and love are good to hold?

Accept, do I, creation's clues,

so why not my Creator too!?

Accept, do I, confession's face,

repentant tears, redeeming grace?

Accept, do I, the guilt I hold,

that as days pass, I'm getting old?

Accept, do I, my sovereign God

before I'm laid here under sod?

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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June 20, 2015

Rev. Billy Graham 6-20-15

It seems like only yesterday

when I was sitting there -

with black and white TV turned on -

where one man came to share...

Connected, were the speakers (to

a single microphone) -

that echoed over massive crowds

as seeds of truth were sown.

The seeds from God's own Holy Word

were falling on the ears -

of ev'ry soul attending there

throughout those many years.

The overcrowded stadiums

held people, young and old,

who listened quite intently to

the words that they were told...

...so everyone could know the Christ

that He was speaking of.

His sermons were straight-forward, bold

and unabashed with love.

He loved the Christ who lived to help

the poor, the sick, the weak -

who died to save us from our sins -

then rose for those who seek.

Familiar, that distinguished voice

that boldly spoke the truth.

Familiar was that humble man

who loved the aged and youth.

And as the alter call was sang

through tears, "Just As I Am" -

repentant souls in thousands came

to be with Billy Graham.

My eyes still well with many tears

as I look back and see -

a man who loved as Jesus did

through black and white TV.

It seems like only yesterday

when I was sitting there -

with black and white TV turned on -

where one man came to share...

---

Thank you Rev. Billy Graham

for your many decades

of unselfish, faithful service

preaching His Word that never fades.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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May 27, 2015