A Loving Kiss 11-27-06

There sits a mom - without her baby,
hands clasp and trembling in her lap alone;
She still ponders how it could have happened,
and now can't hold the girl she could have known,

There sits a dad crying deep inside,
the girl who 'could have been' is but a blur.
Torments endless curses keep him hanging,
on absent memories that just never were.

There's a child who never saw her parents -
was not allowed a single hug to give;
Nor allowed to say, "I love you mommy."
She had no rights - not even just to live....

Forever lost - a life of innocence -
receiving, not one speck of human love!
Yes, pain and sorrow is all around us,
but God’s in control. He waits there up above.

We fall short and fail - believe it's over.
Sadness ruptures the heart of every size.
Heartache spawns yet more excessive sorrow,
all caused by deaths dark cold, black, evil lies.

Understand one thing - that we aren't perfect.
Nowhere can we turn our vain and evil face!
There's no hope to quell one sin within us,
except by faith in Him who showers grace.

Our possessions will rot and turn to dust,
but forgiveness comes - from the God of peace!
Persevere through faith - your full trust in Him.
His love is full and it will never cease.

There's a child who never saw her mother,
but forever, we must remember this;
That God, in love, reached down and took her -
and gave her, in His arms, a loving kiss.

©2006 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Timothy 1:5 (NASB)
“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart 
and a good conscience 
and a sincere faith.”

The Candle 7-28-06

I know I'm but a candle,
pulled from a little box,
and set among the vexing thorns
in this big world of rocks.
Then being weary, I sat down
in shading of a tree -
and there in shadow of my sin,
I sat in misery.

I thought I had the answers too,
but did not have the spark.
I sat alone in torment then -
cold, ignorant, dark.
I was an unlit candle
and not worth anything
until one day I saw the light -
from under thorns, a King!

I sat among the shadows, black -
but flicker in His Word
had stunned me when it whispered -
and still, small voice I heard.
That Light had died for just three days,
but showered me with grace,
and love was lit throughout the world,
to all the human race.

When I stepped out and saw the light
from under that old tree,
right then was lit with flames of hope -
which made me wholly free!
Oh yes, a strange thing happened -
and happened long ago.
My ears could hear, my eyes could see,
His warmth in all its glow.

My heart was lit and came to life -
though just a humble light -
but with the flames from all of us,
He shines so very bright.
I light the places where I go.
It is my job you see,
to be a Christian candle.
There's nothing else to be.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

John 8:12
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “ I am the Light of the world;
he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."

John 12:46
" I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”

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Consider it 7-26-06

.
Consider it a privilege –
For not one prayer to Heaven is unheard.

Consider it helpful -
For those times you’re taught by God's Word.

Consider it love -
For His grace is sufficient for all.

Consider it joyous -
For His wonders.

Consider it peaceful -
For seeing His forgiveness.

Consider it patience -
For those times you instruct others.

Consider it kind -
For helping those in need.

Consider it good -
For experiencing trials.

Consider it faithful -
For being a servant of God.

Consider it worthy -
For being a child of God.

Consider anything at all -
For no one in the graveyard can.

©2006 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Lost Sheep 7-18-06

Like a lost sheep, and all alone - sins danger followed me;
And crept along in shadows dark, although I didn't see.

I made my way along life’s path not knowing where I'd go;
But, oh, the farther I traversed - the danger sure did grow.

One day unexpectedly, when I was down and out;
I threw my hands up in the air and lost it all in doubt.

Now you will not believe this. You'll just look at me and stare;
But something lifted, raised me up while my hands were in the air....

I found myself among my friends sitting in this very fold;
So now I'm sitting in the warmth of love - not out there in the cold.

Yes, He found and lifted me and brought me to this shore;
-And now I live a life that's free where dangers are no more.

He rejoices - I was found - more than the ninety-nine...
Rejoicing lifts my heart now too, as I'm added to His vine.

We all were lost among the thorns, but we, through Him, were found.
The Shepherd has us in His fold - now going homeward bound.

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

Luke 15: (NASB)
4 "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
5"When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'
7"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

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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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