Voices 2-23-08

Do we read our Bibles, fold our hands,

but then forget God's great commands?

I look around our little church,

do a headcount, do a search

of each and every person there -

then ask myself, "Do we not care?"

Okay I know, I'm not to judge -

but wonder if God holds a grudge.

If God is love please tell me this -

why killing infants we dismiss?

No, the unborn cannot speak

and each is weak and so unique.

I wonder if those cries of pain

will always call to me in vain?

While fervently I pray for life -

another's lost under a knife.

Is it my fault? What have I done?

Does my vote count? I have but one.

For years and years and years and years

their cries have fallen on deaf ears....

Would I, for someone, take this cross

when that is someone else's loss?

So softens, as we wayward drift,

the echo's from His gracious gift.

Oh, some might say it's so absurd -

but was it His small voice I heard?

Our rights, oh, we'll grease and grease

while legal infants' voices cease.

Created in His image too,

their one lone right.  Is that not due?

While squeaky wheels take the oil,

the unborn are financial spoil.

Thrown out in waste cans with the trash,

replaced with dirty filthy cash.

Can I not care year after year -

nor shed again just one more tear?

Will tears no longer find my cheeks?

Do I ignore when His voice speaks?

I'm saddened I have so succumbed

to selfish ones who beat their drums.

I get accustomed, sing my praise -

while others vote their selfish ways.

We go to work. We go to schools.

We follow all their subtle rules,

Time consumes us - sun to suns.

Will God still lift us lazy ones?

When we accept another's choice,

do we not hear God's still small voice?

Do we sing hymns in mindless ease -

or really love the least of these?

Do we read Bibles, fold our hands,

but then ignore God's great commands?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 6:46 (NASB)

"Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?”

Matthew 25:40 (NASB) 
 "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you,

to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'"

Z 2-22-08

‘Z’ is last - but not in this poem!

Letters take thought and patience to grow 'em.

‘A’ seems reserved for its special space,

and may have tantrums if not in first place.

Twenty-five letters still have to be passed,

to find that lone ‘Z’ which was meant to be last.

I ponder the meaning of last and not first,

and wonder at one point if ‘Z’ had been cursed.

But ‘Z’, in this poem has gotten first place.

Hopefully that puts a smile on its face!

The day will soon come where first will be last,

the last will be first and won’t be surpassed.

Now here is a secret so keep your eyes peeled.
Just maybe you’ll find every letter revealed.

It was quite a chore to mix letters this way,

but this time - in last place - you'll find letter ‘A’.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Every letter can be found in this poem.
If you need help, here are the answers:
A - "A"
B - But
C - patienCe
D - reserveD
E - poEm
F - First
G - Grow
H - tHis
I - Is
J - Just
K - taKe
L - Last
M - poeM
N - Not
O - nOt
P - Poem
Q - Quite
R - letteRs
S - laSt
T - lasT
U - bUt
V - reserVed
W - groW
X - miX
Y - maY
Z - "Z"

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Mark 9:(NASB)

34 But they kept silent,
for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.

35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them,
"If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."

36 Taking a child, He set him before them,
and taking him in His arms, He said to them,

37 "Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me;
and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me."

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Will I See You? 2-21-08

.
Will I see you in Heaven?
Will I see you up there?
I love you my son.
Do you really not care?

It's hard, often times,
to find something to say,
And difficult too -
for my love to convey.

You are often busy.
You're working too hard,
Running on errands
and cleaning your yard.

Have you no more time
to come by and see me?
If we could change places
just how would that be?

Yes, what if the tables
were turned just a bit,
And you were in my shoes -
would you then admit,

That all of the efforts
I made to see you,
Were ever so feeble
and long overdue.

Oh, I am not perfect.
Not one little bit.
And I am not lonely -
as I sit and knit.

I pray and thank Him
for all He has given.
While you are unhappy,
I am forgiven.

But if you were here,
I would tell you right now,
"Repent of your troubles -
And I'd show you how."

I'd tell you 'bout Jesus -
resurrection and such,
And then too, you'd feel
the great Master's touch.

I love you my son
so please don't stay away.
Come right on over -
and do not delay.

Will I see you in Heaven?
Will I see you up there?
I love you my son.
I will keep you in prayer.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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Working Faith 2-9-08

.
Why is faith without works always dead?
Does only God work in my future ahead?
Was I only created for church and fluff,
and am I (in His image) not good enough?

Did Jesus do nothing - but only believed,
and sweat drops like blood, but never received,
the whippings, the insults, the anger and scorns,
the judgment, the nails, the sharp crown of thorns?

If sweat were sufficient then where would I be -
without His great work on that cross just for me?
His faith produced work - and the love in God's grace,
forgave me right here as He hung in disgrace.

"Forgive them," He said, "they know not what they do."
The work was soon finished - for me and for you.
"Abba, Father!!" to God Jesus cried!!
Yes, God worked a miracle - and then Jesus died.

So can miracles happen if I only believe,
sit on my hands, excuses to weave?
If I'm to be Christ-like, if I'm to show love -
the work found within me gets strength from above.

Yes, faith without works will always be dead -
but don't believe me, for that's what God said.
I'm made in His image. I can't sit around.
And where there is need, Lord, let me be found!

Do I leave my neighbors with, "Have a nice day"
or bring them to Jesus in my special way?
In His image - in my own special place,
He gave me a mission none else can replace.

To grasp His faith, His work, His loss,
I, in His image, must too bear my cross.
I’m a mere nothing but a void, hollow shell,
unless true working faith brings His miracle...

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Genesis 5:1(KJ)
"This is the book of the generations of Adam.
In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;"

James 2:26 (NASB)
"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."

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Now Me 2-3-08

I say that I love Jesus, and pray to Him each day.

But how can I love Jesus when I'm going my own way?

Do I really trust Him now, and do I really share -

Or ignore the 'least of these' and really do not care?

Can I wait another day to save a soul from death?

But who gives me tomorrow when I'm guaranteed no breath?

So why do I hold onto what - enslaves me to my wants?

And why do I so selfishly - hold to what Satan flaunts?

I cry when I see Jesus - who I've replaced with toys...

I cry when all alone I sit - without His greatest joys...

I cry when I see Jesus - my actions all deny...

I cry when I look to the cross - against the darkened sky...

I cry when I see Jesus - who I've replaced with chores...

I cry when all alone I sit - while blessings He outpours...

I cry when I see Jesus - I fall upon my face...

I cry when I look at His love - unbridled by His grace...

I cry when I see Jesus. My faults, can list them all...

I cry when I look to His face - and how He took my fall...

I cry when I see Jesus - my efforts fall short of...

I cry when I look to His face - yet floods me with His love...

I cry to Him when I am down. I cry to Him up there.

I cry to Him. I cry to Him. I cry my every prayer...

I cry when I am fastened down - as sin has tempted me...

I cry when I look to His face. From chains He sets me free!

I say that I love Jesus, and pray to Him each day.

But how can I love Jesus when I'm going my own way?

Do I really trust Him now, and do I really share -

Or ignore the 'least of these'? So do I really care?

Can I wait just one more day - to save a soul from death?

But who gives me tomorrow when I'm guaranteed no breath?

So why do I hold onto what - enslaves me to my wants?

And why do I so selfishly - hold to what Satan flaunts?

My faith cannot be split in two. I am not on the fence.

I'm hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Does that make any sense?

I've heard - or cannot hear. I'm blind – or I can see.

I'm either trusting in my God - or not. He sends now me.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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VOTE 1-1-08

America - there is but one. She cannot be replaced;
should someday soon - may God forbid - it lay in terrors' waste.

Bloody bandages surround those stars that hold this voter free.
So many soldiers bravely fought, reserving this for me.

We research every candidate through study and in prayer,
then go record our only vote, lest weakened threads might tear.

No candidate is perfect, so heed this little clue:
Find the man who's honest. Is perfection all in you?

Some lay waste their privilege, and will not go and vote...
and how'd our Nation's Anthem sound, missing just one note?

My vote is too important - for many fought and died.
My vote cannot be purchased. My vote won't be denied.

I'll not vote my pocketbook nor vote what's best for me,
but rather focus on our flag - my country 'tis of thee.

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

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True Need 11-19-07

Everything I cannot see -
Wind, noise, heat or gravity.
Everything I cannot hear -
Clouds colliding far and near.

I can’t see all. I can’t hear all.
Gods all-knowing. Man is small.
I can’t smell all. I can’t taste all.
God is love, and man shall fall.

We can’t sniff out our way to crawl,
But we can see ourselves so tall.
We can’t hear a simple call.
So man denies and builds his wall.

God made the stars, the earth and sky,
And all creation does comply.
God made babies so they cry.
God made all - yet man asks, “Why?”

Man needs to touch. Man needs to feel.
But God is love. We need to heal.
God stands on love. We stand on sod.
And in His image, we need God.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Little Lesson 11-18-07

Do we attempt to “create” our own God? because we think we know what He should be doing or what is best for us or our “religion”? With all the mistakes I make, I’m glad God doesn’t always answer my prayers the way I think they should be answered….

---

I learned a little lesson. Let me share it with you now.
I should have told you years ago but didn't know quite how.

God is like the sunshine that blesses us for years,
Jesus, like the ocean breeze that dries our several tears.

God is faithful to us all. He doesn't fail or stray
He is like the morning sun that rises every day.

Jesus knows our troubles. He knows our every hope.
He knows which crosses we can bear. He knows that we can cope.

While death is like the darkness with troubles everywhere.
Life is like the sunshine - its brightness we all share.

This little lesson I had learned before my final day -
that I am not the 'Potter' - and God is not the clay.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Isaiah 29: 15-16 (NASB)
15Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, And whose deeds are done in a dark place, And they say, "Who sees us?" or "Who knows us?"
16You turn things around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay,
That what is made would say to its maker, "He did not make me"; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, "He has no understanding"

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Christmas Day 11-2-07

.

In a little manger lay,

a baby sleeping on the hay,

The Magi followed Heavens' star,

offered gifts and knelt to pray.

At that time - above the straw,

oh, to see what Shepherds saw:

A baby there, so weak and meek -

would one day bring the people awe.

The multitudes will follow Him,

one tries to seek Him from a limb.

He'd heal the sick and raise the dead,

until one day when all turns grim.

He rose again without a boast,

and then He sent the Holy Ghost.

Yes, every day's a special gift,

but Christmas day has brought us most.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Care To Carry 11-2-07

IN the pain of that cross - over Calvary's hill
I looked down around, but had loved you all still.
I saw all the multitude milling about -
And where you were standing, there is not a doubt.

Do you know where you were? Were you leading the band?
Right there up in front - with your sword firm in hand?
Or were you in back of that great multitude,
Indifferent to me? Do you know where you stood?

Through the pain of the cross - over Calvary's hill
I still look on down – but love you all still.
I see all the multitudes milling about
And where you're now standing, there is not a doubt.

Do you know where you stand? Do you now know the price?
Do you say that you love me but won't sacrifice?
Do you not know my burden? Do you not see my loss?
Do you not care for others nor carry your cross?

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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Forgive Me 10-28-07

I give you this - because I'm sorry,
for something that I've done.
I'm no angel. I'm not God,
nor perfect like His Son.

I am sorry. Please forgive me.
There's nothing I can pray.
Please believe me, I am sorry.
There's nothing more to say.

So many times - I've made mistakes.
And I've hurt you a lot.
From this I ask forgiveness from -
though I deserve it not.

I turn my eyes, on Jesus now,
I feel His loving grace.
Beneath the crown, between the nails,
I see His precious face.

My only hope?  You'll see in me,
what Jesus saw in you,
as He prayed "Father, forgive them for
they know not what they do."

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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In His Image 10-15-07

Before the birth, Father prepared Him a bed.
He then was born, as God created.
The young Boy played. Father gave Him drink and bread,
And nurtured Him, as He created.

This young Man grew. Father taught Him every thread,
And trained Him up, as He created.
This Man had served. Father's love was widely spread,
to the masses, as He created.

This Man was tried. Father's love had never fled,
from His people, as He created.
This Man was whipped. Father held Him as He bled,
and to the cross, as He created.

His Son was hung. Father's wrath was on His head,
first became last, as He created.
Dead and buried, Father lifted Him instead,
Last became first, as He created.

Yet now I live. Who knows my road ahead?
Those questions cry, as He created.
So I take up my cross - and am faithfully led,
in His image, as He created.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Genesis 1:27 (KJV)“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.”

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Focused Faith 10-10-07

.

I had the 'gift' but through my pride,

Rampant my thoughts - Heaven's gates wide.

Your grace saved, unlike the world, this wretched soul from sin.

I didn’t know – what are these voids within?

Forgive me, Lord! Please hear my cry,

But can I forgive? Do I comply?

If clouds would open up a bit and I could see this Heaven,

Would I now forgive - to seventy times seven?

Lord, I believe! In You I've heard,

Studied Scripture, memorized Your Word.

I don't speak as those Pharisee’s of old,

But firm on theology, has my love grown cold?

Increase my faith I cry, oh God!

I seek perfect peace - is that so odd?

But deaf and blind, clouds Your everlasting love.

Can I not see - or fix my eyes above?

Oh, ye of little faith neglect,

Heaven's things - but you, the earth reflect;

And you worry, to gain your Holy birth,

Focused not on Godly things, but rather things of earth.

Then humble me, dear Lord I pray,

To Your cross, draw me nearer – lest I wayward stray.

Dare I take up my simple cross and also teach,

During tribulation - find other souls to reach?

Through this small truth, I now can see,

And my ears hear the still, small voice of Thee;

I see You faithful on that cross. Love in voice I hear.

So may my body die of self - and focused faith run clear.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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FREEDOM 10-08-07

We are either slave or free. There is no in-between.
Freedom is not tangible, but surely it is seen -
seen on every human face, residing in the heart -
free from any slavery - when we all do our part.

Who can be part master - or be a part time slave -
or sometimes be a little wimp - at other times be brave?
Does freedom have a light switch that we turn off and on,
or is it the foundation that this Nation’s built upon?

Let no one now deceive us - as freedom must be pure,
for if it cracks or crumbles, then slavery is sure.
And let us not be selfish, but protect both young and old -
the innocent from anywhere - marching bravely, bold.

The world forgets so quickly - one man’s deceptive lie ,
who stole the lives of millions - who wouldn't hear their cry.
Many bury deep their heads while terrorists still stalk,
but there’s no time for politics. It’s time to walk the talk.

Jesus' talk was often bold and later He was nailed.
 He 'walked' in service to the cross, but freedom had prevailed.
  Freedom from satanic grip - though wars there'll always be -
until the wars in souls end, the world can't be free.

-----

Innocent children, women and men continue to be enslaved, tortured and killed.

Through sacrifice, support FREEDOM for all. Through America, let's build.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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My Shattered Heart 10-8-07

Something bad has happened,
I cannot shake this pain.
My heartache never goes away.
My actions are in vain.

There is no single answer.
Pain pierces to my core.
Math contains no formula.
Nothing helps me anymore.

When life has lost all purpose,
deceit lays waste my cause;
and lies have cursed true meaning,
I sit in thoughtful pause.

God, give me one last miracle!
This anguish weighs a ton.
Can the sun reverse a bit,
to turn back what I’ve done?

Everything submits to God,
His intelligent design.
Time is very precious -
and I know it isn’t mine.

I can’t retain a month or week.
A day can't be postponed.
An hour can't be purchased.
One second can't be owned.

Oh, to go back just this once,
and start anew again.
All has passed - forever gone.
I can’t erase the pen.

I hold my sad and shattered heart
in pieces 'til I die;
but His hands hold the nail scars
and hold me when I cry.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Moment To Smile 10-5-07

(A true story from southern Wisconsin - 2006-07)

Deep into the woods in my truck I seemed lost.
The brisk, chilly breeze was still holding the frost.
Because it was dried up and totally dead,
I decided to cut down this big tree instead.

The ants had been busy all over that tree,
before my big chain saw had made them all flee.
The noise and vibration and all the turmoil,
(had it happened to me, would have made my blood boil).

But they simply scattered if off to the races,
to other safe havens - to other safe places.
My muscles all ached from my head to my feet,
but I felt so content - with my job now complete.

It seemed that my actions were merely a bump,
to ants now so busy inside that tree stump
I wondered which one, if any, had won -
the ants or myself as I thought my job done.

As I sat on the gate of my rusty old truck,
loaded down heavy with logs - was now stuck -
and realized then that it's sometimes worthwhile,
to sit back a moment, a moment to smile.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Servants Love 10-5-07

.

I always keep my promises - if not, would be a crime;

Help me through it, through those “keeps”,

Time after time.

Bad news visits often. That's why you see me cower;

Help me through it, through those “visits”,

Hour after hour.

My employer wants me - yells, "HEY! HEY!! HEY!!!"

Help me through it, through those “wants”,

Day after Day.

The infants scream, when us they seek;

Help me through it, through their “screams”,

Week after Week.

Eleven people need my time. Everyone a tenth;

Help me through it, through those “needs”,

Month after month.

My health is failing. You know my greatest fear;

Help me through it, through all “failures”,

Year after year.

This funeral now - just for myself, will put me in a hole;

I know You'll love them through it all,

Soul after soul.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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As Your Son 10-4-07

.
I know You loved me from afar,
and lifted me, this soul from tar;
But I'm confused - so prove just how,
a Christ so GREAT - can humbly bow?

I smell the fragrance of Your world,
it excites me so - I've twirled and twirled;
Emotions shoot me up so high,
then drop so far - please hear my cry.

I taste the freedom from my sin,
I feel Your wonders deep within;
In life I've tasted fields' wheat -
to taste Your honey - is so sweet.

I hear Your voice in all I touch.
that still, small voice loves me so much;
You hear my cry from all sins mourns,
and find this rose - among the thorns.

I feel You knocking my hearts door,
I feel it pounding even more.
I've opened up, a little bit,
though faith is lacking - isn't it?

I see Your hand - the nail print,
I've cracked my door. Give me a hint.
A soul so lost, so dead - now free,
You gave me eyes - that I might see.

Should I go out and witness more,
beyond my house, beyond my door?
For if, by grace, the cross You won,
make me as faithful as Your Son....

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed,
"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Matthew 26:42
He went away a second time and prayed,
"My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.

Matthew 26:44
So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time,
saying the same thing.

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The REAL MAN 10-1-07

Some think that they are very tough

and know a thing or two.

They draw attention to themselves

so others notice too.

Some think that they are very tough

with muscles bulging out.

They flex for their own sole desires

so they won't go without.

Some think that they are very tough.

They think that they're so smart.

Enslaved to things they cannot keep,

raw anger finds their heart.

But some day they will sit alone -

to think about their clout.

The first is last, the last is first -

that's what it's all about:

But, through the cries of hate and lies

from "he-men" that are hurled,

A REAL MAN takes up his cross -

the hope above this world.

Yes, some will get so angry when

a REAL MAN loves truth.

A REAL MAN loves children,

their innocence and youth.

While others aren't responsible,

a REAL MAN won't hide.

A REAL MAN's humility -

will overcome all pride.

When others start to steal

a REAL MAN's own shirt,

A REAL MAN will turn away.

A REAL MAN will hurt.

A REAL MAN won't start a fight.

A REAL MAN's not weak.

A REAL MAN must feel the whip...

then turn the other cheek.

When others tear and gouge his flesh,

a REAL MAN won't sway -

for he will love his enemy.

A REAL MAN will pray.

A REAL MAN will bear the nails.

A REAL MAN will cry.

A REAL MAN will bear his cross.

A REAL MAN may die.

But a REAL MAN's forgiven

despite all he's denied -

and they can't kill the REAL MAN,

the REAL MAN inside.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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Matthew 5:11 (KJV)

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."

Mark 8:35 (KJV)

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.”

The T and nothing but the T 9-25-07

.
The T is not a score -
that changes in its core.
It IS the whole, nothing less and also nothing more.

T is not a history,
that lives a mystery.
God KNOWS every detail and through them He can see.

Now do not make a fuss.
This poem is for us.
Nothing we can do or say will change so don't discuss.

What's in your little head -
the universe instead?
What pride has taken you on down the 'primrose path' instead?

You believe you know it all.
Don't holler as you fall.
Only One can see your feeble fate and make the real call.

So we feel not at all,
That love that stands so tall.
We've axed God down with our own pride - glad to see Him fall.

Our boasting sure can part.
Our hearts so far apart,
And the truth from every niche - from the center of our heart.

T is not a big 'ol fish,
that grows from eager wish,
T is just the little one that hardly filled the dish.

Like drops in the bucket,
We really are all wet.
The ocean is the real truth. We're nothing as of yet.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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