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.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

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?

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

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.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

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?

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

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.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Sorry 5-27-15

A tot, I was and always free.

My toys were there and calling me.

I had no time to hear your stories.

And as a youngster, had some things -

toys and games, a slide and swings.

I had no time to hear your stories.

So busy, I, with teenage years

as music soothed my hungry ears.

I had no time to hear your stories.

Our wedding was a fancy one.

So proud we were of our first son.

I had no time to hear your stories.

I labored very hard at work,

but problems?  They would always lurk.

I had no time to hear your stories.

Then older, I had had some pains.

My stock was down.  I had few gains.

I had no time to hear your stories.

---

Oh calendar, Reverse the years,

reverse regrets, my sins and fears.

I now have time for many stories.

Once unaware, through breeze confess,

dead leaves that toss against me, press.

I now have time for many stories.

Through my excuses, alibis -

I knew in private of your cries.

I now have time for many stories.

Back here at home, at humble grave,

In tears, your stories now I crave.

I now have time for all your stories.

But time flies by and by, it slips -

so word repeated from my lips?

"Sorry."  "Sorry."  "Sorry."

©2015 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Still Thirsty 5-18-15

Through the desert I walked, still thirsty.

I was burned from the sun in the sky.

I was praying, "Dear Jesus, please help me!"

Yet my prayers dried away, but why...?

On hot sand I walked.  I was lonely

from results of my wide-sweeping sin.

I was praying, "Dear Jesus, please help me!"

as the sun burned my leather-like skin.

So I paused and I stood, so weary.

My sore feet burned each time I had stepped.

I was praying, "Dear Jesus, please help me!"

then fell on my face and I slept...

I dreamed there of safe haven's valley -

where the green grasses waved in the wind.

I was praying, "Dear Jesus, please help me!"

and repented, for I had sinned.

And dreamed of brook, to satisfy thirst,

where the bubbling waters were cool -

where I'd be last and put Jesus first -

but awoke to a world so cruel.

Awakened by breeze that caused me see

an oasis some distance away.

I was praying, "Dear Jesus, please help me!"

and promised Him I'd always stay.

I was drawn to that pool of water.

I in peered, but my face was a mess.

So washed as sun seemed much cooler.

I was happy that God had blessed.

I knew God could give me protection.

With countenance clean, I looked great!

The still water had given reflection

to an ego that none could deflate.

Through the desert I walked, still thirsty.

I was burned from the sun in the sky.

I was praying, "Dear Jesus, please help me!"

Yet my prayers dried away, but why...?

©2015 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Not Me & Not You 4-20-15

I may be old fashioned and that's why I'm shunned -

so don't stare there gawking, confused and so stunned.

Don't judge me because of my deafness and age.

Don't judge me because I may seem disengaged.

Don't judge me because of my old wrinkled face.

Don't judge me because I still live in this place.

Don't judge me because of the place where I work -

whether a bus-boy, a cashier or clerk.

Don't judge me because you've more money than I.

Don't judge me because I will frequently cry.

Don't judge me because of my father or mother -

my country, my neighbors, my sister or brother.

Don't judge my defining complete families -

one father, one mother with full liberties.

Don't judge me because of the car that I drive.

Don't judge me because I don't lie and connive.

Don't judge me because I'm no drunk or narcotic,

but proud and committed and most patriotic.

Don't judge me because I'll defend our top law,

our God-given rights that I hold up in awe.

Don't judge me when tears 'well up' into my eyes

whenever there's terror - as each child dies.

Don't judge me because I respect unborn life

and give of my morsels to slow down the strife.

Don't judge me because I've so little to give.

Don't judge me because I've so few years to live.

Don't judge me because of the morals you lack.

May modesty, love and respect return back.

Don't judge me because I will do no one harm.

Don't judge me because I live on a small farm.

Don't judge me because of the clothes that I wear.

Don't judge me because you will not hear me swear.

Don't judge me because I might be a bit shy,

don't envy your assets, cheat, steal or lie.

Don't judge me because I have faith in my God.

Don't judge me that day when I lie under sod.

Do you love your money, your laughter and fun?

Have you fed the hungry?  Hmm, what have you done?

Don't judge me because you have food on your shelf,

but look in the mirror and then judge yourself.

Look into your eyes - deep into your soul -

and see if there isn't one speck of dark coal.

Admit to yourself and Creator above -

that 'things' are but idols that pilfer your love.

Repent of your selfishness, envy and pride,

then give up your greed and embrace Heaven's side.

Contentment, you'll find, as your burdens decrease.

When Jesus comes into your heart, you'll find peace.

Don't face it, ignore it - but life ends.  It's true.

And God will be judging.  Not me and not you.

©2015 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish 11 (love) 4-16-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
The church seemed very quiet there
below each ocean wave -
and blessed, a special mother was,
because her son behaved.
He didn't whine, he didn't squirm,
he didn't make a sound -
and sat so still and reverently
when off'ring came around.

The doctor bills had taken all -
so money?  She had none.
The off'ring plate had passed her by
- but not her little son.
Inside his 'hand', his tiny fin
where heart and love enjoin,
a 'clink' had echoed through the church.
Dropped in, his little coin.

Her heart was heavy knowing that
she couldn't show more love -
by doing things for her small son
she thought the world of -
...like take him to some baseball games,
go camping after dark -
...like going on vacations,
or to amusement park.

Then after church, as sun came out,
as pastor shook each hand,
as mom and son had left the church -
the pastor didn't stand.
He knelt through socializing noise
with laughter in the air -
and shook the hand of her young boy,
there in his wheel chair.

That night when they knelt down to pray
for animal and bird -
and other fish throughout the sea,
his little voice, she heard.
Despite their plight, his pleading prayer
was for a hungry boy -
so fail, she did, containing tears
from overwhelming joy.

With tear-stained cheeks, so proud she was -
the way that he had prayed -
in humble, true sincerity -
with love for poor displayed.
His meager off'ring, God had blessed
as sleep had passed his way.
They say the ocean level rose -
a thousand tears that day.

Now folded up in closet dark,
a dusty wheelchair -
but wholesome legacy of love
is still expanding there -
where coins drop in the off'ring plates
below each ocean wave.
And blessed, a special mother is,
with treasured mem'ries saved.
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

love!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)
Grandpa Koi (introduced in story 08)
Farmer Flounder (introduced in story 08)
Catfish Jim (introduced in story 10)

Wish the Fish 10 (compassion) 4-5-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
He seemed to be at his wits end
when Wish the Fish said to his friend,
"Please be at peace in reverent mood.
Do not do drugs or eat junk food.
Chew up your food and do not choke
and do not drink or snort or smoke."

But listen?  Wish's friend did not.
Bad habits grew in him a lot.
He didn't try to change his ways
and he seemed always in a daze.
His friend was Catfish, Catfish Jim -
and habits got the best of him.

"Just stay away!  Leave me alone.
Your voice has a disdainful tone.
Don't preach to me and do not call.
You always think you know it all.
Keep all your morals to yourself.
Leave me alone.  I love myself."

So Wish the Fish went on his way.
And time went on - day after day.
He prayed for Catfish Jim, of course,
to Father God, creation's source.
But facts of life are always true.
The same for me.  The same for you.

Are we diff'rent?  Are we special?
Do we expect a miracle?
Well, Jim called from the hospital.
He said, "I'm down... feeling awful."
Wish visited, but things looked grim.
There looking sad, was Catfish Jim.

"The doctor says that there's no hope.
I can't survive this downward slope.
I wish, good habits, I'd exchanged -
for good ones.  How I wish I'd changed.
You tried to help - so thank you Wish.
You tried to warn this stubborn fish."

Well, God will often answer prayer
and blesses us in loving care
that brings new hope and miracles
and stands us up on pinnacles.
New life for Catfish had begun.
He testifies to everyone!
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

compassion!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)
Grandpa Koi (introduced in story 08)
Farmer Flounder (introduced in story 08)
Catfish Jim (introduced in story 10)

Wish the Fish 09 (integrity) 4-2-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
To show respect, they all stood up.
Wish wished this day would pass.
It couldn't be!  But yes, it was!
The judge was Big Mouth Bass!

The prosecutor raised his voice,
"His reputation's filthy!
He brags, he cheats, he steals, he lies.
He's guilty, guilty, guilty!

"I'll prove beyond a shadow's doubt -
That Wish is a disgrace!
His actions have dishonored us!
I know we'll win this case."

Well, Wish the Fish was quite perplexed
at all the accusations.
He didn't want to be in court
guarding reputation.

These 'trumped up' charges couldn't be.
His character was strong!
Profusely, Wish was sweating now -
with bubbles large and long.

But something odd occurred just then.
As far as eye could see,
a line so long it wrapped the town -
parading endlessly.

And one by one they took the stand -
(character witnesses).
They told the judge just who Wish was
in lauding sentences.

They said that Wish was honest and
he never misbehaved.
They said he had integrity
and to the poor, he gave.

He turned red with embarrassment
at their kind words he heard.
And never had a court seen this.
It really was absurd.

They gave such praise at who he was
it seemed so very weird.
For such a long time this went on
that Wish had grown a beard.

Judge Big Mouth Bass thought very hard.
He fought himself inside.
Would Wish the Fish be guilty now?
Which way would he decide?

Judge Bass made his decision then.
It went something like this:
"I don't like Wish - but know him well.
All charges I dismiss."
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

integrity!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)
Grandpa Koi (introduced in story 08)
Farmer Flounder (introduced in story 08)

Wish the Fish 08 (charity) 3-24-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
Oh, Grandpa Koi liked serving folks.
He lent a helping hand
to clients, neighbors, churches -
but did they understand?

He helped because they needed him.
He helped all those he could.
He helped the poor and rich alike
because he knew he should.

For years and years he served them all -
four decades plus, in fact.
He had a real joy in it.
It was a Godly act.

Then one day something bad occurred
that took all that he had.
And that's when Koi could help no more -
so then they thought him bad.

So Grandpa Koi, now penniless,
was nowhere to be found -
but they demanded he come forth -
and stop fooling around.

They had new cars and houses too.
They had high paying jobs.
They had each gadget they could buy.
They acted just like snobs.

While they were living for themselves,
with gossiping abuzz,
the talk 'round town was Grandpa Koi
and it was all because...

...things got so bad that what they had
was rusting all away.
If Grandpa Koi was still around
they'd have some words to say!

But Koi could not afford to stay.
He moved from the grandeur
into a place with many needs -
the 'least of these', the poor.

Away from greed and selfishness,
away from beast and witch -
where friendships grew in peace and love,
that thrived despite the rich.

The Sunfish was a caring nurse.
The Trout and Koi were cooks
preparing food that Flounder grew -
while Wish wrote children's books.

Respect had crossed all racial lines
from one fish to another.
Then love and joy had filled their hearts
with smiles at each other.

The fish that Koi once lived with were
now frightened and subdued -
entangled in earth's mortal nets...
while fighting over food.

---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

charity!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)
Grandpa Koi (introduced in story 08)
Farmer Flounder (introduced in story 08)

Pelicans to Parasols 3-20-15

A young and pretty girl sat

with elegance and grace,

pretending to be drinking tea

in soft pink bows and lace.

Her left hand held a parasol.
Her right hand held her tea -
when gust of wind had come along
and parasol flew free.

It's light and fragile beauty soared

along with ocean breeze -

drew notice of two pelicans

above the rippled seas.

She jumped up from her plastic chair

quite shocked at what occurred.

As wind gusts blew, it skipped along.

She chased it undeterred.

The pelicans cared not a whit

to parasol she sought.

Important though, her mission was,

that parasol be caught.

Her footprints in the pure white sand

had evidenced her will,

to catch that treasured parasol

that she was chasing still.

---

I wonder - do we race through life
for something temporal -
on our lone life's long endless beach,
chasing something futile?

I wonder - have we failed to see

our true priority -

at banquet table with our God

and His thirst-quenching tea?

Temptation's winds deceive us to

our pretty parasols.

Are we so busy chasing them

we're deaf when Jesus calls?

Past pelicans to parasols,
we chase for things we strive.
But woe to those of us who are -
when death and Christ arrive.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish 07 (dignity) 3-17-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
It came about, Wish heard a shout
from deep inside the school
right after Shark made his remark
that Big Mouth thought was cruel.

Well, Big Mouth's rants were over pants
that sagged excessively.
He didn't care his underwear
was bared for all to see.

Now Wish showed up with coffee cup
and sat down at his desk.
It was obscene the sight he'd seen
and thought it most grotesque.

He wished he could, then knew he should -
a lesson he must teach.
He thought awhile, then slyly smiled,
and gave this little speech:

My fellow students:

Now Big Mouth Bass exemplifies all here that is fallacious
in this lone, revered world we live, in which we all must share.
His iconoclastic approach to our collective wisdom in this omnipotent environment
brought him to a definitive conclusion from which he seems not much to care.

He has a parsimonious view of others which has resulted in an entrenched desire
to expose a recrementitius portion of his (uh-hum) 'person' to others
exhibiting a total disregard and total desertion of any minuscule respect he may have had
and has brought us to this point in time, my fellow sisters and  brothers.
.
His absence of etiquette - not to mention his failure to bow or tip the hat, et-cet-er-a, was as a prelude
to the selfish conclusion that he knowingly exhibits upon the rest of us - is no myth.
His abominable act warrants an immediate reward of retribution for his present expose'
and as such deserves to be exercised accordingly- now, right here, forthwith.

Wish stopped, then sat - and after that
things went along quite well
for Bass's mom and dad came by
right after classroom bell.

Of 'cultured' stuff, they'd had enough -
hence screams most inhumane.
But then, when through, he answered to
the teacher, clear and plain.

Abide, he did, when Shark forbid
him showing underwear.
Yes, Bass reflected full respect
and wore his pants with care.

His seat had burned from lesson learned.
We knew that Bass was tanned.
Though pants had fit he couldn't sit.
Poor Big Mouth had to stand.
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

dignity!
(do not confuse 'dignity' with 'pride')

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)

Wish the Fish 06 (patience) 3-12-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---
Said mom to her small hungry fish,
(her son, who we all know as 'Wish'),
"I'm sure you're hungry.  That is why
I'm baking you an apple pie."

Now Wish knew moms weren't very fast.
She'd answer, "Soon." if he had asked.
He couldn't wait for pie to bake,
so he, a different route, would take.

Inside his fist, inside his hand
Wish held a lonely quarter and
he headed for the big front door,

from his own house, to candy store.

Forever, it had seemed to take.
First running, quickly, then to brake -
in front of house, where sidewalk's ends -
was end of line with all his friends.

It couldn't be!  It couldn't be!
The candy store, he couldn't see.
The store was far, the line ten blocks -
backed right up to his mail box.

Yes, quite a ways away it was,
but candy store would be abuzz
with other fish with gills (not lungs).
They'd crave for sweets upon their tongues.

Excited Wish, at any rate,
for his sweet treats, just couldn't wait.
For candy bar- or two or three,
his mouth had watered hungrily.

He dreamed of creamy cho-co-lates,
filled with car-a-mel and nuts -
and covered deep with sprinkles too -
mouth-watering to taste and chew...

But snail's pace, the line moved slow...
and - seemed - to - a - slow - mo-tion - go.
The minutes dragged in stagnant ways.
So passed the hours - and then the days...

By this time Wish's feet were draggin',
eyes drooped dark, no tail waggin'.
He lost his quarter, lost his comb,
became so tired... so crawled back home.

He said, "Please mom, I am so weak...
I haven't eaten for a week."
Wish asked for pie through hungry yawn -
but then mom said, "That pie's long gone!"
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

patience!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)

Wish the Fish 05 (courage) 3-9-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---

Now Big Mouth Bass, it came about,
made fun of Wish's friend, the Trout.
Sarcastically, he bullied him,
then pushed him hard, again, again.

The Trout had fallen, hurt his side.
"I did not do it." Big Mouth lied.
He threatened Wish with piercing stare,
"You will not talk.  You wouldn't dare."

Now Sunfish was a pretty thing.
She swam around and loved to sing.
The Trout was lying in the dirt
She cared for him - for he was hurt.

Wish saw it all but didn't tell
when teacher rang the school bell.
The teacher's name was Spark the Shark.
He was as strict as his own bark.

About Trout, teacher Shark had learned -
so then to Wish the teacher turned.
"Please say exactly what you saw."
That stunned poor Wish.  It dropped his jaw.

Yes, just because of what he'd seen,
he -rock and hard place- was between.
Between Big Mouth and teacher here,
poor Wish was petrified in fear.

He couldn't breathe.  He started rockin'.
Loudly, both his knees were knockin'.
Then Wish sweat fervent beads of air.
Both Shark and Bass stared at him there.

The whole class was concerned for Trout.
Shark asked again, "What's this about?
So difficult, Wish in this spot -
oh, should he lie... or should he not?

About Trout, Wish had also cared -
but now was really, really scared.
"Well?" asked teacher yet again
while Big Mouth wore his evil grin...

If Big Mouth got away with it,
could future fish he shove get hurt?
What if, by chance, a fish should die?
And how'd he feel if he did lie?

Through courage then, Wish blurted out,
"He pushed him!  Big Mouth hurt the Trout!"
Then Wish, a little bit perplexed
was startled at what happened next.

Applause broke out throughout the class
defending Wish from Big Mouth Bass!
All practiced, they, the 'golden rule'
which brought peace back throughout the school.
---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate,

courage!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)
Sunfish (introduced in story 05)
Spark the Shark (introduced in story 05)

Wish the Fish 04 (respect) 3-6-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---

In Fish Hook City down below

the ocean waves and ocean's flow -

are diff'rent colored fish in schools

who made a slew of bizarre rules.

Now Wish the Fish?  Mostly greenish -

avoided colored fish of bluish,

pinkish, reddish, brownish, whitish,

blackish, (well, you get the pictureish).

So anyway, Wish grew learning

how to judge without discerning.

Although he harbored little hate,

he learned how to discriminate.

He elevated self with pride

until there was a huge divide

between the greenish tone of Wish

and other hues of other fish.

His attitude of disrespect

was obviously incorrect

but Wish, a racist, had become.

He was naive, pathetic, dumb.

Wish came across a colored 'Trout'

and said something to think about

and Wish was firm down to his soul.

He said the rules gave him control.

He said those words, not once, but twice

They were not good and were not nice.

But then he heard that fish's cry

and felt so bad, he wished he'd die.

So Wish cried off proud scales that day.

They fell like rain and that gave way

to great respect for ev'ry kind

of fish that Wish could ever find.

Wish asked forgiveness on the spot

and his reward?  New friend he got.

So that's how Trout became a friend

who trusted Wish.  And that's "The End".

---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate

respect!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Trout (introduced in story 04)

Wish the Fish 03 (contentment) 3-5-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---

Wish wasn't mean and wasn't bad -

but wanted things that others' had.

So Wish the Fish was not content

but had no money.  Not one cent.

And to his mother, he would fuss.

His friend's things made him envious.

Content, he wasn't, (without toys).

He longed to be "one of the boys"

Now his best friend was 'Big Mouth Bass'

He bragged a lot and he was crass.

And Wish the Fish was very sad

when he saw what his best friend had.

So then Wish asked of his best friend,

"Could you, to me, some money lend?"

How Wish's eyes got larger when

his friend pulled out a big green 'ten'.

But after getting his new game,

our Wish the Fish was not the same.

He told his mom it was routine

to stare at a computer screen.

Mom said one day, "Go pay it back

or I'll unplug the power pack."

But after working many times,

Wish only made a mere two dimes.

"Nine dollars, eighty cents to go."

Wish learned a lesson most don't know -
that money, on trees, doesn't grow.

It's wrong to borrow lots of dough.

Our 'wants' will always make demand.

Wish learned that very lesson and

confessed he did, then repented,

paid it back, became contented.

---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate

contentment!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)
Big Mouth Bass (introduced in story 03)

Wish the Fish 02 (chores) 2-27-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---

One day mom said, "Now do your chores.

I've done all mine.  Now you do yours.

Go make your bed, then get your broom

and sweep the seashells from your room."

Well, this made Wish the Fish quite sad.

He wondered if his friends all had.

And then he thought, "Hmm, could I take

a little swim, a little break?"

So careful not to stir the sand,

Wish swam right out his window and

off to his friend's, he took a look,

then saw a juicy worm on hook...

It dangled down in front of him.

It seemed so small and awfully slim.

But Wish was hungry.  He would eat

and took a bite which was so sweet...

But oh, the yank that pulled him out!

The hook had hurt!  Wish tried to shout.

"What happened here?" himself, he asked.

It all had happened very fast.

Wish flopped around there on the sand

before he knew what happened and

his gills were hurting from the air.

Wish flopped some more.  Did no one care?

And there he lay to his dismay.

Wish wished he hadn't swam away.

Oh, how he wished he had obeyed -

so on the sand, at last, he prayed...

Now Wish the Fish, could not be found.

His mom had searched and searched.  She frowned.

She was perplexed.  She was afraid.

And then, at last, she also prayed...

Oh, Wish the Fish would soon be dead

if hadn't been for this instead:

He heard a lower bass voice call,

"Just throw it back!  It's way too small!"

No longer bound by ugly sin,

our Wish the Fish could swim again!

He swam straight home - despite so weak -

hugged tight his mom and kissed her cheek.

---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate

their chores!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Wish the Fish (introduced in story 01)

Wish the Fish 01 (mom's advice) 2-26-15

ONCE upon a splashing time

a little fish wished he could rhyme.

But 'Wish the Fish' lived in the sea

and brought so much calamity.

---

Now Wish was just a little fish,

Blue, red, yellow - oh, and greenish.

He loved his mom 'cause she was nice

but sometimes gave too much advice.

Wish thought, so crude, the meals she stewed.

They tasted more like people food.

But mom said, "Eat.  Eat ev'ry bean."

Just eat until your plate is clean."

Now mom's advice to clean his plate

was wrong, Wish thought.  He seldom ate.

(He'd take his fork, scrape off her cookin' -

then hid it when she wasn't lookin').

So no, Wish didn't eat too much

until his hunger pangs were such

he gobbled down his candy bars

and emptied all mom's cookie jars.

The next day, ohhh, the stomach ache!

And then mom offered cream and cake.

Wish turned her down, not once, but twice

and wished he'd taken her advice.

---

The moral of this poem's great,

if this whole world would love, not hate:

mom's advice!

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------