Clouds Of Grace 10-29-16

The seconds seem to march on by

as I lay in my bed.

The still, dark room surrounds me as

life's chaos fills my head.

I sought God's great forgiveness here

and prayed His 'will' be done.

I sought His endless blessings too -

His each and every one.

Awakened in the dead of night

brings pain and misery.

Those pins and needles sting me like

a million honey bee.

There's something in my eyes that runs

right down my wrinkled cheeks.

The seconds turn to minutes and

then hours into weeks.

The weeks turn into months and years

as I lay on my bed.

I hear the ticking of the clock

as life hangs by a thread.

A thread that is so fragile and

holds every thought that comes -

and pounds into my painful ears

like noisy, marching drums.

I try to shut my eyes and sleep,

but through the pain and flack -

my tears still win the battle, though

I've tried to hold them back.

My head begins exploding with

anxiety attack,

but so as not to live regret

I yank my muscles back.

This horrid pain has hit me like

a ton or two of brick -

that brings more torture to my ears

with every single 'tick'.

I sought God's will through faithful hope

but must accept this quest -

that when my fragile thread does snap,

I find that God has blessed.

Not maybe how I thought He would -
because this world harms.
But when that fragile thread does snap -
I'll find I'm in His arms.

For Christ endured this torture too.

He knows just how I feel.

So faithfully He carries me

and brings my heart to heal.

He holds me up, takes tension off

that single fragile thread,

so I can float on clouds of grace

that quell my pain instead.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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In Your Image 10-22-16

You made me in Your image Lord,

but I broke through the mold.

I thought my way was better so

I didn't do as told.

I lived in curiosity

when I was just a child.

I grew up wanting everything,

was selfish and was wild.

I lived in all my foolishness
and put myself in bubble.

And when I drew my idols in -

it got me into trouble.

One rainy day my bubble burst

and so I sat depressed.

Drenching wet I swallowed pride

that should have been addressed.

If I could start all over Lord,

I'd listen and obey.

And that way I would not be in

the fix I am today.
You'd make me in Your image Lord.

I wouldn't break the mold.

I'd know your way was better and

I'd do as I was told.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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An Attitude Of Prayer 9-24-16

The sun was hot.  There was no breeze.

It seemed that nature died -

except annoying croaking frogs

that tore me up inside.

And then those pesky chirping birds

kept on and wouldn't quit!

The peace and quiet fell away.

I thought I'd have a fit.

Emotions begged for me to scream

but logic's chains were fixed.

It seemed that I was torn in two

as all the truths were mixed.

A duck was splashing water and the

crickets pierced my ears.

I even heard a car horn then

that brought me close to tears.

Enjoy the outdoors?  I could not.

The banks were on my heels!

And though I was not guilty, they

had voided my appeals.

My mind was racing to and fro.

I willed to run away -

where I could start a brand new life

where peaceful was the day.

Then wings of sev'ral hummingbirds

had winnowed that still air

which moved me ever closer to

an attitude of prayer.

They seemed to not be bothered by

the things that bothered me.

I once was blinded by this earth...

but now, at last, I'm free!

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Very Same Dreams 9-3-16

We fam'lies of leaves were hanging in trees.
Each fam'ly had dreams that were strange.
We all had our reasons for various seasons -

traditions that we wouldn't change.

Now none had predicted that we'd be conflicted

from each on our very own trees.

But roots had ambition to send us nutrition,

yet never a leaf could they please.

I also was one who was selfish with fun.

I knew it and God knew it too.

So loved He the world, a baby was curled,

in manger while chilly winds blew.

I was not above all the leaves of God's love.

No better was I than the rest.

So dropped. I to knees and prayed for all trees

and asked that all leaves would be blessed.

Yet root was the scholar, so it gave a holler

that not over it would they dwell.

The root, very tough, said he'd had enough -

and that's when the most of them fell.

Now when they sought Heaven they all were forgiven,

(at least that's what they had believed).

Yet oh, so enthralled, were the faithful God called -

but not those of them self-deceived.

Then one breezy day, winds tore us away.

We landed in faraway streams.

The next springtime rain it happened again,

when new leaves had very same dreams.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Liberty 8-27-16

It's a slippery slope

on which there's no hope

from the peak of pure liberty.

And just one exception

brings great tribulation

that most of the masses can't see.

Just one politician

that's on twisted mission

can push us down slippery slope.

And not one Republican

or Democrat can

throw out a life-saving rope.

For once we are thrown

out there on our own

there's no one who cares- not a whit.

When they start the fights

to take away rights -

we'd better climb back and not quit.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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In God I Trust 8-20-16

I thank you Jesus, for my birth

and all this beauty on Your earth -

for me to see.

Oh thank you Jesus, for these eyes -

though tears run down my cheeks from cries -

in thanks to thee.

I thank you Jesus, for soft song

when all the children sing along -

angelic grace.

And thank you Jesus, for these ears

as music soothes, then disappears

all I embrace.

I thank you Jesus, for my age

that's numbered here on final page

I can't oppose.

I thank you Jesus, for each breath

that You've blessed me up to my death,
as Heaven knows.

I thank you Jesus, for my life -

though others' sins that brought me strife

was so unjust.

But thank you Jesus, I'm restored

through grace and peace within You Lord.

In God I trust.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Just Like Them 8-13-16

I was a feather floating free

with all my friends and family.

I followed them.

I learned to fly.

I learned to lie

and blow around this empty sky -

...just like them.

In wind, I did a somersault -

was told that nothing was my fault.

I followed them.

Without a care,

I learned to swear

and then accepted any dare -

...just like them.

The wind had tossed me to and fro,

first left, then right you'd see me go.

I followed them.

I learned to think.

I learned to drink,

precariously on the brink -

...just like them.

The gusty wind had taken toll.

I found myself in deep, black hole.

I followed them.

Like feather in

the wayward wind,

but learned that day that I had sinned -

...just like them.

©2016 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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From Humble Root 7-30-16

A green and fragile leaf, was she

and unimportant she would be.

She was depressed.

For she was small, not very big

attached so lightly to a twig -

so she was blessed.

A small and simple twig was he

which held the leaf that waved so free.

He too depressed.

He feared, with wind he'd be detached,

yet to a branch, he was attached -

so he was blessed.

A small, but stable branch was there

which seemed to bend but didn't care.

It too depressed.

Afraid of wind, its life was grim

and so unlike the larger limb -

yet it was blessed.

A large and stable limb it was,

but it, unhappy too because,

it was depressed.

It exercised.  It was a 'hunk'

but wasn't an enormous trunk -

yet it was blessed.

A giant of a trunk was it?

It had opinions so unfit.

It too depressed.

It stood unmoved with haughty face

there over root on its own space -

so it was blessed.

Now root was happy.  It could sing.

It fed and nourished everything -

up to the leaves.

And it was not presumptuous

when it supplied its sustenance

to all the 'least of these'.

That root was humble under sod

and faithful to creation's God -

and it would thrive.

But then wind timbered trunk and tree!

Oh, what had happened?  Could it be

the root's alive...?

...to grow another tree, no doubt.

From humble root, a humble sprout.

Do you now see?
Take care then where your faith is at
so you do not end up like that
ol' timbered tree.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Study Notes for pastors & Bible Study groups:
The leaf, the twig, the branch, the limb and the trunk were not blessed because of what they were attached to - but rather because of the nourishment they received from the unseen root.  We are not blessed because of who or what (spouse, church, political party, elected officials, possessions, money) we are 'attached' to but rather we are blessed because of our Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done for us.  If our faith is in man or things, then one day we find ourselves on that ol' timbered tree.

ALL Children 7-23-16

Please help the little children Lord.

Bless each and ev'ry one.

Protect them from a world of hate,

from anger, sin and gun.

Resentment boils up from hell

and terrorizes earth

as wars break out like wildfires,

around another birth.

We clamor for position Lord,

we care for our own thirst.

We focus on our status, but

our blessings have been cursed.

You once had blessed America.
when we had trusted You.
But we have failed the "least of these"
and we all know it's true.

Please strip away our selfish pride

and fill us up with love -

and let us prove our charity

that we keep speaking of.

Why do we think that our kids are
much better than the rest?

ALL children are from You dear Lord -
the poor, the weak, oppressed.

Please help the little children Lord.

Bless each and ev'ry one.

Protect them from a world of hate,

from anger, sin and gun.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Mom's Pumpkin Pie! 7-22-16

When I was just a little lad,

I came inside from play.

Aroma met my little nose

on many, many day.

Oh my my!

Mom's pumpkin pie!

I rushed right to the kitchen and

the oven I had spied.

but it- completely empty.

I didn't quite know why.

Oh my my!

Mom's pumpkin pie!

The table top was all cleared off.

The window sill was too.

My hunger pangs were 'killing' me.

Oh, what was I to do?

Oh my my!

Mom's pumpkin pie!

It wasn't in the oven and

the counter top was bare.

With refrigerator empty,

it wasn't anywhere!.

Oh my my!

Mom's pumpkin pie!

"Hey!  Where's my pumpkin pie?" I yelled!

But there was ne'er a sound.

I yelled again.  The echo waned.

There was no one around.

Oh my my!

Mom's pumpkin pie!

Could it be at the neighbor's house?

Would mama have gone there?

What if my pie was just for them?

Oh no, she wouldn't dare!

Oh my my!

Mom's pumpkin pie!

I ran off to the neighbor's house.

I pounded on the door.

And then when they had opened it,

my jaw dropped to the floor.

Oh my my!

Mom's pumpkin pie!

And there it was- on table top -

as plain as 'one' could see.

Would she have given it to them?

Oh no!  It couldn't be.

Oh my my!

Mom's pumpkin pie!

I must have given hint away.

They must have seen a clue.

They then invited me to sit

so I could have some too!

Oh my my!

Mom's pumpkin pie!

But where was mom and where was dad?

Did they go to the store?

No.  They were in the pumpkin patch

so I could have some more!

Oh my my!

Mom's pumpkin pie!

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Treasure 7-12-16

Treasure beauty from the Maker.
Treasure color, sky and nature.

Treasure walks through endless park

among the winging meadowlark.

Treasure songbirds high on limbs.

Treasure words in humble hymns.

Treasure humming tunes though old
that weave through treetops, warm the cold.

Treasure long and endless streams.
Treasure optimistic dreams.
Treasure truth when grapes are crushed
and when all future hopes are hushed.

Treasure boys with antique toys.
Treasure them who have no poise.

Treasure girls with bouncing curls
while wearing mother's phony pearls.

Treasure those who aren't perfect.

Treasure them with due respect.

Treasure friends, so close to you
and loyal friendship through and through.

Treasure faithful servitude.

Treasure quiet solitude.

Treasure Bible's remedies

and treasure fondest memories.

Treasure all that life has penned.
Treasure pause at trail's end.
Treasure journey, near complete
and rest awhile on wooden seat.

Treasure prayer through sun and shower.
Treasure God in all His power.
Treasure resurrection's way
and Christ's ascension.  What a day!

Treasure blessings from before

Treasure our salvation more.

Treasure Christmas, it's true meaning -

and forgiveness with its healing.

Treasure autumn, winter, spring.

Treasure faith in everything.

Treasure God's tremendous grace -

for each and ev'ry human race.

Treasure not your earthly treasures.
Question not the way God measures.
Just treasure all creation's of.
It's wrapped in love from God above.

Treasure beauty from the Maker.
Treasure color, sky and nature.

Treasure walks through endless park

among the winging meadowlark.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

In Your Heart 7-2-16

The winds push clouds across the sky,

the winds too clear to view.

Results, I see, but not the wind -

so tell me, is wind true?

I stumbled and I dropped a shoe,

then dropped my other shoe.

And no, I can't see gravity -

so tell me, is it true?

The thunder rumbled through the sky.

It scared both goat and ewe.

Though loud, I can't see thundering -

so tell me, is it true?

I memorized math tables that

began with 'two plus two'.

I cannot see equations though,

so tell me, are they true?

The fragrances from flowers seem

to greet my nose as glue.

But I can't see the fragrances -

so tell me, are they true?

The coffee flavors?  Plentiful.
I taste a special brew.
But I can't see what I can taste,
so tell me, are they true?

A special feeling, special love,

for children and for you.

But once again, I can't see love -

so tell me, is it true?

Creation is spectacular.

It's Heaven's sneak preview.

But once again, I can't see God -

so tell me, is He true?

The physical and spiritual

seem much too far apart,

but you will know that it's all true

when God is in your heart.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 1:18-32 (NASB)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen,being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers,haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but alsogive hearty approval to those who practice them.

Your Great Reward 6-18-16

I prayed, "I was grabbed."

Jesus asked, "Were you nabbed?"

I said, "I was controlled."

Jesus asked, "Were you sold?"

I said, "I was teased."

Jesus asked, "Were you seized?"

I said, "I was stalked."

Jesus asked, "Were you mocked?"

I said, "I had cried."

Jesus asked, "Were you 'tried'?"

I said, "I was used."

Jesus asked, "Were you accused?"

I said, "They were cheatin'."

Jesus asked,"Were you beaten?"

I said, "I was stripped."

Jesus asked, "Were you whipped?"

I said, "I was jailed."

Jesus asked, "Were you nailed?"

(pause)

I said, "I sat in dung."

Jesus asked, "Were you hung?"

(pause)

I said, "I was a slave."

Jesus said, "I forgave."

(longer pause)

I said feebly, "I cried and cried..."

Jesus said, "I died."

With heavy heart, I said, "Forgive me."
Jesus said simply, "Follow me."

I repeated, "Forgive me please!"

And Jesus said, "The least of these."

I said, "To the truth, I've been asleep."
So Jesus said, "Come.  Feed my sheep."

Then I said, "I've been awakened."
Jesus added, "...but never forsaken."

I said, "I can see!  Heaven has opened up!"

Jesus said, "You are free.  Take my cup."

I said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord."

And Jesus said, "It is prepared- your great reward."

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Master Poet, The 6-12-16

Became a nightmare from a dream,
"Give us Barabbas!" was the scream.
If I was in that crowd that day,
would I have fought or run away?
Would I act like some animal?
Would I have been part of the brawl?
Would I, like Peter, tell a lie?
Would I deny, deny, deny?

The Master Poet's life?  A blur.

Misunderstood, His 'poems' were.
His verses soared away as birds.

Few understood His humble words.

Corrupted way before the lung,

and then deciphered off the tongue.

If it were me, what would I do?
His love for souls- oh was it true?

So nailed Him they, on cross, on hill.

Should Christ's bust be on pedestal?

With timbers rugged, timbers crossed,

He died up there and all seemed lost.
There were no melodies to hear.

There were no notes to bend the ear.

There was no music, nor a song.

There was no harp to play along.
---

His words we seldom understand.

Their meanings more than music and

the other things that thieve our days -

our busy lives and lazy ways.
His harmony we mustn't fear,

for Psalms are music to the ear.
Indeed, the Master Poet lives -
and gives and gives and gives and gives...

©2016 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 6:20 (KJV)
But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

Great White Knight, The 6-2-16

Came self-proclaimed, the Great White Knight -

and asked us all with him unite -

against the greater parasite -

the wicked snake of poisoned bite.

But it is 'he', I now indict -

exposing lies, none even trite -

with boast, with cuss, with sneer, with spite.

It's not okay and not alright.

I'd rather stand on moral height -

and never cease to do what's right -

not waving truce of coward's white -

but rather fight good freedom's fight.

For God's law is foundation's light -

exposing evil's vicious smite -

which violates the weak in fright -

all through the day and through the night.

Come forth, therefore, in all your might -

for God has blessed us with insight.

Though they both seem to be polite,

they're dangerous, as dynamite.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Do not continue to vote for the lesser, vile people

and then pray to God for mercy.

Find a Godly leader and then vote FOR him or her
and then pray for that leader.

Bankruptcy 5-17-16

Will I get any sleep tonight?

Not yes, or even maybe.

The guilty, though, they're able to,

just like a little baby...

My fist, I shake in anger at

those vile, demonic men -

who work their dark, subversive deeds,

deceiving folks again.

They rescued only wicked ones -

the ones 'too big to fail' -

ignoring all us little ones,

the poor, the weak, the frail.

But there's no power in my fist.

My patience has run thin.

I see those lips in all my dreams -

their evil, hellish grins.

My whole life's work is up in smoke.

My efforts all in vain.

The whole world sleeps while I alone

endure my endless pain.

I did my best to follow You -

though weary and run down.

I've walked the straight and narrow in

a world that's up-side-down.

Now my reward for honesty

is painful, sleepless nights.

I know now work is futile here

with token legal rights.

It seems that Satan won again

with His deceptive lies -

but all those crooks with evil grins

will find they're not as wise.

Their greed has brought us massive debt,

their pride, a moral mess.

Their love of money now bankrupts

this country You once blessed.

We've drowned in laws and legal briefs,

down to the gates of hell -

with burning stench of vile souls.

We can't escape the smell.

And though I've tried my whole life through

to shine Your Truth and Light,

they've fought me every minute here.

And even now they fight.

There's nothing more that they can take.
They've taken ev'ry dime.
They've drained my hope and energy.
They stole my precious time.

Your eyes shall pierce the Heavens and

judge each and every one.

My prayer is that they've lied enough

and final judgment's done.

So judge us now with Sodom and

love's lenience, do not serve.

But Lord, please guard Your little ones.

Sin's mess, they don't deserve.

Just as a thief comes in the night,

I'm ready, though I weep.

So very soon, please take me up -

while hardened sinners sleep.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 24:42-51 (NASB)

42 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 43 But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

45 “ Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 47 Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; 50 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, 51 and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

His Miracles 5-10-16

If, on this paper, I could pen

just one of God's creations, then,

it'd prove to all, His mighty hand -

His miracles on sea and land.

But how can I take fish or bird -

express their beauty in mere word?

Or on my paper, what remains

when grasping fragrance from spring rains?

Into my words, do rainbows melt?

Is, on my paper, sunshine felt?

Can words expose a flower's bloom?

Can page bring music to a room?

While we can see and smell and touch

and hear, we do not know so much.

Mere words are dark and empty holes

just like our dead and empty souls.

Our pride stands in the way of Christ

while we all think we've sacrificed!

So humbly pray to God above

through miracles of peace and love.

We're like mere words as body dies.

But spirits live above the skies

to see in Heaven all the more -

His miracles, like none before.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Traditions and emotions give, but if not hearts, we cannot live -

eternally in Heaven where, these things on earth do not compare.
~louis gander

The Pretty Purple Blossom 4-9-16

The pretty purple blossom bloomed one sunny springtime day

and as the others grumbled, this is what she had to say...

"Enjoy the warming sunshine and the view we get from here.

Just concentrate on Jesus now.  There's nothing more to fear."

But oh, the other blossoms argued in the stirring breeze,

"We're worried we'll get stung by bees or worried we might freeze.

We're on an old crab apple tree - not white or red or pink.

So why did God do this to us?  Life is unfair, we think."

---

The pretty purple blossom turned her petals to the sun

and as the others grumbled, her calm faithful words begun...

"Please let me rest in Jesus' arms and let the whole world be.

His blessings all surround us now.  Just look around and see."

But still, the blossoms argued underneath a darkened cloud,

"This shouldn't be permitted.  No, this shouldn't be allowed.

What if the storm clouds gather and the winds begin to stir?

What if the lightning strikes us or tornadoes should occur?"

---

The pretty purple blossom seemed to wink at growing wind

and as the others grumbled, there were many there who sinned...

"Please don't be anxious and annoyed at what you can't control.

Enjoy this day that God has giv'n and worry 'bout your soul."

And still, the blossoms argued as dark clouds began to form,

"See?  We were right!  We told you so!  Here comes a giant storm!

Now we are waving in the wind.  We heard your subtle scoff.

It won't be long before the wind will blow us blossoms off!"

---

The pretty purple blossom folded petals as she prayed

and as the others grumbled, she was not at all afraid...

"Who can you trust if not our God, creator of all things?

The winds have been a blessing now - turned branches into swings!"

The other blossoms argued as the storm was overblown,

"The day will come when we will die.  The facts have made it known.

There needs to be equality so we can stay alive.

If we could stick together we can certainly survive."

---

The pretty purple blossom looked up to the clearing skies

and as the others grumbled she had seemed to agonize...

"No matter what you do on earth, no matter how you try,

you will not live forever and one day you'll surely die."

The other blossoms argued in a meeting they had held,

and came up with a rule of law which was unparalleled.

The law was passed late in the day - about half-past eleven.

The pretty purple blossom though, already lived in Heav'n.

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The pretty purple blossom walked with Jesus, hand in hand

and as the others grumbled, she still prayed they'd understand.

A forest fire, burning hot, was headed straight their way

and though they didn't know it yet, it'd be their final day.

The other blossoms argued as the flames were heading near.

And this time it was serious.  They had something to fear.

No social rule or law could save them from this certain plight.

In one way or another, there is death in dead of night.

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So soon the purple blossoms fall from that crab apple tree

as time continues swiftly for the blossoms - (you and me).

The pretty purple blossom lives in full serenity -

still praying we will join her there ...for all eternity.

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Intended 4-2-16

Are there flowers alone, unattended?

Are there blossoms with no hummingbird?

Are there good deeds that I had intended,

yet the music has never been heard?

Are there words to a song left unwritten?

Are there words that I've left here unsaid...

to a friend or neighbor who's hurting,

'cause I'm living my own life instead?

Are there flowers alone that are dying?

Is my friend or my neighbor in bed?

Has the music in my heart gone silent?

Is my soul and my spirit now dead?

Can I see God's rich love in the sunshine?

Can I feel His warmth on my face?

Can I see all His colors in rainbows

recalling His love and His grace?

Can I humble myself among flowers?

Can I kneel under blossoming trees?

Can I pray for the sick and the dying?

Can I give to the poor 'least of these'?

Are there flowers alone, unattended?

Are there blossoms with no hummingbird?

Are there good deeds that I had intended,

yet the music has never been heard?

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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For Our Youth 3-6-16

Death's grip holds a lost generation here.

They harbor no love or respect.

We've failed to teach them what Jesus did -

so really, what did we expect?

We see them behave in an immature way.

We hear all the four-letter slang.

We all get a taste of their pure, evil deeds

and wonder why they're in a gang.

America's lost to a new way of life.

Sins pull on our youth is so strong.

We go to a fun'ral of good child shot -

then wonder still, "What has gone wrong?"

You think that this poem's too negative.

You think that there's more to the truth -

but just take a look at the news of the day.

Why do we not care for our youth?

©2016 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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