A Beautiful Rose 7-13-18

My love still continues to bloom like the rose -

for roses are lovely as everyone knows.
My heart strings keep humming like strumming guitar.
She's perfect as nature and finer by far -

than rose most exquisite, than rose without thorn,

than crisp, cooling air near a lake in the morn,

than cottony clouds floating high with great ease,

than soft meadow grasses.  She is more than these.

But memories trample as conscience awakes.

It's then I'm reminded of all my mistakes.

Regrets, I have many.  They give me great pain.

They pelt me like hail and they drive me insane.

If only the future could remake the past,
where I could relive it much diff'rent than cast -

in stone where it's buried and cannot breakout,
I'd free it most quickly and change it, no doubt.

For pain's overwhelming when past can't reverse.
From pit in my stomach, it couldn't be worse.
Though Jesus can heal all the greatest of pains -
He won't let it happen if I'm tied down with chains
in guilt-ridden prison where I can't accept
forgiveness from actions when I was inept.
Grace breaks ev'ry chain so that I can't destroy
this beautiful rose of unspeakable joy.

If God could change hist'ry, if God made it so,

I'd treat her much diff'rent and clearly would know

that God's grace is priceless and made for such love

for all still in waiting and not there above.

Because she's not with me, there isn't a cure,

so pain grows beyond all that I can endure.

I'm sorry I hurt you and this I must share -

while Heaven awaits you, you're in ev'ry prayer.

So love still continues to bloom like the rose -

for roses are lovely as everyone knows.
My heart strings keep humming like strumming guitar.
She's perfect as nature and finer by far -

than rose most exquisite, than rose without thorn,

than crisp, cooling air near a lake in the morn,

than cottony clouds floating high with great ease,

than soft meadow grasses.  She is more than these.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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My Cheap & Paltry Skies 7-7-18

While I was thinking I was good,

in church while singing hymn -

my Lord was getting tortured so,

as they were whipping Him.

While boss was just not being fair

and I held righteous wrath -

my precious Lord lugged heavy cross

barefoot on stony path.

While I was wishing for a house

and dreaming how it'd be -

my Lord was tied and nailed tight

to hard and rugged tree.

While I stared at the deep blue sea

then wanted boat instead -

my Lord endured more agony

by thorns forced on His head.

While I had found a car for sale,

a nice and perfect ride -

my Lord cried out in gruesome pain

long hours before He died.

While in anticipated dreams,

a playoff game begins.

My Lord, though, wasn't in the game,

but took away my sins.

While I was taking selfies here

and holding high, my phone -

the people thought they buried Him

behind one heavy stone.

I'm now regretting sinful ways,

collapsing in my cries.

My Lord has paid and rose above

my cheap and paltry skies.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Tell Me Why (2) 7-1-18

What charms my heart to butterflies?

What charms my heart to fly?

What charms my heart to loudly sing?

And can you tell me why?

What lures me to the water's edge?

What lures me to the lie?

What lures me to the ocean's depth?

And can you tell me why?

What makes a son do crazy things?

What makes a mom to die?

What makes a father distant so?

And can you tell me why?

What draws me to the pastures green?

What draws me to the sky?

What draws me to His loving arms?

And can you tell me why?

What drives my soul to worship Him?

What drives my eyes to cry?

What drives my love to do His will?

Please, can you tell me why?

What pulls my thoughts to greater thoughts?

What pulls emotions nigh?

What pulls my soul so Heavenward?

Now can you tell me why?

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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If I Were Jesus 6-23-18

Here's something we might think about

and something to discuss -

if born, we were, in Zero Year

and grew up as Jesus...

---

If I were Jesus would I heal

the blind so they could see?

Or would I joke when stumbled they

and would I laughing be?

If I were Jesus would I heal

a crippled, withered hand?

Or would I buy some sandals new

and brand new clothes demand?

If I were Jesus would I feed

five thousand; fish and bread?

Or would I scold them, call them fools

and stuff myself instead?

If I were Jesus would I pray

for each and every one?

Or would I brag and boast a lot

of all that I had done?

If I were Jesus would I die

on cross set up for me?

Or would I show them who I was

and walk away painfree?

If I were Jesus would I rise

to Heaven up above?

Or would I store up treasures here

because I money love?

If I were Jesus would I care

for people still today?

Or would I care for only me?

What would I do and say?

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Lion & God's Nature 6-9-18

The Lion and God's nature seemed to be at odds one day.

Was it all depressing?  First, the lion had his say...
---

"I hate the freezing morning!

I just shiver by the river!

I am so depressed."

The river's flow was somewhat slow.

Back its whisper, it was chipper,

"I am ever blessed."

The Lion roared, "My stomach needs

a meal with some appeal!

I am so depressed."

One little hare seemed not to care.

Through the meadow was the echo,

"I am ever blessed."

The Lion roared, "The sun is up and it's so hot!

I'm sweating and I'm thirsting!

I am so depressed."

A little chick with outstretched wing was heard to always sing,

"It's so adoring, sunshine's warming.

I am ever blessed."

The Lion roared, "This rocky ledge has windy edge!

Insufferable, I'm uncomfortable!

I am so depressed."

Sung through the leaves with autumn's breeze,

 though not with word, the Willow's heard,

"I am ever blessed..."

Then finally the Lion roared,

"Again I frown.  The sun is down!

Though rain is done, it wasn't fun!

I am so depressed."

But painted twilight sky was bright

in rainbow's hallowed spectrum's glow.

"I am ever blessed."

---

The Lion and God's nature seemed to be at odds that day.

Was it all a blessing?  Lastly, nature had its say.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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At Weakest Point 5-12-18

My precious little children

grew up so very fast.

Oh, why does time keep fighting me

and stealing all my past?

My little girl was precious,

a vibrant little flower.

So why has time come to a stop -

in this, my darkest hour?

My photos and mementos

have faded very fast.

Oh, why does time keep fighting me

and stealing all my past?

My keepsakes, lost forever,

have turned my stomach sour.

So why has time come to a stop -

in this, my darkest hour?

I worked hard for my family.

I built my business fast.

Oh, why does time keep fighting me

and stealing all my past?

My business, lost forever

and gone, my tallest tower.

So why has time come to a stop -

in this, my darkest hour?

All is gone and all is lost.

My life is fading fast.

Oh, why does time keep fighting me

and stealing all my past?

In fetal pose, you watch me now.

I fear, I shake, I cower.

So why has time come to a stop -

in this my darkest hour?

I find myself afloat on tears
that flow so very fast -
ignoring God who could have been
in all my sorry past.

At weakest point, He lifts me now

with His creative power!

And now I know why time has stopped -

in this, God's finest hour.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Jesus Blessed 4-20-18

An ear of corn was bragging so

with kernels bright and gold.

"Just look at me!  Just look at me!"

he shouted loud and bold.

Well, this provoked the big, tall stalks

that stood there proud and tall.

"Without us you'd be rotting in

the field dirt, one and all.

The dirt felt somewhat slighted then

and said the bragging hurt.

You'd both be short and sickly if

not nourished by us dirt.

The water spoke up then to say

"There's something you should know.

Without the moisture from the rain

not one of you could grow."

The sun kept right on shining as

he heard the others boast.

He warmed the ground and ears of corn.

He knew what helped the most.

Humility was lacking, but

the truth the sun could see -

that all must work together long

before the corn could be.

The sun knew that not one of them

was better than the rest.

And each of them in their own way

was really 'Jesus blessed'.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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It's So Unfair 4-8-18

My mom was simply wonderful.

She had a magic touch.

And mother loved my father too.

She loved him very much.

I never heard mom say a word

when dad would spend the funds -

though mom had many stressful days

to feed her hungry sons.

Recalling often all the ways

that she conceived a meal -

concoctions never mixed before,

ingredients unreal.

One bite would be like chewing foam,

the next so leather tough -

while I and brothers sitting there

would have to eat the stuff.

But weight upon the shoulders from

abuse is very great.

I think I have much empathy

but how can I relate?

I heard the whimpering at times.

I sometimes saw the tears.

It's so unfair to have such love

and then to persevere.

So many things are left unsaid.

What more must I explain?

Have I hurt someone like my mom?

Have I caused someone pain?

Who loves me more than mom loved dad?

What else is there to know?

How many tears does Christ still shed

because He loves me so?

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Seasons 3-25-18

DEATH is the winter of sin and shame,

of pride and blame,

of guilty name,

of danger's ice,

of bad advice,

of heavy price.

LIFE is the springtime of seeds that toss,

of logs across,

of Christ on cross,

of blooming earth,

of our rebirth,

of valued worth.

WORK is the summer of fresh, clean rain,

of sweat and pain,

of growth and grain,

of appetites,

of peaceful nights,

of what excites.

LOVE is the autumn of harvesting,

of lauded sing,

of Thanksgiving,

of Heaven's grace,

of special place
and Jesus' face.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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With Life Anew 3-3-18

Like Eden's garden, park was still.
A perfect place right up until -
the selfish played.

The lake was smooth, as smooth as glass -

but then a breeze came rolling past -

as they all played.

A dark cloud seemed to push the breeze

that whispered firmly to the leaves -

while they had played.

Then all the grasses wiggled too

and seemed to toy with breeze that blew -

as they had played.

A couple squirrels in a tree.

First I saw two, then I found three -

and they had played.

A couple toads jumped stone to stone.
Together, they were not alone -
and they had played.

Some floating leaves rose with each wave.

First up, then down, they'd misbehave -

as they had played.

We all endured the passing wind

that we had felt while others sinned -

when they had played.

And when the winds had caught my ear,

the storms of certain wrath were near -

while they had played.

The wrath of God was imminent

but habits fixed, were like cement -

so they still played.

The storm clouds, close, were now a threat -

but not a drop had fallen yet -

so still they played.

Then suddenly, a lightning blast -

brought thunder's roar and down-burst fast! -

so wet they played.

Unfaithful ones, now surely stuck,
were washed away in mudslide's muck.
T'was overdue...

But faithful ones above the sod

had found down-pouring grace from God

...with life anew.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Rev. Billy Graham 2-24-18

One-half a century ago,

a day about routine,

became one quite spectacular

for boy about thirteen...

A faithful black and white TeeVee

had doors that opened wide,

inviting all to sit a'spell

and watch what was inside.

Once on, dad had to turn a knob

for vertical control.

And then the horizontal one

in that tube-filled console.

A strong determined voice was heard

by boy and everyone.

Then picture tube came into view

with all fine-tuning done.

And what he saw astonished him -

so many people there.

Packed full, a football stadium.

He saw no empty chair.

"Evangelist", dad said he was.

He was straightforward, bold -

and not ashamed to preach the Word.

A 'someone' to behold.

A well-read Bible always would

lay open in his hand.

Not like today where gadgets live

and kids don't understand.

But why did people love this man?

What caused his flock to grow?

What special thing did this man have?

At first, he didn't know.

But when the cam'ra zoomed, he saw

a tear run down his face -

while speaking of the love of God

and His amazing grace.

Embarrassed, he was not at all.

He loved those people there.

He cared about their fragile souls

A man like that is rare.

"Just As I Am" was always sung

as invitation song.

A score of people always came

with lines to alter, long.

That little boy had learned a lot

in front of that TeeVee.

He gave his life to Jesus too

and God had set him free!

Before this story poem ends

there's one more thing to know -

I still remember that young boy

so many years ago.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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"One day you will hear that Billy Graham has died. Don't believe it.

On that day I will be more alive than I ever will be.". -Billy Graham.

My Faithful Friend 2-18-18

As I awake, the truth meets flesh -

I breathe in life, so cool and fresh.

Crisp air is mine, my faithful friend.

I step on cabin's old wood floors -

and say a prayer before my chores.

This country's mine, my faithful friend.

I light lamp's weak and little torch -

then step out on my weathered porch.

Pre-morning's mine, my faithful friend.

Just standing still, like statuettes -

the trees are shadows, silhouettes.

Those trees are mine, my faithful friends.

Some clouds meander with the breeze -

so high above these lowly trees.

Those clouds are mine, my faithful friends.

The stars are there, while night enshrouds -

but shine light through the lowly clouds.

Those stars are mine, my faithful friends.

Nighttime dies, sun arises.

Colors scream, bright surprises!

That brightness mine, my faithful friend.

The morning rays I so embrace

are warming as they kiss my face.

The sun is mine, my faithful friend.

The Great Creator, I so love -

has wrath as rock, but grace as dove.

My God is mine, my faithful friend.

Creation grew and bore a Son.

There never lived another One.

The Lord is mine, my faithful friend.

Creation trembled, shook the land -

but Christ arose to God's right hand.

Now peace is mine, my faithful friend.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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One Little Wave 2-11-18

A non-eventful morn it was

as many were before.

The sun came up exposing life

just off the sandy shore.

The winds blew in across the lake

creating quite a stir -

and waves grew up from nothing yet

there's lessons to infer.

I followed just one little wave

to see what it would do.

It seemed to be behaving well

or did I misconstrue?

Between two other waves it moved

across the little lake.

It'd sometimes try to reach up high

which was its first mistake.

For what it saw were waves ahead

so he became aghast.

Why, they were all in front of him -

while he had followed last!

Each time it swelled to reach up high

it wanted to be seen -

but then it'd drop back down again

and stay there in-between.

Then those two waves on either side

had closed in on the one -

which raised him up just high enough

he glittered in the sun.

"Hey, look at me!" he seemed to say -

with ego growing large.

He liked- no, he demanded that

alone, he'd lead the charge.

So there he rode above the rest -

now highest wave of all.

And there he took in all of life

which made him feel tall.

Behind, he looked - and saw those waves

applauding- east to west.

His popularity increased

as you might well have guessed.

So there he was still looking back

with ev'ry want and whim.

While riding high, he saw those waves -

those waves that followed him.

But life is short, so very short -

and most don't understand -

that hourglass starts running low

with top devoid of sand.

Applause was great and greatness too

while he sought even more -

but suddenly his time ran out

in death on other shore.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Great Man 2-2-18

How big is the ocean?

How tall is the sail?

How big is the clipper?

How tall is the tale?

How big is the great man?

How tall is his pride?

How big is his ego

that flows from inside?

How loud is his boasting?

How loud is his horn?

How loud is his bragging,

yet quiet, our scorn?

How many, a promise?

How many times said?

How many believe him?

How many mislead?

Oh, where hides the shyness

and where hides the man -

when big man is lessened

as when he began?

How short is the thistle

and shorter, the thorn -

but great is the torment

when foot's skin is torn?

Transparent, his actions,

transparent, each thought -

and God does not 'know' him

because he was bought;

First by the minute,

Then by a smell -

of fire and brimstone,

by Devil in hell.

Exposed is the thistle.

Exposed is the gloom.

He's naked as baby

right out of the womb.

How fake were his pledges?

How fake was his stride?

How fake was his swagger

before he had died?

Does God see the motive?

Does God look within?

Does God judge the great man

when God knows his sin?

Beware of the ego.

Beware of the pride.

Beware of temptations

in life's fleeting ride.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

His Land 1-13-18

I think I have solutions to

our country's deep disgrace.

I think I have the answers to

the problems that we face.

Yet heroes fought and died for me,

so who am I to brag?

Oh, who am I to claim to be

the bearer of our flag?

Deserve I little comfort now.

Let bombs burst in the sky!

While I encumber those like me

our taxes go sky high.

I vote for those who promise things,

that put food on my shelf.

I vote for free stuff I can get

that benefits myself.

Are we a nation full of sin

that we have not a clue?

Greed has so unraveled threads

of our red, white and blue.

The red continues running as

the white becomes blood-stained.

The blue has faded into gray.

We all should be ashamed.

And politician's greed and graft

I also will speak of.

It seems that they have helped themselves.

For country, they've no love.

Great heroes fought and died for them,

so who are they to brag?

And who are they to claim to be

the bearers of our flag?

If they, nor I, have right to bear

our flag that we hold high -

then who can be our leaders now

when all we do is lie?

With lobbyists and twisted words

our country cannot stand.

Yes, God will one day judge us all -

for this is still His land.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Now That Is Peace 12-19-17

Small snowflakes float on easy breeze -

without an effort, find the trees.

Now that is peace.

They rest upon the solid branch,

upon the roof of humble ranch.

Now that is peace.

They settle on a rail fence

without a thought, without suspense.

Now that is peace.

They blanket softly, all around,

upon the leaves upon the ground.

Now that is peace.

The Christmas snow reflects all light

from its decor with such delight.

Now that is peace.

More snowflakes settle.  They're unheard -

as Heaven speaks without a word.

Now that is peace.

The stars above, they sparkle too -

a gift from God, to me, to you.

Now that is peace.

Without the pomp and circumstance,

the scenic beauty is romance.

Now that is peace.

A babe in manger once was born -

without the fanfare, without horn.

Now that is peace.

Through virgin love, through virgin birth -

A blanket grace for all on earth.

Now that is peace. 

So why this blanket when it snows?

So why this gift?  The Christian knows.
Now that is peace.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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But Grace 12-9-17

When I think back at my whole life that I have spent on earth -

and when I think of all the wrong that I have done since birth -

for selfishly I'd done my will.
My life was all for me.

I wonder how God loves me still

and wants me to be free?

I failed my spouse, I failed my kids, I failed my screaming boss,

I failed my ever patient God - and also, too, the cross.

I wonder why He sent His Son,

I lied and lied and lied.

I selfishly had been just one -

one reason that He died.

But God is patient, more than I.  He's waited many years -

for me to find that faithfulness, for me to come to tears.

I wonder why He loves me still.

I wonder why He cares.

I need that mustard seed to grow.

Does He not hear my prayers?

And pray, can I, a sinner's prayer?  What right have I to pray?

What right have I to anything with life in disarray?

But grace is mine and that's because

mere works do not suffice.

I have no right, but Jesus does -

because He paid the price.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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That Distant Light 11-24-17

The air was calm below the palm

so rested, I awhile.

I stared across the quiet lake

with my own lazy smile.

The sun had set and I had let

the time just slip away.

I lost myself among my thoughts

and it had seemed okay.

Reflections though, had taught me so.

There's something you should know -

how they reflect the real thing

in fascinating show.

There's no delight in distant light

where nothing misbehaves -

But watch those sparkles dancing on

the tops of rippled waves.

That shimmer see, will always be

from light across the lake.

That dancing drew attention from

the light that isn't fake.

Half-way across the lake they tossed.

They glittered brilliantly.

Deceiving, long reflections as
that light shone silently.

I liked the show - reflection's glow -

and there was nothing feared.

But when that distant light turned off,

reflections disappeared.

Was I deceived?  Did I believe

that distant light, God's Son?

Or focused I, on rituals -

merely the reflection?

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Covered Bridge 11-17-17

Still washing o'er and 'round the rocks,

the splashing rapids pass the fox.

They pass the beavers before dawn.

They pass the doe.  In time, the fawn.

The chipmunks work.  The 'possums too.

The river flows past me and you.

Time doesn't stop.  It knows not how

with covered bridge before us now.

The water moves, the river flows.

God makes it so.  That's how it goes.

The bridge we walk is like our birth -

A fresh red coat for what it's worth.

Like ol' homestead, the bridge is red,

but it seems brighter here instead.

Enjoying travels, springtime views -

no other roadway, we would choose.

The hewn-cut logs are under foot.

And all our faith in God, we put.

Each step we take, we hear the boards.

Experiences bring rewards.

Then walking past the eight by eights,

a calendar of days and dates,

they hold the roof that keeps us dry -

like summer rains as we pass by.

Then near the end, the autumn air -

brings me to tears to know we're there.

Life seems so fast- like rushing dream -

like splashing rapids of the stream.

As she steps off, I see her go.

Yet she's in Heaven.  That I know.

I pause some here as I recall -

our great relationship and all...

Those times together I still see -

forever always, her and me.

Love and devotion, God gave both.

Remember well, our Christian growth.

I see her bright and smiling face.

My mem'ries hold, as her embrace.

I hear her voice - fresh as the breeze.

Her songbirds echo still from trees.

The bridge, now old, weathered a bit.

And soon, we too, will step from it.

A moment's pause.  I see them too.

These colored leaves are much like you.

A blanket, soft of powdered snow -

will come one day - and this I know -

will cover road and cover bridge,

cover trees and winter's ridge.

The sunset's bright.  I see the moon.

So please be patient - see you soon.

The things of earth just keep changing -

but never God.  He's amazing.

Still washing o'er and 'round the rocks,

the splashing rapids pass the fox.

They pass the beavers before dawn.

They pass the doe.  In time, the fawn.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Last Duckling, The 10-14-17

Free will expressed in God's likeness

and formed in wonder's love.

With utmost care, He made me there,

at home in Heav'n above.

But after birth right here on earth

it wasn't really fair.

They all made fun of waddled run

and no one seemed to care.

There was no drake out on the lake,

but breeze was cool and fine.

Mother struggling, seven duckling -

with me, the last in line.

Sometimes my feet could not compete -

so I would lag behind.

But she would wait- me motivate -

for she was patient, kind.

Then peril sent an accident.

My legs went nearly lame.

They laughed again at my chagrin

and slower, I became.

In Godly way, my mom would pray.

She loved me even more.

With lots of skill and her big bill,

she'd nudge me up on shore.

And there I'd praise the sunshine's rays

next to my mother's charm.

And always there, my mom would care

protecting me from harm.

Through many jobs I'd hear her sobs.

She had the biggest heart.

I must attest, she was the best

'til death pulled us apart.

As time goes by I often cry.

It's sad to swim alone.

The only love that I knew of

was what my mom had shown.

I am not strong. I have done wrong.

I was the least of sev'n.

Lord, call me back.  Please call me back.

Please call me back to Heav'n.

©2017 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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