A Winning Poem 5-1-22

Sometimes my poem's a winner

but often times it's not.

And yet I spend a lot of time

to give it all I've got.

But one thing I will never do

because it's oh, so true.

I will not thank my hand because

God's hand is in it too.

No, never take the praise because

you write for God alone.

Take all your selfishness and pride

and clear your ev'ry bone.

Before you write, please thank the Lord.

Convey a sincere prayer,

that you will do your very best

and write with utmost care.

When you give God the glory first,
from the start to finish,

you'll receive His blessings so your

work will not diminish.

For we're around a world of sin

while He is up above.

So give Him full and total praise

and show Him all your love.

Use a thesaurus if you must

when you can't find the words.

Make your poem flow off tongues

with all your nouns and verbs.

Then go right back and pray again.

The poem's His, not yours.

And work it over perfectly

so poem long endures.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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But Should Have Been 4-2-22

They slept and slept with weary eyes

while Jesus prayed with teary eyes.
He prayed in earnest while they slept,

but answered faithful. He'd accept.

It wasn't me.

The night was looking mighty grim.

Then came, they, and arrested Him.

The charge was simple: blasphemy.

He didn't plead nor disagree.

It wasn't me.

And this is how the story goes:

They stripped Him of His humble clothes.

With bone-tipped violence He was whipped

and ev'ry time His skin was ripped.

It wasn't me.

It wasn't something He could toss.

He dropped that very heavy cross.

None could stop them, stop them now

as sweat poured off His heavy brow.

It wasn't me.

They mocked Him with a crown of thorns.

The hate, the words, the sword, the scorns.

It's hard to fathom these details,

then sore, He bore barbaric nails.

It wasn't me.

His sacrifice was perfect love

both here on earth and Heav'n above.

It could have been a total loss

but Christ, Himself, endured that cross.

It wasn't me.

God's solemn will would then prevail,

and tore from top to bottom, veil.

Yes, Christ was hung for my sins then.

It wasn't me... but should have been.

©2022 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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He Too Was In-between 3-1-22

It isn't seen

when you're between

a hard place and a rock.

May be unfair.

Who put you there?

The time goes slow, tick tock.

Though you may shout

there's no way out.
It overwhelms the mind.

Yet on your own

it can't be known,

so answer, you must find.

Did you eclipse

relationships?

Or could it be your debt?

Was it your fault

or some assault?

You wish you could forget.

But here you are -

can't travel far -

for blocking you are sins.

If you stay here

in all your fear,

please tell me now, who wins?

So to escape

you must reshape

your mind.  Don't think it odd.

Won't help to fuss,

it's up to us

to call upon our God.

The answer's still

upon the hill

at our Lord's final task.

The answer's clear,

the answer's near,

if only we would ask.

God never fails.

Christ bore the nails.

Did Jesus intervene?

Because of grace

He took our place.

He, too, was in-between.

It takes a toll

on your poor soul

if you're too proud to pray.

So fold your hands

and understand

there comes a brighter day.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Bright Twilight Summers 2-16-22

Betty is sad because friends will all tease her.

Jimmy is mad at his new 4th grade teacher.

Joseph is crying.  His allowance is paltry.

Ruth screams loud because her corn is too salty.

Mary's self centered, says her penniless spouse.

And David is sick of repairing his house.

John still simply envies his neighbor's new car

as Suzie complains that the store is too far.

But Katie has joy despite her bone cancer.

How she loves Jesus who holds ev'ry answer.

God hears those complaining when things don't go right,

but He loves His children content in their fight.

Whatever the challenge, whatever the test,

remember that Jesus knows hardships the best.

So many see crosses on ev'ry small thing...

and they miss the best of what life has to bring.

And don't get wrapped up in the drama of others,

Live God's warm colors of bright twilight summers.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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That Old Deep Well 2-1-22

That old deep well

could not repel

the thoughts that came to mind.

It had a job.

I did not sob

but sought what I might find.

I could not run

in this hot sun

and had a healthy thirst.

I can't deny

my mouth was dry

so I put myself first.

I stepped on plank,

turned hard the crank,

but it seemed to refuse.

It didn't care

that life's not fair

but I'm not one to lose.

So I had hope

in that old rope

to lift that bucket full.

With all my might

I grabbed rope tight

and then commenced to pull.

To fill tin cup,

the rope wound up.

around that rustic log.

On weathered board

I questioned Lord.

Then barked, my lazy dog.

Sometimes I think

to get a drink

that I must- on my own-

work very hard

with disregard

for what I should have known.

Now I might think

refreshing drink

should cure my ev'ry ill,

but it does not

though God forgot

those sins that hurt me still.

Did woman at

the well react

to her specific need?

To sin no more,

I think it's for

the rest of us to heed.

God does forgive

the way we live

like woman at the well:

But she had grasped

what Jesus asked,

so others she could tell.

My old tin cup
can't measure up

to God's tremendous flood.

We'll never thirst

when God is first,

for Christ had spilled His blood.

Our water chills.

God's water fills

displacing all our strife.

We must begin

to offer Him

our dedicated life.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 4:7-14

The Woman of Samaria

7 A woman of Samaria *came to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away to the city to buy food. 9 So the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, though You are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus replied to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 She *said to Him, “[c]Sir, You have no bucket and the well is deep; where then do You get this living water? 12 You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well and drank of it himself, and his sons and his cattle?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.”

Should Time Be Up 1-1-22

I bow my head and fold my hands.

My faithful Father understands

the depths of my great sorrows.

With my heart's cord

I beg the Lord

to fix all my tomorrows.

He knows it's bad.

His heart is sad.

All Heaven mourns for me.

But if God's will

is that I'm ill,

then it was meant to be.

Some do attest

God takes the best

away from evil earth.

But problem's this:

that I will miss

my child's tremendous worth.

We all will die

and so I cry,

but through storms, I still bow.

Should time be up,

Lord, take my cup.

in peace, for You know how.

You've let me stay

another day

to spend with my dear child.

And that is why

now tears are dry.

Through blessings - I have smiled.

But if Your will

should take me still

then I will gladly go;

no more to roam,

I'll be at home

with You, who loves me so.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Christmas Program 12-21-21

The Christmas Program show begins

with children singing Christmas hymns

below the shining star.

From 1 year old's to upper teens,

they bring alive those Christmas scenes.

How cute those children are!

---

Memorized lines,

each face still shines.

The donkey even smiled.

It's good to know

those children show

a love for manger child.

They had such fun.

Program was done.

And so, was time to go.

Through many years,

through many fears,

I watched those children grow.

Through God above

I show my love.

I've little else to give.

They grow so fast

and hugs are past.

They have their lives to live.

My prayers are such,

they are worth much,

much more than earthly things.

For lost, a shame

each day's the same...

Joy is what Christmas brings.

Those memories,

they come to please.
Such love has grown for years.
Then much more love
pours from above
that brings me to my tears.

Though great or small,

forgiveness all,

God's gift, forever gives.

Love's in my eye.

For kids, I cry.

Yet Christmas Program lives.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Smallest Ornament 12-16-21

I'm just a little ornament here hanging on the tree.

They put me in the very back and I can hardly see.

The wall is here right next to me and I don't have a view.

My paint has faded quite a bit and some has flaked off too.

So no, I'm not the prettiest, nor biggest one on here.

This big ol' tree does not need me and my last days are near.

This just might be the last time you will see my faded shine.

I'm just too old to show to you my obsolete design.

For days and weeks I'm stuck back here. The time goes by so slow.

I wish I was quite different - to have something to show.

I also have a crack or two but they are very small.

I wish I was the wiser so that I could hang, not fall.

My confidence would come back strong and courage would be mine!

I'd show them I could be the best. I'd show this big ol' pine!

But reflection in another ornament, I could see.

I saw my true unvarnished face and it was really me..

Decided I, to give all up. For it was time to quit.

My pity-party started as I childishly had a fit.

Just then I heard a tender voice. A child, I'm sure because,

the voice was of an angel. A girl of nine, she was.

She carefully had took me down and placed me in her hand.

At first, I was quite fearful but soon, I'd understand.

She set me on a table and she glued each little crack.

And then she took such special care to clean me front to back.

She painted me with special paints that made the glitter shine.

She made me look like I was new with such a grand design.

And then she placed me on the tree- but not next to the wall.

She placed me right in front where I could greet you, one and all. 

I felt like I had life anew and it sure gave me joy!

I smiled each time they looked at me- ev'ry girl and boy.

That little girl had loved me so and her, I can't repay.

Now too, I have that special love to show in ev'ry way.

Yes, Jesus does for you just what the girl had done for me.

He cleans you up, forgives your sins and makes you wholly free.

The next time you walk past a lovely, big ol' Christmas tree,

look for the smallest ornament ...and you might find it's me.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Corinthians 13:13

"But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

This Fragile Snowflake 12-15-21

"Ouch!" had screamed this fragile snowflake, on sad and frightful day.

I wanted so, to cry sad tears, but knew I'd melt away.

So stayed, I did, pressed right between some others who were crushed

under heel of rubber boot that stomped through snow's upper crust.

Complaining started one by one among this doom and gloom.

Complaints crescendoed even more, "Move over!  Give me room!"

But prayed I did so quietly ignoring all who screamed.

Then anger overtook them all, I prayed for days, it seemed.

I knew that rubber boot had started this whole wickedness,

but also knew that we, now one, began to coalesce.

They then supported one another, each and everyone,

but I, a loner, kept my place until they all were done.

We froze together into one thick block of solid ice.

But then the snow around us now was not so very nice.

They scoffed and laughed and scoffed and laughed at all us frozen here,

laughed and pointed fingers at- and then would cruelly sneer.

Harassment, we call it.  Certainly, harassment it was.

However, this snowflake ignored it.  And maybe just because

my Savior lived through suffering- and so much more than this.

So I enjoyed His sunshine, His radiance and the bliss.

The day had turned to nighttime, then nighttime again to day

and this is what then happened- happened this ironic way.

The sun got hotter- and while melting the defenseless snow,

we were iced tightly together and weathered it so slow.

Now we, iced together, were pointing and laughing at them!

And all we would do was to angerly judge and condemn.

But I didn't bother.  I simply prayed and prayed and prayed,

that we would soon learn forgiveness, just as Jesus displayed.

Did God send that wicked boot- to ice us all together

so we would not succumb to the sun's bright, warmer weather?

Most snowflakes don't know of God's blessings.  They don't have a clue.

But this fragile snowflake sees His greatest gift.  I sure do.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 23:34

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..."

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This fragile snowflake will soon be gone,

but we all knew this all along.

There's a time to live and a time to die.

It's in God's plan and He knows why.

So pray that God's Will, will be done,

from night to night and sun to sun.

Enjoy each day that God has giv'n

until we meet again in Heav'n.

~louis gander ©2021

Until We Meet Again 12-15-21

This fragile snowflake will soon be gone,

but we had known this all along.

There's a time to live and a time to die.

It's in God's plan and He knows why.

So pray that God's Will, will be done,

from night to night and sun to sun.

Enjoy each day that God has giv'n

until we meet again in Heav'n.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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ECCLESIASTES 3

"1There is an appointed time for everything.

And there is a time for every event under heaven—

2A time to give birth and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

3A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

4A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance.

5A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.

6A time to search and a time to give up as lost;

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

7A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;

A time to be silent and a time to speak.

8A time to love and a time to hate;

A time for war and a time for peace...."

From A Lowly Manger 12-11-21

A manger is a feeding trough.  A manger is not clean.

But this is where the Baby laid and this is what was seen.

Why would the God of all Creation send His Son to lie

in such a crude, repulsive place with purpose still to die?

Just maybe it was just a hint on how we are to serve

unselfishly to others in a way they don't deserve.

No one deserves the sunshine or the growth from many rains.

And none deserve the better things, but rather chains and pains.

We live a life of comfort with such pills that kill the pain,

but yet we go on living lives that make us go insane.

For sin has bound us mentally and we have not a clue.

We think we live a perfect life but "know not what we do".

We say we go to church and pay a tithe each Sunday morn.

We say we judge our neighbors not and treat them without scorn.

But buy, we do, for us the best and still complain enough

that prices are too high on all the poor substandard stuff.

"Reward us not with newest cars for we deserve them not.

Nor house, dear Lord, that's much too large despite the 'toys' we've got."

If we could be as humble as the Lord that saved our souls,

then maybe we could learn a bit and set some Godly goals.

Our God of all creation knew exactly how to plan

a way of full salvation from a feeding trough to Man.

The Lord, from lowly darkened tomb, from sinful man would leave,

seen ascending through the clouds, yet most still don't believe.

From His life, don't be a stranger.  Hold His loving hands.

For coming from a lowly manger, Jesus understands.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Christmas Child, The 11-26-21

Don't be confused,

we're not excused.

Just who was born on Christmas Day?

Was Santa Claus?

Just take a pause.

Do we believe in Santa's sleigh?

If you are wild,

don't be defiled,

for Christ can bring you blessed peace.
Just lean on Him
and sing a hymn.

His love for all will never cease.

In days of old

it was foretold

That Jesus Christ would come to be.

And it was swell

Emmanuel

was someone folks could really see.

Would Star not show,

which way to go?

And did an angel speak to them?

The Wise Men knew.

The Shepherds too.

Who did they find in Bethlehem?

Was Joseph's skin,

so envy thin -

when traded inn for 'livestock zoo'?

Did Mary care

that sheep were there,

the oxen, goats and camels too?

They understood

that all was good,

despite beginnings humble there.

Not as tycoon,

but coming soon,

God's Son would help all in despair.

The present world

is being swirled

around commercializing tree.

Don't go adrift.

Accept God's gift:
The gift He has for us is free.

Because He lives

He still forgives,

so come ye meek and come ye wild;

for who did lay

in manger hay...?

None other than the Christmas Child!

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Thanksgiving, Then and Now 10-31-21

The food was very scarce there back in sixteen twenty one.

The old and young went hungry with no time for games and fun

The ship had brought them to a land of opportunities,

but food was somewhat diff'rent than the food from overseas.

And sixteen out of twenty women died one winter there,

but summer months thereafter brought a feast the rest would share.

The Wampanoag had welcomed them near shores of Plymouth Bay

with Chief, Massasoit, a man who lived in Godly way.

With both the treaty and the harvest all but fully done,

the feast that they partook of was a good and healthy one.

We can't compare their hardships to the ones we have today

so we should be most thankful for the food that's on display.

With table set so perfectly so we can all enjoy

a feast of great abundance and a feast for girl and boy.

For God gives us aplenty; things that we do not deserve.

so prayer of thanks is warranted with willingness to serve.

With turkey and the trimmings and the table full of food,

we should give many thanks to God before its fully chewed.

It's difficult to really put ourselves in Pilgrim's shoes

when here we sit among our friends on soft and comfy pews.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Without A Fear 10-1-21

While winds whisper

and storm cloud's scheme

with thunder's roar

and lightning's scream,

I sit alone.

My teeth I clench.

I think about

this old park bench.

It sets alone

here under tree,

a massive one

protecting me.

It's branches wide.

It's limbs so firm.

It's trunk is huge.

That I confirm.

But time has come

and death is near.

I pray the Lord

still holds me dear.

I don't deserve

His precious grace,

but pray for this:

to see His face.

But rain now falls

and falls quite free,

while I sit dry

here under tree.

Like God, this tree

protects me now.

I am not soaked.

I do avow.

The rain is like

the sin of man,

but God protects.

We know He can.

And He forgives

both me and you.

He keeps us dry

and cleanses too.

The wind has hushed.

Clouds quickly fade,

with thunder too,

for Christ has paid.

I sit so dry

protected here,

without a care,

without a fear.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Knock, Knock 9-1-21

There was a knock on the old door,

but knew not who that knock was for.

That steady knock was very hard

so it, I could not disregard.

The knocking was so persistent

but I was very resistant.

I placed my ear against the door

and voice I heard, could not ignore.

I opened slow as hinges creaked.

and through the opening I peeked.

I knew straightway of all my sin,

I humbly bowed and let Him in.

Joy overflowed my cup's dry rim

when I gave all my life to Him.

He knocked on my heart's door because

my doorbell's broke.  It doesn't buzz.

Yes, Christ loves you and me, He does.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Atop A Silly Post 8-1-21

Two places at one time; can I

reside in such a place?

It just may be impossible

to live in such a space.

A fence post, can I sit atop

and balance there alone?

A post between two worlds,

on post that's all my own.

On one side of the fence I crave

the things that draw my eyes.

I yearn for boat or brand new car,

I want for grand surprise.

But that side's so deceptive

I become completely blind.

I cannot see the other side,

the side with peace of mind.

Now if, in faith, I travel there

and seek the real life,

away will be the blindness

and long gone too, the strife.

Can I see past the physical

and open up my eyes?

Can my eyes see reality

before my body dies?

Can I live in the spiritual

so I'm not living blind?

Can I live in the spiritual

the way I was designed?

Designed by my Creator,

designed by God above,

designed to live by faith alone,

designed to live in love.

The next time I am found to be

atop a silly post.

I'll only jump with Godly faith

to Him who loves me most.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Revelation 3:16

King James Version

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Sailing On! 7-1-21

"Why is it...
...when stormy seas toss me about,

I call on You, with distressed shout?

I do not pray when things are cool,

but call on You when out of fuel.

"Decisions, mine.  I'm on my own,

don't do Your will, I sail alone.

And so at times I miss Your docks

and run my ship up on the rocks.

"When seas are choppy, I'm annoyed,

but when it's calm, it is enjoyed.

That's why, when seas are peaceful, still,

I do my own, and not Your will.

"But bilge is full of water now.

I don't know why.  I don't know how.

The pump is on but it's behind.

Another fix, I cannot find.

My best was just not good enough!

My sins now make my life so rough.

And now I'm lost!  I'm going down,

through dark abyss, deserve to drown!

"I can't let go.  Loosen my grip!
Pilot my hopes, my needs, my ship!

You are my breath, my life, my all.

On You, Lord, I'll forever call.

"It's full of leaks and on the brink!

Please intercede!  Don't let me sink!
Lord, take the helm!  I do believe!

Please stay aboard and never leave!

"We now sail peacefully.  It's grand!

I pray you ships will understand.
When Him, you finally call upon,
you'll safely too, be sailing on!"

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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And Christian Be 6-1-21

It's hard to write through intense pain,

but this I know- it's not in vain.

For God so loves.  He offers grace-

while selfish man still turns his face.

So I will write my prayer today

that man will turn from wicked way.

My numbered days, I cannot view

and doctors say I may have few.

So I will change and will not wait

to share His love at this late date.

Please humbly love and then confess

and then repent and He will bless.

For ALL have sinned against His will,

yet grace abounds.  Yes, even still.

There's nothing more I'd rather see

than you accept, and Christian be.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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I love you all.

Simple Poem 5-19-21

This simple poem is just to say

that we are so caressed.

Through God's agape love and grace,

our souls are richly blessed.

If we think we deserve His love,

then we're completely wrong.

For Jesus hung on wicked cross

where really, we belong.

We don't deserve one bless-ed thing

that God has given us.

And that's my simple poem now.

There's no more to discuss.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 3:16

"For God so loved the world,

that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,

but have everlasting life."

Pain For Peace 5-1-21

Pain's misery is haunting.  Good health is best to keep.

This cancer is unbearable, it keeps me from my sleep.

I've been so many months with pain, I don't know what it's like

to break free from these awful pains; to walk, to jog, to bike.

I don't remember what it's like to live without this pain

and it continues stabbing me.  I'm going now, insane.

Now God still holds the miracle and God is still in power
and God can take all pain away in these, each precious hour.

I pray, "Dear Lord, deliver me, if it is in Your will,

and take this awful pain away that I'm enduring still.

I do not have the answers and I do not have the voice.

I do not have the fortitude and do not have the choice.

I don't deserve forgiveness and I don't deserve Your love,

for I have sinned against Your will and Heaven there above.

But grace has set me free from sin.  You've healed me spiritually,

so if Your will is so inclined, please heal me physically."

So many care. So many pray.  So many read my words,

but I would give it all away to fly among the birds.

The blue skies seem so endless up above the tallest tree.

Birds seem to be so free of pain and soar above so free.

I'd praise my Lord with ev'ry song, with ev'ry line and verse.

And could it be, long life on earth, is just a wicked curse?

But if God wills, I'll stay on earth where pain may never cease.

Yet should He will to take this 'cup', I'll trade this pain for peace.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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NOTE:  A day or two after I wrote this poem the pain left me.
God does answer prayers and I thank all who have prayed for me.
May these words praise His name, (not the author).
Thank you Jesus!