Obeyed? 1-10-13

Here is another true story poem (summer 1934)

about my grandmother (Ida) and my mother (Ruth)

who traveled every day between their farm at North Clayton, Wisconsin

to to deliver cream to Soldier's Grove as told to me by my mother.

(Told in 'first person' from my mother's perspective...)

I had got on and sat upon our wagon load of goods.

all set to view the country hue on rustic road through woods.

But mom said no, I couldn't go.  I rarely ever stayed -

but this time did so down I slid.  I'm glad that I obeyed.

Our old wagon, always saggin' had rough, rugged boards -

but it did hold that precious load as she had started towards -

the creamery - a guarantee - of how we paid our bills -

in such a life, excessive strife - through vale against the hills.

She left that day on road of clay delivering with care -

four dusty mile - with grimaced smile - and cream that must get there.

Familiar sounds - some barking hounds, a crow up in a tree -

and tough routine, unlike a queen, that she would never see.

Out of the blue without a clue -around a curve and hill -

a drunken guy - flew passing by - like we were sitting still -

then ripped the side of Topsy's hide and threw mom off her seat.

She landed hard, but not too scarred, between the horses feet.

Though somewhat numb, she scrambled some from under hooves and wheels.

A bit perplexed, what happened next - she scrambled and did feel,

a massive rock where she took stock and hid as God provides.

Protected there in silent prayer from grace that never hides.

Some seconds spent, bewilderment, that held them there at bay -

so trampled not, she never got - before they ran away.

She tried to nurse ol' Topsy's curse.  Oh, why did God allow -

old Topsy's death with its last breath and further hardships now?

The wagon load could not be sold.  I thought that I would scream.

But mama taught that I ought not - to cry over spilled cream.

Is life not fair?  Does God not care?  Well, mama knew His way...

Obeyed was why - so safe was I.  She thanked the Lord that day.

I had got on and sat upon our wagon load of goods.

all set to view the country hue on rustic road through woods.

But mom said no, I couldn't go.  I rarely ever stayed -

but this time did so down I slid - and glad that I obeyed.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

I Wonder 6-4-11

Sometimes I wonder how a tree

can stand the way it does -

so crooked, gnarled and twisted.

I wonder what it was...

What made it lean way over -

its shallow roots in mud? 

Or was its last encounter a -

tornado?  lightning?  flood?

Though I am not an expert,

and haven't much, a clue -

I've often looked at people,

and wondered how they grew.

Opinions leaning way too far

with grumpy, creaking sounds -

they're true, 'un-timbered' miracles

with such unbalanced pounds. 

But God still pours out blessings.

His grace forever flows -

and nourishes the lazy root -

no matter how it grows.

Sometimes I wonder how a man

can stand the way he does -

so crooked, gnarled and twisted.

I wonder what it was...

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

True Love 3-16-11

So many things in body / soul

are empty, undefined -

but read this poem carefully,

and answers you may find.

The knowledge of the Love of God,

comes through in loving stages -

so see if you can find a clue -

within this couple's ages...

.......

The couple faced each other close,

while standing toe to toe.

The clear new day was very young.

They had no place to go.

His right hand held her left hand and,

His left hand held her right.

He slid a daisy through her hair.

She was a pretty sight.

The springtime breezes did not quell

the sun's most warmest rays.

As ocean waves kept rolling in,

they held the longest gaze.

Her face was like a sunshine's glow.

Her toes sank in the sand.

Her hair flipped in the open breeze.

Her fingers squeezed his hand.

Some folks had paused and stared a bit

when softly came the kiss -

but never would a moment pass,

a moment quite like this.

And with these two, that special time

would never go away -

for faithful is that one true love.

There is no better way.

So scenic was the sandy beach,

so beautiful, the pair -

yet only God creates true love

that I saw perfect there.

.......

Now just in case you're wondering,

what ages they could be...

Well, she's but two years younger than

his age of eighty-three.

So if assumptions, you had made -

in story told above -

you may have also missed the mark,

of true Agape Love.

Therefore, question all the writings,

discovered here and there,

that often miss the God of Love -

the hearer of each prayer.

And don't have shallow notions or,

wear blinders to 'believe' -

or come to some conclusion that

some well-known 'experts' weave.

Sometimes we think we know it all,

when several facts we weigh -

but we do not create the God

who loves us every day.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

The Answer Screams 6-23-09

There is turmoil in the world today.

What side is America on?

The side of 'diplomatic correctness' or truth?

.

I searched the earth, the land and sea,
I searched through church and even me....
I searched and searched - but found it not.
How can we find - what we've forgot?

I searched out far, to other lands,
through darkened forests, desert sands....
I searched and searched - but found it not.
How can we find - what we've forgot?

I searched up high, the stars, the skies,
and also asked the learned and wise....
I searched and searched - but found it not.
How can we find - if we know not?

Somewhere, one answer's right, we know -
between our God - and Hell below.
To find it, man has done his best,
When looking north - south, east and west.

We know this world's in downward spin.
As people die, they die within.
Why does it seem - few people care?
And do we miss the answer there?

Then at His cross - His love, His grace,
I stumbled some to see His face -
And from this cross, as He looked down,
blood still dripping, off His crown.

He looked at me in such a way,
that I remember to this day -
my sin I could not least disguise -
as He peered in, my hopeful eyes.

Despite His face, so bloody, stained,
despite His cuts, despite His pain,
despite the nails through hands and feet,
my searching still was incomplete.

He then relayed a final clue.
I asked, "What can one Christian do?
Just one of me will never do."
I found it not, my answers few.

And this is why, what's done is done.
The truth, I feared, would weigh a ton.
I could not stand to see His face,
so I looked down in deep disgrace.

Then humbled by what I saw next,
I saw not one, but two objects.
I searched no more, for on the ground -
This answer clearly I had found.

Sometimes the answer's like our dreams -
and isn't really what it seems -
and this time I was in a fix....
Truth hit me like a ton of bricks.

It's not in all the things I hold.
It's not my money or my gold.
The answer's here and it's complete,
beneath our Savior's bloody feet.

I thought, how can I lift my cross,
when I, His sandals, step across?
Challenging, our earthly scandals.
The answer screams, "His Holy Sandals!"

At first, quite stunned, I gazed upon -
then reverantly I slipped them on.
If on this cross His work is done,
then here my work has just begun.

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Luke 12:32-34 (NASB)
32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.
33"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys.
34"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Puzzled? 6-10-09

Is something in life missing?
Do you always bear the cost?
Do you feel somewhat empty?
Do you feel that something's lost?

Are you feeling down and out?
Is life so very bad?
Are you looking for an answer?
Are you puzzled - very sad?

Sometimes, in life, the pieces
don't always seem to fit -
it's then we feel so empty
and really want to quit.

As with me, I'd focus
on life's tremendous wealth.
I thought I saw the picture of -
its riches and good health.

At first I worked the border.
The colors I'd assess -
and then I'd push another in,
and thought I'd found success.

Searching, searching, searching more,
I'd find another clue -
and as the larger picture cleared,
I'd get a clearer view.

So then in greater diligence
I'd press more pieces in -
but as the picture took its shape,
I found myself in sin.

There were some pieces missing -
and many questions raised -
but as it came apparent, I
sat speechless and amazed.

That puzzle seemed much brighter
than any fairest weather.
The less I strained to see it,
the more it came together!

The sky exquisite, stunning -
with deepest, bluest blues -
and buildings never seen before -
were fascinating hues.

Tall alabaster columns,
reflected spectrum's light -
and set apart from specks of dust -
appeared so pure and bright.

The lines between the pieces
just seemed to disappear -
and as I saw that picture,
my head began to clear.

The puzzle - nearly finished -
as life had sought out fun,
the center of my hearts own work
was missing that last one.

The missing piece was at my door -
years, waiting to come in -
I never heard the knocking though -
for I was dead in sin.

I felt lost, inadequate -
compelled to see it then.
This speck of dust broke down on knees,
I sought that piece again.

Grace brought it all together -
through faith life sure is sweet.
Until He placed that final piece -
my life was incomplete.

You know your life is fleeting.
you know your life will cease.
So just allow God's only Son
to place your final piece.

I could not put it in myself,
for humbleness is key -
but now that missing puzzle piece
is locked in there for me.

So when in life, discouraged,
and you want to call it quits -
just pray out loud to Jesus.
His puzzle piece still fits.

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------