Resolution Failure 1-1-09

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Another day, another prey.
Another year, another beer.

Just a habit, you can't quit.
You can't forget the cigarette.

One tells lies. Another buys,
another dies, another cries.

Some will scramble - start to gamble.
Then will sweat, another bet.

Where's disaster? Where's the master?
When found, the grave - you find the slave....

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Isaiah 24:17 (NIV)
Terror and pit and snare await you, O people of the earth.

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That Empty Rocker 12-27-08

Pull up that empty rocker - and spill your problems Dear.
I may have no solutions but my memory is clear.

No one can steal the memories - the memories I know -
of pine trees holding branches up - though drooping under snow.

There's only good in cold lakes if we're the frozen duck -
and that's how we find blessings - when we are down in luck.

No. Nothing's ever perfect - and we're not always glad,
unless we see the blessings - in both the good and bad.

We slide down every hillside - with chilly hands and toes -
but sunshine on our faces - should be how sledding goes.

I was told to "stick it out". It is what I was taught.
Yes, he and I were loving - despite what others thought.

Oh, often there were trying times - priorities to sort -
and working close together, our tempers could run short.

It took some perseverance when I was "up to bat",
but giving up comes easy - and many do just that.

Unlike many moms and dads, we always stuck together,
but Christmas time was special in any kind of "weather".

My gifts were quite abundant under every Christmas tree -
but what I lacked in substance I could hold in memory.

He wasn't always thoughtful, at Christmas year to year -
but he was my tremendous gift, as he was always here.

I know your troubled marriage. I sense it's no more fun -
but notice all my gifts are here - all my gifts but one.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Christmas 12-16-08

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Christmas is a time to care,
A time to love with gifts to share.
Lift your voice, sing carols out -
for that's what Christmas is about.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org

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BEWARE 11-15-08

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Walk the straight and narrow. (Matt. 7:14)
God protects the sparrow, (Matt. 10:31)
BEWARE! Don't tread on streets of dung.

A wise man is prudent. (Prov. 16:21)
The foolish - ignorant. (Psalm 73:22)
BEWARE of sin, the foolish young.

Do not betray the truth. (Mark 14:11)
better now a broken tooth. (Prov. 25:19)
BEWARE of promise - Judas hung.

Do not be deceived. (Jeremiah 9:5)
Can truth be retrieved? (Matt. 24:43)
BEWARE of sweetness when lies are sung.

Watch for the blitz (Mark 15:13)
from all hypocrites. (Matt. 22:18)
BEWARE - hot air from anyone's lung.

Whether from man, (Luke 2:1)
or the great satan; (Gen. 3:4)
BEWARE of the one with the silver tongue.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Genesis 3:4 (KJV)
"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:"

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Prologue

“I’m not an expert writer
and never claimed to be.

I hold no degree.

Friends suggested that I put
this collection into book form
so I did.

2004 – 2008
Special thanks I give to all my friends -
for their help, support, knowledge and patience with me.

This world is filled with greed, lust, envy, deceit,
hatred, war, and death....

Therefore, I pray that these writings inspire you,
that you would reflect God's love
and reflect Christ's light
in this dark world of sin.

There is no substitute for God's precious gift
of grace through His precious Son, Jesus.

Believe it. Faithfully pray, and live it out.

I have no interest in 30 pieces of silver.
There will never be a penny of profit on any of these poems.
ALL proceeds will go to spreading the Word.

Mark 16:15 (KJV)
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Focused on God, by grace through His Son,
through faith, steadfastness,
and personal love and charity.

~ louis gander

Jesus 9-13-08

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Jesus never hurt anyone.
Jesus never turned away from a need.
Jesus healed.
Jesus fed.
Jesus helped.
Jesus loved.

Yet the world hated Him.
Why?

The world condemned Him.
The world charged Him.
The world judged Him.
The world mocked Him.
The world hung Him.
The world killed Him.
The world still uses His name in vain.

Why?

What kind of reward is that for helping, healing, and loving others?
How do we respond to this truth?
Do we care?

We are - either ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ – not lukewarm.
God so loved the world that He gave.
Jesus so loved that He gave himself.
How much are we willing to give?

What have we done?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply,
'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'”

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This Dandelion 5-29-08

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From the house, a father and son,
work together for the good,
a family - just like one.

They pull weeds from this perfect lawn,
so impeccable 'cept for me.
A lone weed - the rest gone....

They do this work and they never owe,
they feed and water just enough.
He mows - but lets me grow.

All the world's rules and every great law,
keeps them all busy and wind driven,
yet here I stand in awe.

Often I see father cut the lawn.
It's impeccable.
They pull weeds - 'til all gone.

The child stands near, so his father knows -
this priceless lone dandelion,
is the one that he chose.

Feeling naked as I look about,
one dandelion in a lush green lawn –
but through faith, not a doubt.

Though I’m ugly and so very wrong,
as the world creates rules.
Is this where I belong?

If grass could see, they'd scoff and sigh.
The son protecting me as-
the mower comes nearby.

Why stand I here for all to see -
imperfect on the father's lawn?
The son’s forgiven me!

All can see that I’m still a-livin'
alone here on this perfect lawn -
No, not perfect. Just forgiven.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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Give And Take 5-18-08

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"For God so loved the world, that He gave...

His only Son" - to a borrowed cave...

...for a world that put Him in that grave.

Why?

Here's an example of love and sin:

With Him, crucified, were two men,

One saw truth and then confessed,

Jesus forgave and he was blessed.

The other, self-centered, without belief,

He loved himself and died a thief.

For man so loves the world, he takes...

earning each one of his many mistakes...

...in a world where man believes he creates.

Why?

Right here on earth between truth and lie,

We look at 'success' and say, "What a guy!"

Many had thought they could conquer the earth,

or their little corner - but what was it worth?

But God's looking down in the palm of His hand.

He knows His whole world and where we all stand.

Where is our focus and what's our reply?

What is the truth that we seem to deny?

We must look at our lives and then ask ourselves,

'Why'?

For God so loved the world, He gave...

so Who do we love OR what do we crave?

There's nothing in this world to get,

unless to Jesus, we submit;

and if we crave our earthly coffer,

God has nothing else to offer.

It's no secret life's unfair,

so help me love, Lord –

that's my prayer!

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 23: 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Allowed or Commanded? 4-29-08

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God allows the evening rain - allows the morning dew.

God allows the grass to green yet makes the oceans blue.

God allows such simple things to fly around the sky.

God allows so many things but many don't know 'why'.

God allows successfulness and He allows mistakes.

God allows life-saving herbs but also deadly snakes.

Birds were then allowed to pull the worms up from the sod.

A serpent was allowed removing us from our own God.

God allowed a garden to produce for Adam's need,

then God allowed that serpent to expose his very greed.

God allowed the several plagues to circle around Job

He allows so many things to happen 'round the globe.

But God does not decide for us. He makes it very plain.

God allows that if we want - can work for world gain.

While God does not decide for us, He is in full control,

yet He allows that most of man will lose their very soul.

God allows deception, corruption, lies and sin,

yet He allowed a virgin birth to set things right again.

God demanded His own Son while holding full control.

and God allows the smallest seed to save the wretched soul

If man thinks He has fixed it all and all our work is done,

then why's the world so evil with its people on the run?

God demands not many things - though many we dismiss,

yes, man still lives oblivious and blind to the abyss.

Though Satan cannot master all creations' only God,

in ignorance man stumbles over Satan’s wink and nod.

God allows for all good things - yet He allows the bad,

but He demands an answer too - to fix what once we had.

God did not create the world that He might run it all.

He put us all in charge of it - yet knowing we would fall.

God allows us our free will to do what we might please.

so do we live it purposeful or live a life of ease?

Do we have eyes to see the truth? Tell me if you can,

Where will this whole world end up? What's written in His plan?

Do we have ears to understand? Tell me if you will,

What revelations are for us? What plans will He fulfill?

God allows so many things. What will He not control?

Does God allow so little faith - yet hold my very soul?

God commands the world now but some things does allow.

Does God accept so little faith? Who will He disavow?

If indeed, our faith is strong, as Job's was long ago,

and if our faith is in the Rock, why should we worry so?

If indeed, my faith is strong, just what have I to lose?

God allows both hot or cold. My faith I still can choose.

If we claim to be the clay, willing freely to His hands,

we must accept His final truth: God allows His own commands!

God allows so many things and this I know is true,

and God allows me in His hands. How about you?

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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EASTER Query 3-23-08

Pride is where all evil lurks.
Where is grace and where are works?
Where is Caesar and his men?
Where does history start again?

Where's the silver - thirty pieces?
Where is faith when it all ceases?
Where's Barabbas? Where's the Christ?
Where's the root of evils' price?

Where's the elders and chief priests?
Where's the first and where's the least?
Where's the charge and what's His stance?
Where's the truth and what's its chance?

Where is Pilot? Where's the fault?
Where's the anger and assault?
Where's the sin and where's the quiet?
Where's the screaming and the riot?

Where are those with lying lips?
Where's their words and where's the whips?
Where were Peter, James and John?
What was said (when came upon)?

Where's the mob and where's the scourging?
What had brought the crowds emerging?
Where's the robe of fancy scarlet?
Where's the reed and every threat?

Where's the thorn upon His head?
Where's the king who reigned instead?
Where's the cross and all sins weight?
Where was Simon? Where's the wait?

Where's Golgotha? Where's the thrill?
Where's the blood which had to spill?
Where's the insults and abuse?
Where's the final, last excuse?

Where's the path where He was led?
Where's the charge above His head?
Where's the robbers - left and right?
Where's the rope that bound them tight?

Where are those who took commands?
Where's the nails that pierced His hands?
Where's the nail that set His feet?
Where were Angels, His retreat?

Where are those that took the lead?
Where are those who made Him bleed?
Where are those who blasphemed, mocked?
Where are those in awe and shock?

Where did Jesus take the cup?
Where were His prayers offered up?
Where's the last breath when He died?
Where's the sword that pierced His side?

Where's our sins that He could take?
Where's the thunder and the quake?
Where's the veil that tore in two?
Where's the many - and the few?

Where's the place where Jesus died?
Where's the place of all who lied?
Where's the stone and where's the tomb?
Where's the linen and perfume?

Where's the stone that rolled away?
Where's our thoughts of Him today?
Where's the seal upon the stone?
Where's the truth of the unknown?

Where's their teaching? Where's its flaw?
Where is grace and where is law?
Where's the cross where He was nailed?
Where's the past? Who has prevailed?

Where's the evening and the dawn,
and where's our risen Savior gone?
Where is death and where's its sting?
Where's the past and everything?

Where's the Easter of that day?
What's the Easter we portray?
Where's the hope in Easter eggs?
Where's my strength within my legs?

Except for He who reappeared,
where's the things that disappeared?
Where's the things of rot and rust?
Where's the people - turned to dust?

Where's the aged? Where's the youth?
Where's our thoughts of every truth?
Where's His grace and its reply?
Where's my faith and where am I?

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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TRUE HUMILITY 3-20-08

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How many times do I regret

decisions that I make,

then seem to think I know what's right -

and make one more mistake?

How is it I so oft' forget

the friends I have so near?

Why is it that I lose sight of

the ones I should hold dear?

I live in full deception for

I know what lies ahead,

and humbleness will conquer me

right after I am dead.

Yet if I focus on God's love

and what He's done for me,

it's only then that I can live

with true humility.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Ol' Barn 3-3-08

There was a barn once painted red
which stood on grandpa's old homestead –
and built so very long ago,
a sorry sight - I told him so.

As a boy I often wondered
why it hadn't ever timbered.
I heard the sagging rafters yawn
with half its several shingles gone.

I stepped in (the barn doors missing) -
found it home for sparrows singing.
Though the birds flew around freely
the floors were filled in man's debris.

No matter which way I'd be glancing
dust in sunlight rays were dancing.
Warning cobwebs seemed to sketch -
between the timbers they would stretch.

Foundation laid in cobblestone
but its sure footing wasn't known.
Between some stones were gaping cracks
that could not hide the basic facts.

Every post in building leaning,
wall to wall had needed cleaning.
Winter winds would whistle through.
That big ol' barn had lost, I knew.

Its sole purpose couldn't render -
so it offered full surrender.
Weather's sin had taken toll
and wind and sleet had found its soul.

That ol' barn is much like us
and in our need we make a fuss.
Our sagging souls are so uncouth
that we no longer seek the truth.

Deceit flies in our open door
and we care little anymore.
We’d rather compromise instead
as cobwebs fill our empty head.

Our minds are filled with sins' debris
with anyone whom we agree.
The love is lost between our bones
and leaves us cold, loosened stones.

Will our convictions stand together
or now yield to stormy weather?
Are we responsible inside
or has our character also died?

Over these years the time has lapsed
and long ago that barn collapsed.
Now as I look at its demise,
I listen to the worlds last cries....

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Will I See You? 2-21-08

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Will I see you in Heaven?
Will I see you up there?
I love you my son.
Do you really not care?

It's hard, often times,
to find something to say,
And difficult too -
for my love to convey.

You are often busy.
You're working too hard,
Running on errands
and cleaning your yard.

Have you no more time
to come by and see me?
If we could change places
just how would that be?

Yes, what if the tables
were turned just a bit,
And you were in my shoes -
would you then admit,

That all of the efforts
I made to see you,
Were ever so feeble
and long overdue.

Oh, I am not perfect.
Not one little bit.
And I am not lonely -
as I sit and knit.

I pray and thank Him
for all He has given.
While you are unhappy,
I am forgiven.

But if you were here,
I would tell you right now,
"Repent of your troubles -
And I'd show you how."

I'd tell you 'bout Jesus -
resurrection and such,
And then too, you'd feel
the great Master's touch.

I love you my son
so please don't stay away.
Come right on over -
and do not delay.

Will I see you in Heaven?
Will I see you up there?
I love you my son.
I will keep you in prayer.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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Working Faith 2-9-08

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Why is faith without works always dead?
Does only God work in my future ahead?
Was I only created for church and fluff,
and am I (in His image) not good enough?

Did Jesus do nothing - but only believed,
and sweat drops like blood, but never received,
the whippings, the insults, the anger and scorns,
the judgment, the nails, the sharp crown of thorns?

If sweat were sufficient then where would I be -
without His great work on that cross just for me?
His faith produced work - and the love in God's grace,
forgave me right here as He hung in disgrace.

"Forgive them," He said, "they know not what they do."
The work was soon finished - for me and for you.
"Abba, Father!!" to God Jesus cried!!
Yes, God worked a miracle - and then Jesus died.

So can miracles happen if I only believe,
sit on my hands, excuses to weave?
If I'm to be Christ-like, if I'm to show love -
the work found within me gets strength from above.

Yes, faith without works will always be dead -
but don't believe me, for that's what God said.
I'm made in His image. I can't sit around.
And where there is need, Lord, let me be found!

Do I leave my neighbors with, "Have a nice day"
or bring them to Jesus in my special way?
In His image - in my own special place,
He gave me a mission none else can replace.

To grasp His faith, His work, His loss,
I, in His image, must too bear my cross.
I’m a mere nothing but a void, hollow shell,
unless true working faith brings His miracle...

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Genesis 5:1(KJ)
"This is the book of the generations of Adam.
In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;"

James 2:26 (NASB)
"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."

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True Need 11-19-07

Everything I cannot see -
Wind, noise, heat or gravity.
Everything I cannot hear -
Clouds colliding far and near.

I can’t see all. I can’t hear all.
Gods all-knowing. Man is small.
I can’t smell all. I can’t taste all.
God is love, and man shall fall.

We can’t sniff out our way to crawl,
But we can see ourselves so tall.
We can’t hear a simple call.
So man denies and builds his wall.

God made the stars, the earth and sky,
And all creation does comply.
God made babies so they cry.
God made all - yet man asks, “Why?”

Man needs to touch. Man needs to feel.
But God is love. We need to heal.
God stands on love. We stand on sod.
And in His image, we need God.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Christmas Day 11-2-07

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In a little manger lay,
a baby sleeping on the hay,
The Magi followed Heavens' star,
offered gifts and knelt to pray.

At that time - above the straw,
oh, to see what Shepherds saw:
A baby there, so weak and meek -
would one day bring the people awe.

The multitudes will follow Him,
one tries to seek Him from a limb.
He'd heal the sick and raise the dead,
until one day when all turns grim.

He rose again without a boast,
and then He sent the Holy Ghost.
Yes, every day's a special gift,
but Christmas day has brought us most.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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The Servants Love 10-5-07

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I always keep my promises - if not, would be a crime;

Help me through it, through those “keeps”,

Time after time.

Bad news visits often. That's why you see me cower;

Help me through it, through those “visits”,

Hour after hour.

My employer wants me - yells, "HEY! HEY!! HEY!!!"

Help me through it, through those “wants”,

Day after Day.

The infants scream, when us they seek;

Help me through it, through their “screams”,

Week after Week.

Eleven people need my time. Everyone a tenth;

Help me through it, through those “needs”,

Month after month.

My health is failing. You know my greatest fear;

Help me through it, through all “failures”,

Year after year.

This funeral now - just for myself, will put me in a hole;

I know You'll love them through it all,

Soul after soul.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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As Your Son 10-4-07

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I know You loved me from afar,
and lifted me, this soul from tar;
But I'm confused - so prove just how,
a Christ so GREAT - can humbly bow?

I smell the fragrance of Your world,
it excites me so - I've twirled and twirled;
Emotions shoot me up so high,
then drop so far - please hear my cry.

I taste the freedom from my sin,
I feel Your wonders deep within;
In life I've tasted fields' wheat -
to taste Your honey - is so sweet.

I hear Your voice in all I touch.
that still, small voice loves me so much;
You hear my cry from all sins mourns,
and find this rose - among the thorns.

I feel You knocking my hearts door,
I feel it pounding even more.
I've opened up, a little bit,
though faith is lacking - isn't it?

I see Your hand - the nail print,
I've cracked my door. Give me a hint.
A soul so lost, so dead - now free,
You gave me eyes - that I might see.

Should I go out and witness more,
beyond my house, beyond my door?
For if, by grace, the cross You won,
make me as faithful as Your Son....

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed,
"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Matthew 26:42
He went away a second time and prayed,
"My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.

Matthew 26:44
So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time,
saying the same thing.

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The REAL MAN 10-1-07

Some think that they are very tough.

They know a thing or two.

They draw attention from afar

so others know them too.

Some think that they are pretty tough

with muscles bulging out,

they flex for their own sole desires

so they won't go without.

Some think that they are very tough.

They think that they're so smart.

Enslaved to things they cannot keep,

raw anger rules their heart.

Some day they will sit alone -

to think about their clout.

The first is last, the last is first -

that's what it's all about:

Through the cries of hate and lies

from others that are hurled,

A REAL MAN takes up his cross -

the hope above this world.

Some will get so angry when -

a REAL MAN loves truth.

A REAL MAN loves children -

their innocence and youth.

While others aren't responsible,

a REAL MAN won't hide.

A REAL MAN's humility -

overcomes all pride.

When others start to steal

a REAL MAN's own shirt,

A REAL MAN will turn away.

A REAL MAN must hurt.

A REAL MAN won't start the fight.

A REAL MAN's not weak.

A REAL MAN must feel the whip -

then turn the other cheek.

When others tear, gouge his flesh -

a REAL MAN won't sway.

REAL MEN love enemies,

and REAL MEN will pray.

A REAL MAN can bear the nails.

A REAL MAN can cry.

A REAL MAN will bear his cross.

A REAL MAN might die.

But a REAL MAN's forgiven

despite all he's denied,

and they can't kill THE REAL MAN -

the REAL MAN inside.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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Mark 8:35 (KJV) “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.”

The T and nothing but the T 9-25-07

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The T is not a score -
that changes in its core.
It IS the whole, nothing less and also nothing more.

T is not a history,
that lives a mystery.
God KNOWS every detail and through them He can see.

Now do not make a fuss.
This poem is for us.
Nothing we can do or say will change so don't discuss.

What's in your little head -
the universe instead?
What pride has taken you on down the 'primrose path' instead?

You believe you know it all.
Don't holler as you fall.
Only One can see your feeble fate and make the real call.

So we feel not at all,
That love that stands so tall.
We've axed God down with our own pride - glad to see Him fall.

Our boasting sure can part.
Our hearts so far apart,
And the truth from every niche - from the center of our heart.

T is not a big 'ol fish,
that grows from eager wish,
T is just the little one that hardly filled the dish.

Like drops in the bucket,
We really are all wet.
The ocean is the real truth. We're nothing as of yet.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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