The Gun Fight! 2-11-12

The sun was rising in the east
behind some hitching posts -
and weathered boards, on buildings old,
had nothing left to boast.

But I wore fancy cowboy duds,
I was a handsome sight.
A crowd of people gathered 'round
to watch this old gun fight.

The street was dead and empty
except for sin and I -
and how I ended up out here,
I'm really not sure why.

A bullet? Very perilous
if we've no self-control -
and sin is much more dangerous,
because it kills the soul.

Now noon met with humidity.
The sun was dry and hot.
Some beads of sweat rolled down my face -
my stomach, in a knot.

But no, I wasn't nervous -
though duel had begun.
I counted out ten paces -
then turned and drew my gun.

But sin is faster, furious -
much quicker than the eye.
Oh please! Dear Lord and Saviour -
I do not want to die!

And then... in just an instant,
I dropped down to my knees.
I fell as peace passed over me
and felt the gentle breeze.

But something stood in front of me.
Its shadow crossed my face.
I then saw Jesus on that cross.
He took my very place.

Ashamed, I dropped my pistol.
My pride was killed that day -
as I pulled off my fancy boots
and flung my hat away.

Now humbled on the dusty street
with crowded eyes on me -
my every pride had vanished as
I learned humility.

In faithfulness, I stood again,
though I was at a loss...
Oh, how could Jesus love me so
from that old rugged cross?

The sun was setting in the west
behind some hitching posts.
And weathered boards, on buildings old,
had nothing left to boast.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Shiny Penny 7-9-11

Reflection caught my lazy eye,

there on the narrow street.

I spied the shiny penny's glint -

right underneath my feet.

Many will not pick one up,

as value is so small -

and they believe it worthless for,

most anything at all.

To pick it up, not worth it -

at least that's what they say.

but oh, my time was not a waste -

was not a waste that day.

Though, there embossed, was Lincoln's face -

the date stamped clearly new -

more engravings marked the back,

proved it a penny too.

But what can a sole penny buy?

Good luck, what can it bring?

What help buys it, the hungry?

What good, the shiny thing?

Its purpose can be measured,

the value, one small cent.

But there had to be more to it.

My patience had been spent.

I found it - just a penny,

so small and very thin.

I thought it, all but worthless,

but then I looked again...

First opening my fingers,

then cleaning off some dust -

I finally found great value with,

the words, "In God We Trust".

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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