This Single Tree 11-17-11

I want to change the whole wide world

and show God's loving touch.

I know the great commission.

I want to do so much...

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A brilliant yellow daffodil -

with color bright and full...

but how, if I have never seen -

can know how beautiful?

A peach - so juicy, succulent -

with taste that I can savor...

but how, if I have never ate -

can know its unique flavor?

A sonata in D-minor -

with music so profound...

but how, if I have never heard -

can truly know its sound?

Jesus - so perfect, wonderful -

who loves me without end...

but how, if I so stingy loved -

can know Him as a friend?

If head, I pull, from clouds above,

one day I'll understand -

this world is like a forest and,

this tree, just like a man.

Proclaim, I how, God's love to all -

and in the forest be -

when I know not the blessing 'cause

I stand in way of me?

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Indeed, I want to change the world,

and show God's loving touch.

But change, I how, the forest when -

this single tree's too much?

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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One Not Worthy 8-5-11

If I was Jesus, could I take -

the blame that wasn't my mistake?

If I was Jesus, could I hear -

the name 'Barabbas' in my ear?

If I was Jesus, could I see -

the multitudes surrounding me?

If I was Jesus, could I wear -

a crown of thorns set on my hair?

If I was Jesus, could I feel -

the rugged nails through hand and heel?

If I was Jesus, could I smell -

the stench of sweat and blood that fell?

If I was Jesus, could I taste -

when sour wine on lips was placed?

If I was Jesus, could I give -

could I be strong, could I forgive?

If I was Jesus, could I die -

for one not worthy, such as I?

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Final Walk 4-13-09

Now forty lashes - minus one
The torture, anguish has begun.
Thirty-nine lashes, horrid pain,
I can't endure - but won't complain.

A crown of thorn cuts in so deep,
Energy gone, I've got to sleep.
But on my back, a timber placed -
it weighs a ton, blood/sweat I taste.

I feel the cross beside my face
I cannot walk a faster pace.
Skin rips open - each time I slip,
so tighter, I must keep my grip.

Each step I take is harder still
when trudging up this cruel hill.
The slivers pierce me as I trod,
both big and small - oh, help me God.

Please give me strength - for Heaven sakes
for every muscle in me aches.
With that huge cross along my back,
my knees buckle.  My legs go slack.

Exhausted, I can hardly crawl
and then I drop it as I fall.
My shoulder hurts, the pain intense.
They all stare in awed suspense.

I can't hold it any more
yet I know next, what is in store.
My lungs hurt so, I've lost my breath -
but give me strength before my death.

Finally, at the top I rest -
but now this cross, my final test.
I love you all - am faithful still,
right here on top of Calvary's hill.

All the pain endured thus far

cannot erase the sins that are.

Sacrifice, death - wages of sin -

demands the pain on the cross begin.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Nothing 8-28-05

There is nothing.

I have nothing.

I eat nothing.

I drink nothing.

I own nothing.

I do nothing.

I see nothing.

I hear nothing.

I feel nothing.

I smell nothing.

I taste nothing.

I know nothing.

I am nothing -

except that God makes it so....

©2005 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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