Caged 11-21-09

A bird chirped loud - said "See what's ours
on his side of the safety bars.
So come and grasp your freedom now -
enjoy these twinkling stars."

"You know that I am also free
and everything, can also see -
here in the comfort of my home"
I said so gleefully.

He chirped again there on the ground,
"Experience this life profound."
So decidedly, I chirped again,
"I like what I have found."

"Just try to understand my plea."
he chirped high from an apple tree.
"My owner too, will come for you"
I quipped triumphantly.

That pesky bird had quite an edge,
He landed on my window ledge!
So turned I back to owner, vowed,
"I'm staying here, I pledge."

She said so sincere, "I love you"
so I told her, "I love you too.
You gave me such a perfect place -
and give me such a view!"

So then that pesky bird took flight.
With me, it couldn't win a fight -
and though I understood his way -
was certain I was right.

That pesky bird had quite a tale,
but my demands would all prevail.
My owner, all I'd ever need -
and her, too big to fail.

I clung so tight to selfishness -
my good entitlements a 'plus'.
I didn't care for other's needs -
nor 'rights' of theirs discuss.

Then angry got, was so enraged -
there safe inside my little cage.
My freedom I had so dismissed -
starvation then, my wage.

I once had dignity and pride -
until that day my owner died.
With not one seed and water gone -
tightly locked, I was inside.

Had chances to escape, a few -
but didn't from this life I knew.
Last thing I saw, that pesky bird -
pulling up a worm or two.

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

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Jonah 2:6 (NASB) "I descended to the roots of the mountains The earth with its bars was around me forever, But You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God."

Foundation's Truth 8-1-09

So proud and tall she stands today,
for she had understood the way -
the importance of her humble job
while surrounded with such disarray.

Lest our nation backward slide,
never once we cussed or lied,
but now through 'hope' and true 'belief'
we're safely home and here abide.

She had noticed through the years
so many 'wet behind the ears'.
For they had taken it for granted -
a right that easily disappears.

Still there, but lonely, she still stands,
(no music, pomp or marching bands) -
Her usefulness has gone, expired -
as 'greater good' today demands.

Our freedom's 'right' - none can erase,
but most give up in any case.
She stands so ready, though alone -
next to a corrupt voting place.

When blinded by bad policy,
can she still fly our flag freely?
If one by one our 'rights' are stripped -
can this, a mighty nation be?

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

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Child-like Faith 11-1-08

You spanked me when I stole or lied,

yet always hugged me when I cried.

When I knew not just what to do,

I trusted you to see me though.

I felt so safe from all the crime,

as you helped me in your spare time.

Remember visits - Grandma's house,

when I spilled Kool-aid on her blouse?

I remember the circus and clowns;

Elephants, tigers – all the sounds.

I love the animals in our zoo,

but mostly mommy, I love you.

Last year, mom, when I was seven,

You spoke of Jesus, God in Heaven.

Please hold my hand, it's dark tonight.

Jesus holds my other, tight.

Your eyes say I won't make it through,

but I know Jesus loves me too.

You're worried, mom, but please don't be -

Jesus has reached down to me.

I see big scars in the palms of his hands.

He must have worked hard on Heaven's plans.

Forgive me mommy when I wasn't good,

because Jesus did. He understood.

Jesus grips my other hand.

I must let go, He tugs me and -

I wish there was another way -

but let go mommy... it's okay.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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