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The Answer to My Prayers
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By Louis Gander
Other Poems by Louis Gander


The Answer to My Prayers

This was the very first poem I wrote (summer of 2004) about ten years ago.  At the time, I was embarrassed to tell anyone because - after all - guys don't write poems (or so I thought).  I woke up around 3AM with this "picture" in my head of an elderly lady walking along a road.  It had such an impact on me that I immediately went downstairs to "spill" out the words on my computer (I'm a fast typist).  After typing it out on "WordPerfect", I did a "spell check", saved it - and then proceeded to "change the words" to make the poem "better".  After an hour or so, I saved it again and then compared the "original" with my "edited copy".  They were virtually the exact same.

I noticed that I had not posted this in WC so here it is.  As you read it, try to picture it in your mind.  I hope you enjoy "The Answer To My Prayers"  :)

The Answer To My Prayers

 

I was walking down the road, in the autumn of my years;

the leaves were brilliant colors, though my eyes were red with tears.

 

My pain was ever mounting. Death was always surely near -

my troubles and my heartache held me tight in cold, dark fear.

 

I prayed to Jesus every day. Every burden I could name;

but He never seemed to answer. Every day was still the same.

 

Life is so unfair I pled, that I should bear this awful pain;

and then without a warning, there I stood in pouring rain.

 

It came down heavy. The wind blew hard;

the mud was slick, and caught me off-guard.

 

Embarrassed on the cold ground - increasing anger taking hold -

I'm just too good of person. You so loved me, I was told.

 

I screamed again, "Life's so unfair - And getting worse!" I hissed,

and with my energy exhausted, I raised an angry fist.

 

Then something shook my soul. It thundered from the sky-

and then in lightning flashes, two trees had caught my eye.

 

One bent down across the other, which stood along beside;

it curved if humbly bowing and exposed my selfish pride.

 

Were my troubles overwhelming- because I was at a loss?

Did my pains need me to stumble to see this simple cross?

 

So then the prayer I uttered, was something like those trees-

with one bowed low and humbly, as I knelt there on my knees.

 

The whole of vast unfairness, in life that I had earned;

just couldn't hold a candle, to what I’d finally learned.

 

Did I deserve some comfort? No bird would dare to sing!

Had I worn a thorn? I thought, endured a nail or anything?

 

No. My life was easy. My burden unfairly light-

for Jesus seized that evil death, so I could be set right.

 

Yes, I know that life's unfair, though not to me you see;

but rather to the Lamb of God, His sacrifice for me!

 

©2004 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 


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Submitted: Saturday, November 8, 2014

Last Updated: Saturday, November 8, 2014

About the Poet
Born in Richland Center, Wisconsin in 1954. It's the poem's message that matters- not the poet.


Other Poems by Louis Gander

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