Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The Farmers Market

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By Bud Lemire on Oct 18, 2006


I’m going to the Farmers Market to get something
Going to find out what the farmers did bring
Located behind where the popcorn wagon use to sit
Going to go there and see what I can get

Farmers from Yooper country, bring their produce into town
Upon the stands they’re placed, for us to look around
Grown here, in the U.P.
Maybe I’ll find something there for me

Once I bought some beets, and I tried something new
Made a beetroot sandwich, like the Australians do
Tomatoes, cucumbers, and some green beans
Several other foods, many assorted greens

Squash is there in Autumn, Acorn tastes so great
Zucchini is good in bread, it’s something I ate
The farmers take pride, and bring them there to share
Placed upon the shelves so we will be aware

Come down and take a look, the prices can’t be beat
You’ll find something good that you can eat
I’m proud of all the farmers that take the time to grow
All the foods at the Farmers Market, that helps enrich your soul

The Farmers Market is located between North 9th street and 1st avenue North here in Escanaba, and has been around for many years. Opened early Saturday, and late afternoon on Wednesdays (when in season).

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

You Don’t Want Your Picture Taken

By Bud Lemire on July 12, 2010

So you don’t want your picture taken
No worries, it’s not my camera you’d be breaking
Are you so caught up in your self-ego
Yet there are some other things to know

We want the picture we take of you
So we can look back on someone we knew
Try to see it from our point of view
We love you enough so we need one of you

You’re part of the family, and you’re a friend
And when it comes time for your life to end
We can look back with happy memories
Of a special person with wonderful stories

It’s not all about you, it’s about us
Giving and sharing, with a little trust
You don’t have to keep your own picture, there’s no pressure
But we’d love one to keep, because the one of you we treasure

Step outside worthlessness and see
You are part of this great family
So special and unique in your own way
In the family photo we’d like you to stay

So, you don’t want your picture taken
Think about the historic moment you’ll be making
Be a part, be don’t be apart
Everyone is their own work of art

Each one of us are made special and unique, so we aren’t the same. Beauty comes in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes beauty can not be seen, but comes from the inside. Sometimes life distorts our own view of ourselves, and we find ourselves wanting to be left out of photos. We must look at ourselves at these times, through the eyes of the photographer. Why would they want a picture of me? Could it be they see more to you than what you see as yourself? I am sure they do. Look again at yourself, you were made to be special, and that is how you became YOU.

A Pigeon Stared At Me

By Bud Lemire on July 5, 2010


A pigeon stared at me from outside the window
Moving its head from side to side as if to say hello
I wonder what it was thinking or what it had to say
As a sprinkle of rain came down upon this special day

It seemed to have a message, but I couldn’t read its mind
But it made me smile, because it seemed so kind
It rested on a bird feeder, staring in at me
What could it be thinking, what could it be

Perhaps it was wondering if I knew Pigeon Talk
Or if I was pigeon toed and could I do a Pigeon walk
Pigeons aren’t known by many as the most beautiful bird
Yet as I looked out the window, that statement seemed so absurd

Because I saw the beauty inside as the pigeon looked back at me
What makes something beautiful, is the beauty only you can see
Some never see it right in front of their eyes
Right there in plain sight without even a disguise

As the pigeon stared in at me, I was staring too
I wondered of its thoughts and exactly what it knew
Never take for granted the things that are there
Open up your senses and tune in to be aware

The day I saw the pigeon, I was touched by the way it reacted to my stare back at it. Just like people have their own ways, so do birds and animals. They should not be taken lightly, for they are part of this world too.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Remembering Mom With Love

© 2001 by Bud Lemire

With her final breath, and a tear from her eye
Her spiritual presence, took flight to the sky
To the place called Heaven, where we all go
She’s earned a special place there, this I truly know
She shared her gift of life and love, with us all
Until the time came, for her to answer the call

We shall remember, all she shared in the past
And the memories of these times, will always last
The memories when she sang to us, when we felt fear
We always felt so calm, when she was always near
The games we played, that were so much fun
It never really mattered who lost or who won

The pictures of the many faces, that she always drew
And the beautiful handwriting, that each of us knew
All the family stories, that she loved to tell
For me, I can still hear the ringing of her bell
I was her closest friend, when nobody else was here
I knew when she was happy, I knew her greatest fear

I’ve always called it home, because we were never apart
I knew she loved each of her children, with all of her heart
I hope everyone knows, I gave her the best care that I knew
Maybe I could’ve tried harder, but I did what I could do
I wish I could have done more, but she accepted me for being me
She always appreciated all I did do, and all that I could be

She was a warm and caring person, a Mother we all love
She earned a place in Heaven, with the Angels up above
As we journey in this life, one thing we all must know
She’ll always be in our memories and hearts, wherever we may go
I truly believe the love that we share with her, never really dies
Our spiritual bond with her lasts forever, that is the family ties

Her journey continues in Heaven, but her love is felt forever

Aronsons Island

By Bud Lemire on June 10, 2010


A Baltimore Oriole, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, or a Cedar Waxwing
Are on Aronsons Island and you can hear them sing
So much to see if you are aware
A Brown Thrasher and woodpecker are even found there

A Yellow Warbler, Barn & Tree Swallows, and the Killdeer
Beautiful is their song as it comes upon your ear
The Canadian Goose, and the Great Blue Heron can be found
If you listen real closely, you can hear them around
Butterflies can be seen on a warm summer day
When flowers are in bloom and they like to play

A Green Leaper is there, which is a frog
The island is a great place to walk your dog
A bike path leads right to the end
It’s a wonderful place to take a friend

Walk along the shore, take in the scene
On Lake Michigan, where the trees are so green
Escanaba’s Waterfront, what a beautiful sight
I’ve even seen some people flying a kite

People go there to swim, some go to fish
Possibly a walk, or anything else that you wish
You can launch your boat on the island too
There’s so much at the island that you can do


I make it a daily event to go to Aronsons Island when the warm weather is here. It brings me peace to see all the wonderful creatures that come there. The beauty there is always found, and the songs of the birds are always around. I try to capture what I can with my camera, but some things must be experienced right on the spot.

After School

By Bud Lemire on June 19, 2010


Who could have seen, who would have known
The future before us, how much we have grown
Time moves around us, we move ahead
We change with time, going where we’re lead

Some of us get married, start a family
Others are lead elsewhere, in our destiny
We find that life, takes all we can give
The more that we do, the easier it is to live

School is done, but your lessons have just begun
An adventurous journey, until your life is done
You see school was only the beginning of the class
You’ll see life differently as it goes flying past

You’ll see your dreams come true
And what you can accomplish too
Those you looked up to will pass away
You’ll be the one with an important role to play

Your appearance will change with age
Chapters of your life, moving page by page
Experience and wisdom will make a better you
When you find that life begins…After School

I find that you can learn a lot in school, but I find that after Graduation, we begin a journey that teaches us so much more about life and how things are suppose to be. We learn about the real world so much more, and the people around us. Our wild days are over and we must take responsibility for others. But deep inside our hearts and souls remain the same, even when our bodies age and change in appearance.

Facebook

By Bud Lemire on June 19, 2010


Connecting with the old and new
Facebook is the place for you
All your interests on display
Responses made on every day

Groups and friends are all found there
There’s so much more that you can share
Pictures, music, and videos too
They’re all there especially for you

Your own profile is your special place
While the News Feed is the latest news space
Some people like to play a game
But for me that’s not my aim

I love interacting with my friends there
And reading all the comments so I’m aware
I’ll send a heart to someone I know
Or some Mystic Art that captures the soul

I’ll share my photos so my friends can see
Exactly what I’m doing with my photography
Oh it’s great to share and it’s fun to look
And visit my friends who are at Facebook


I’ve been enjoying Facebook, and all the friends that are near and far . It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. It’s a great way for long lost friends and family to find you. I love the latest news on music, authors, and all the things I enjoy.


I Love Music

By Bud Lemire on May 2, 2009

I love music, and it’s music that I play
Helps me through, no matter what the day
And it’s music that I love to explore
It’s what you may hear when you pass my door

Music, gentle and soft as a butterfly in the air
Rock and Roll, that has your feet moving everywhere
Oldies from the past that take you back in time
I have so much music in the library of my mind

What would we do without music, I really dread to think
To us who are human, it’s the Heavenly link
It touches us deeply, right into our soul
I love hearing music wherever I go

It expresses how we feel, with the words we hear
It calms us into peacefulness, when we’re feeling fear
For me it’s like life, I want to explore everything
And feel the feelings, that each song will bring

I surround myself with music, I surround myself with love
While the music plays inside my head, the birds fly up above
I love music, it’s what I’ve always known
I grew up with music, and still love it fully grown
Listen to the music, let it take you where you want it to
I know that is what my music will always do

I love music! Mom sang to us as kids, which started the music inside of us. Grandma played the piano and taught others how to play right here in Escanaba. She played during the silent film days. My sister Jeannie played the piano and guitar, and even had an album out a long time ago. My brother Clyde, played Tuba and Bass for many years. Me, I love music of all kinds, and can not get enough of what I love so very much. I write the poems, which could be put to music. Poems are songs without the music. I love sharing music and my poetry, because I think everyone should enjoy them. Life is too short not to enjoy that which is music to our ears. Let the music play on, and enjoy the memories they bring.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Coach Thibault



By Bud Lemire on Aug 28, 2009


When I was younger, several years ago
There was a coach, I came to know
I was a student at Escanaba High
I wasn’t good at gymnastics, although I did try

This coach treated everyone equal and fair
I knew with all my efforts I was glad to be there
It was at that time in the gym
That I came to know and admire him

I didn’t follow sports, but always heard his name
In the news, Coach Thibault’s team won the game
I didn’t know then, but soon it would be so
This coach and special man, I would come to know

As in every case, time seemed to pass by
I’d see him at the City Band concert, and I’d say hi
Or I’d see him walking around in the grocery store
He always remembered me, and share a little more

After telling him who I was, he looked at me
A smile crossed his face, with a returning memory
“Yes, I remember you,” is what he said
And it took me back to those days in Physical Ed

I couldn’t let this moment pass without honoring this special man in this poem. He has given so much to the High School kids through the years.
I saw him recently at Elmer’s and he remembered me with a smile. He asked where I was living now. I told him The Harbor Tower. He said his Mother use to live here. He smiled and thanked me for the conversation. I went away with a memory of a man I was glad to have known in my lifetime.

The Kitty

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By Bud Lemire on July 19, 2008

Young and playful with so much energy
Innocent and new, and so carefree
Exploring this new world with so much zest
Taking it all in and doing his best

Under the furniture, up on the chair
You’ll find this Kitty…everywhere
It won’t stop if there’s more to explore
Expect the unexpected, because you’ll get more

Going through the teething with his little bite
So little yet, that he sure feels light
But he’ll grow to be big, just like that paw
From the size of it, he’ll grow bigger than his Maw

With his appetite, he’ll stop to eat from his dish
No doubt in time he’ll be thinking of tuna fish
Will he sleep on or under the bed?
Or will he just sleep on the floor instead?

Dreaming of the adventures he’ll have as a cat
Exploring this world, wherever he’s at
Letting out a roar, but a meow is heard
He spots a creature with wings, it’s a bird

“So much to learn, so much to know”
“But I’ll learn what I can as I grow”
“These two-legged creatures have no paws like me”
“But the love they give, is the best it can be”

The Traveler On A Bike

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By Bud Lemire on May 18, 2005


He’s a journey man, the traveler on a bike
Pedaling along the sidewalk, doing what he likes
Watching all the squirrels, as they go running by
Gazing at the birds, flying in the sky

He doesn’t ask for much
Finds pleasure in the sun’s touch
Is warmed by his surroundings, and people that he meets
Touches deep within his soul, makes him feel complete

Sees things within, that nobody can see
Feels with his heart and soul, his spirit’s roaming free
He knows the good in people, and he knows the bad
He knows what makes them happy, and what makes them sad

He travels very far, to get to where he’ll be
But it’s an added bonus, to his good quality
Once he is there, he does his very best
It’s the role he’s in, while on his Earthly quest

As his bike keeps rolling, beauty is what he sees
Sunshine on the land, and all the different trees
The flowers, and the green grass upon the ground
He always seems to find good, wherever he is found

As he pedals down the sidewalk, and rides along the street
He waves at all the people, as only he can greet
He’s a journey man, the traveler on a bike
Pedaling along the sidewalk, doing what he likes

Happy To Live Here

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By Bud Lemire on Feb 28, 2010


I’m so happy to live here
With the great lake so near
Right outside my window I can see
All the places I love to be

For those who move away, the grass isn’t greener over the fence
Home is where the heart is, why that’s only using common sense
Long ago I had a Family home, where my heart was at
But people pass away, and you can’t bring them back

Here there are people from all around
In the lobby many can be found
You can be alone or find a friend anywhere
A wonderful place to take the time to share

As my time here passes, I’m finding out
Just what living here is all about
The staff do their best to help you
You can tell by what they say and do

People come and go throughout each year
So precious are they, so glad they lived here
They are as unique as the tower is in shape
Out my window I see a great place to escape
The beauty of Ludington park and the great lake so near
I love the Harbor Tower, and I’m sure Happy To Live Here

I’m so thankful that back on July 1, 2004 that I had a chance to move into the Tower and meet so many wonderful people. Each one unique in so many ways. Many have passed, some have moved away, but all shall be remembered throughout my lifetime. I’ve made so many friends here. Those who talk to me and know me, will know friends mean the most to me. I can’t name everyone, but I thank all my friends who live here. I thank you each for making this place a wonderful place to live.

The Chocolate Lady

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By Bud Lemire on Nov 13, 2009


I am so excited, I can hardly wait
For these chocolates, in the Vermont state
For “The Chocolate Lady,” brews something sweet
Chocolate covered pretzels, and a chocolate leaf as a treat

She knows how to make them, so they taste just right
By adding her love to it, mixed in with God’s light
The ingredients are mouth watering, and they taste great
And anyone who tastes them, will surely appreciate

All that she’s done, all that she does
All that tastes good, that’s what it was
Comes easy for her, for she knows how sweet
And you’ll agree, when it’s what you eat

East of the Green Mountains, south of the Sugarbush Ski Resort
Lives The Chocolate Lady, she’s such a good sport
She mixes up her chocolates, with her silver spoon
And uses the magic, of the late night’s full moon

Every time of the year, is a good time to share
The chocolates that she brings around, but you better beware
These chocolates that she makes, are very addicting
And you’ll find it’s her chocolates, that you’ll be picking

The Chocolate Lady is someone I know and think the world of. She truly does know how to make chocolates and shares them with those around her. She’s a sweet sweet lady, I’m proud to know.

Cold Winter Winds

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By Bud Lemire on Dec 7, 2009


When the cold winter winds blow
There’s one thing I always know
Somehow, some way, I’ll get through
No matter what happens, no matter what I do

I keep the thoughts of warmer days
Within my mind they turn into sun rays
They warm me up with the heat they give
And through the colder days it’s easier to live

I think of my friends who are always near
And all these cold feelings disappear
I think of my family, their love is always there
And the memories that we’ll always share

I read a good book or watch some TV
And the winter blues seem to let me be
I work on my pictures or write a poem
I do all kinds of things when I am home

I look out my window at the snow on the lake
Ice covered water, or a slow falling snowflake
When the Cold Winter Winds blow
I’d rather be inside, this I know


Many places across the world get cold. Here in Upper Michigan we have our share of cold weather during the winter months that start in November and go through March. Sometimes even longer! But with the warm company of friends and family, we manage to keep those Winter Blues away.

Vacation

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By Bud Lemire on July 27, 2009

A much needed vacation, brought her to my side
A smile so beautiful, it filled my heart with pride
She had time to think it over, an under rated wife
Thoughts about how she lived, what’s happening in her life

She needed a new angle, a fresh breath of air
And the warm arms of love, to show her that they care
To know that life can be better, as good as it can be
And bring her so much closer, to a greater destiny

Someone sharing love, giving her the best
Knowing that her life, was only a test
A test to rise above the pain and win
To let her know a new life will begin

On a Western journey, where two souls will meet
She met up with her loved one, their love was real sweet
They shared every moment, showing their love true
Because it was their souls, telling them what to do

Two weeks passed quickly, but their wills remain
Holding them together, keep them each sane
Their spirits still together, know where they belong
Together, their love forever, always will be strong

For the woman who took the vacation and found love at the other end of the long journey, I love you

A Seagull’s Flight

By Bud Lemire on March 27, 2010

Gazing out my window in the morning light
I came across a view of a seagull’s flight
He flew in a circle and then up so high
With graceful ease did this gull fly

Oh to have those wings to fly anywhere
With wings so beautiful, taken to air
“It must be great to be a bird”
Is what was said as I overheard

How would we know, never being one
To gaze in wonder, in the morning sun
To see below from a flight so high
They must have good vision in their eye

Then from above so high, they take a dive
To the water and catch a fish that’s still alive
They must see the fish while they are in flight
And quickly they dive to grab a bite

Amazing are the creatures that we live among
We hear their stories in the songs that are sung
The Seagull with those wings to fly anywhere
And my imagination so that I can be there

Thank you God, for the birds and countless other animals, for they are truly wondrous creatures that live among us.

Peeking Around Corners

By Bud Lemire on May 7, 2010

You’ll see him peeking around corners, or behind a vending machine
But mostly playing pool or shooting dice, is where he can be seen
He can be very quiet, and hardly make a sound
Or express himself in loudness, wherever he is found

When I first knew him, he seemed very shy
But he’s opened up a lot, as the time passed by
We shared in our love for music, whenever time was there
And exchange cds of the songs, so we could compare

We’d work on jigsaw puzzles, and get many pieces placed together
I found within this young man, a friend that I could treasure
“Oh! Huh?! Oh No! I Don’t Think So!” are words I hear him say
Expressions that he shows in words, nearly every day

Born in Los Angeles, his life’s path took him here
To the Harbor Tower, to meet new friends held dear
An Angel on the airwaves, a good person to know
He carried within him, a very special soul

Deep within him there is a Good hearted man
Who tries his best to do the best he can
If you see this man with a brown “Subway” hoodie
Stop and say hello to him, for he’s a goodie goodie

This is for my friend who is like a shadow, a clown, and so much more. Thank you for sharing your uniqueness and kindness to our lives. May your journey in life bring you many happy experiences

Spring Into Summer

By Bud Lemire on May 19, 2010

On the grassy field I see many dandelions
Just another presence showing the spring signs
Lilacs on the bushes, what a beautiful smell
Birds singing in the trees, oh I know them well

The bumblebees are buzzing, right around your head
It’s so nice to have my bike out, it’s shiny and red
Down by the Water Plant, I take in the scene
Aronsons Island has turned a beautiful green

Butterflies flutter as they fly about
One of many miracles, Heavenly no doubt
Dragonflies are present, as they fly around
The divine presence, though they don’t make a sound

A short sleeved shirt on a warm sunny day
Beauty found everywhere, as I go on my way
The Sandpoint Lighthouse, so much history there
All around the city, it’s beautiful everywhere

The leaves on the trees, the smell of cut grass
Seeing and smelling it, as I ride my bike pass
People fishing, casting out their line
Capturing this moment, in the Spring Time

I love it when the day is warm, and you only need your T-shirt on. When you hear the birds singing to each other from tree to tree. When the butterflies and dragonflies and ladybugs are all about flying around and landing wherever they want. The smell of Lilacs, one of Mom’s favorites, and mine as well. Oh how I love this time of year.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Memorial Day From Heaven

By Bud Lemire on May 31, 2010

I see you each time you stop by my grave
If you could see me, I’d stop and wave
But you get caught up in this holiday each year
And let your emotions bring down a tear

Have you forgotten what was taught at the start
Those that we’re connected to are never apart
So often I watched as you gazed into space
I wanted so badly for you to see my face

You’d stare out the window, and cry “Why’d You Leave”
I understand all too well what it means to grieve
Many times you’ll notice a scent in the air
I try for your attention, so you’ll know I’m there

Unless you’re relaxed and in tune with all that’s around
You’ll never know I’ve been there, because I don’t make a sound
I love being with you, but I wish you could see
All that I am, and one day you’ll be

You see, I’m so much better now than I was before
One day you’ll know, when you open Heaven’s door
For now I’ll just thank you for remembering me
And remind you that “Love” is what holds the key

Dedicated to all those who have passed on to another place. They are not gone, they live on forever in the Heavenly Spirit world.