On The Fence

On The Fence

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 21, 2017

When you sit on the fence, you could fall either way

It might be tomorrow, or even today

Whichever way you fall, you'll do your best

Because inside of you, you have been blessed

With the experience you have, and all that was taught

Stored in your mind, made aware with a thought

Using the gift, that has made this you

You'll know exactly, what you should do

Look all around, what will this side of the fence bring

Greener grass, beautiful flowers, or almost anything

Sitting on a fence forever, won't bring you anywhere

Only when you know what to do, will you be aware

While you sit on the fence, take time to see

Look all around, and find out who you will be

Review each side of the fence, which side will you choose

No matter your choice, there is nothing to lose

The side that you pick, you'll make the best of

You'll do even better, if you do it with love

When you sit on the fence, you could fall either way

But it's up to you, what you'll do with each day

Some people waste their days away wondering what to do. The

choices we make while sitting there can bring us far. There are

no wrong choices, just experiences that will help us grow. Through

those experiences, we learn and we grow to be who we want to be.

But we shouldn't stay too long on that fence. For our time here is

limited, and we must make the most of each moment.

Looking Back On The Year

Looking Back On The Year

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 21, 2017

Looking back on the year, as it ends

A new outlook on life, a new job, and new friends

Another brother left this world, in spirit he'll be

I'll cherish his life, and what he meant to me

Capturing another year of every beautiful scene

Creatures, events, clouds, and everything in between

A love that found me, is deeper than most

An adventure on Skype, which I'll raise a toast

The struggle goes on for a dear friend of mine

She gets through each day, without crossing the line

My health took a downfall, but I got it under control

Fear was upon me, but courage made me whole

Another great year spent at the U.P. State Fair

A great friend, a great concert, a great time we could share

A jigsaw puzzle to work on for Michael and me

Pieces fit together, with friendship as the key

A new year begins, while one year ends

I thank God for his guidance, and for having so many friends

As I end this poem, with thoughts passing through

I will say these words, “Happy New Year To You”

Each year of our life, is so very different from the one

before it. And each year that follows is so very unique.

Our lives change with each year. New friends, new

experiences, the unexpected, and so much more.

Sundog

Sundog

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 14, 2017

Sundog, a rainbow in the sky

Winter's beauty, seen to our eye

On the horizon, you just might see

Something magnificent, I'm sure you'll agree

Parhelion is another word to use

Sundog is the word I'd choose

Who would have thought, on a Winter's day

That we'd see a rainbow, so special in every way

Two sundogs make a halo, I bet that's a sight

I bet it shows up great, in the sun light

You don't often see it, but you never know

When a sundog will most likely show

Sundog? I wonder if it could bark

High above, while I walk through the park

Take another picture, to show your friends

Because it'll disappear, because that is how time ends

Sundog, a rainbow in the sky

Winter's beauty, seen to our eye

I saw a rainbow in the sky on one Winter's day.

I didn't realize it was called a sundog. I was

just happy to see, no matter what season it was.

Beauty is one thing I look for in many things.

Always Be You

Always Be You

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 14, 2017

Remember to always be you

Don't change, you need to be true

Your personality, is a special quality

Being you, is something to be

Follow the path, that always feels right

Don't take a wrong turn, where you'll have to fight

Ease through life, as only you can

Be the best you, whether woman or man

Believe what you do, experience it your own way

Live each time, as though it's your last day

Never let go, of the best quality you own

It makes the “You,” that you've always known

Don't let religion or politics, corrupt you in any way

Keep following your own path, in every day

If you change at all, gradual it should be

Ease into it, for that is the key

Sometimes it takes a lifetime to change

From where you started, the ending is strange

Strange that you are, totally different from the start

Yet maybe the change, taught you about your heart

Always be you! Follow your path, and change as

you grow. Grow from the changes. Learn from the

changes. Learn from life. Never let anyone tell you

that you should do something by forcing you. Search

within and if it feels right, do it. If it feels wrong, don't

do it. Your intuition, spirit, mind, and heart should know

when something isn't right. Use it, and always be you.

D.A.T.A.

D.A.T.A.

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 14, 2017

We are the Delta Area Transit Authority

We'll take you to where you want to be

Call us ahead, arrange the ride

Our staff, takes a lot of pride

We do our best, to get you there in time

Which means a lot, we have you in mind

786-1186, is the number to call

To bring you to Wal-Mart, Meijer, or the Mall

We'll take you to Gladstone, on the shuttle you'll go

We really don't like it, if you're a “No Show”

You may get our van, or maybe our bus

When seeking a ride, you can rely on us

Our goal is, to get you there

Our drivers, will drive you anywhere

Within Delta County, is where we abide

On The DATA, won't you come for a ride

We don't charge much, to get you anywhere

In fact, compared to others, it's a very low fare

We are the Delta Area Transit Authority

We'll take you to where you want to be

I am very glad we have DATA in this area.

They have brought me many places, and

do a great job. The drivers are very

helpful, and will assist those in need.

The dispatchers are kind and polite

and listen. I recommend DATA to

anyone without a car, who needs to

be somewhere in Delta County.

They're Here, With Us

They're Here, With Us

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 7, 2017

They left us with their song, when they left this world behind

You can listen and see, they left us all a sign

A song on the radio, a special memory

A place or an object, whatever it may be

It may even be a scent you smell

Of a person you had known so well

A TV Channel, may change before your eyes

A spirit in, a electronic disguise

How about a loved one, seen or heard in a dream

Or on a dark day, you'll see a sun beam

It might be a butterfly, passing in front of your eyes

Could be your Mother, in a disguise

A book calls out, and makes you think of Dad

A song that Mom loved, that you always had

It could be words, that someone had said

Reminding you they're gone, but they aren't dead

There's so many things, that show us they're here

They're always letting us know, that they are near

Pay attention, be open, and you too will know

Our loved ones in spirit are with us, wherever we go

They've left their human form, but are now in spirit.

They're love for us keeps them closely connected to us

throughout our life. They watch over us, they come with

us, they know exactly what is happening in our lives. Their

love reaches out to us from the Heavenly world. And if we

listen, watch, are aware, we too, will know, without a doubt,

they are always with us.

The Light From The Other Side

The Light From The Other Side

© by Bud Lemire on Nov 29, 2017

The Christmas lights were on, all along Ludington street

Candy canes hung on trees, residents wanted something sweet

It was very quiet, on this special holiday

The only people seen, was a man in a van that was gray

Inside the van, was a man who recently lost his wife

He had been considering, if he should take his life

He remembered life, the way it use to be

There were some things, he just couldn't see

Two Angels walked beside him, soon he would be aware

His life would have more meaning, somebody did care

A spirit of a woman, who had golden hair

Walking right beside him, but he was not aware

She held him tightly, and with a whisper in his ear

Said “You must go on enjoying life, it is precious here”

So caught up in his own sadness, he didn't hear what was said

The woman that he loved, was alive in spirit, not dead

Soon the light of love, would come shining through

As the golden haired spirit merged saying “I Love You”

All of a sudden he changed so quick

He felt her love, it had done the trick

“Baby, you must go on enjoying life, I'll always be around”

“I'll share in all the happiness, wherever you are found”

He felt her love, and words could be heard in his mind

He wondered, how he could have been so blind

“Baby, there are still some things that you need to do”

“Before the Journey you are on, is over and is through”

She put an image in his head

Of a woman with hair so red

She was holding a baby, with a smile on his face

“Baby this is your future, it will bring you to a wonderful place”

“I want you to be happy, until your journey is complete”

“Then when it is over, it will be our time to meet”

Along with all his fallen tears

He felt all his banished fears

It was going to be a better Christmas, than he would ever know

Because of the special message, from someone with a special soul

I know at Christmas time, sadness can be felt for us who are missing

someone who is in Heaven. But know this, they join us in every occasion

and wouldn't miss the time to be with us. Even though we can't see them.

They are with us, and sharing their love with us.

Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

© by Bud Lemire on Nov 13, 2017

Giving thanks, because I am living

Appreciation for the food that's been given

Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and gravy

Cranberry sauce, the pumpkin pie will fill me

Gathering with Family and friends

The thankfulness never ends

Cut the Turkey, so tender to chew

I take off my hat, and salute you

Green bean casserole, I'll try some

Although, it's not for everyone

So much food, to pick from

I'll just fill my plate some

My belly knows how much to eat

Yet my mind doesn't know defeat

Belly versus mind, the battle never stops

Until the button on my pants, pops

I can't eat all that food, no way

You have way too much, on display

I'll just have a dab of this and that

Maybe I'll get by without getting too fat

I appreciate the food that's been given

I give thanks, because I am living

Thanksgiving is always being thankful

for everything you have. Food, and so

much more.

All In A Year

All In A Year

© by Bud Lemire on Nov 8, 2017

The leaves on the trees have fallen

I hear the Winter winds calling

Snow has begun, flakes are in the air

Icy roads are found, almost everywhere

Thanksgiving and Turkey, always sound great

Holiday goodies, I'll gain some more weight

The Christmas tree and gifts on Christmas Day

An end of a year that wouldn't stay

A new year, and freshly fallen snow

As my mind takes in all there is to know

Another year older, and wiser too

Picking up experiences that I never knew

More pictures to be taken

More poems I'll be making

Spring time cheer it'll be bringing

Birds come out and are singing

A Class Reunion, friends gather around

Mates in conversation, is a great sound

Summer brings heat, many on the beach

Fireworks high in the sky, out of reach

The butterflies fly away

It gets colder every day

Trick or Treat, it's once again Halloween

It's all in a year, and much more in between

Every year brings so much. And every year

may bring the same events, but each year it

is different in its own way. Changes that

make each year more special.

Jealousy

Jealousy

© by Bud Lemire on Nov 4, 2017

When Jealousy has touched your heart

Hatred blossoms and plays its part

Soon, you will be believing

Darkness enters, so deceiving

What's all this hatred for

Why did you open that door

It was suppose to be love, all along

You stabbed a heart, and you were wrong

It embraced a heart so true

I know what it has done to you

You let it in, so let it free

For this jealous heart, is no part of me

Twist the truth, take the blame

Release this poison, from which it came

This ugly mask, that you have worn

Has ripped, and stabbed, and has torn

How did this ever come to be

That you could cause such misery

I hope some day, that you will see

Beyond the veil, of your jealousy

Jealousy is hatred that consumes you,

and makes it hard to think clearly. It

wraps around your heart and distorts

the love you feel, causing only pain.

Get the facts right, know that it will

only hurt you in the end. Don't let

jealousy win.

Why Take A Picture Of Me?

 

Why Take A Picture Of Me?

© by Bud Lemire on Nov 1, 2017

“Why take a picture of me?” said The Butterfly

Because you are so beautiful to the eye

“But I am just a Butterfly, nothing more”

Your wings are paintings, and you soar

“Why take a picture of me?” a Rabbit asked of me

Because it's your beauty, that I see

“But I am just a Rabbit, nothing more”

When you are hoping, it's too beautiful to ignore

“Why take a picture of me?” a Robin asked of me

Because I love your song, and beauty is mine to see

“But I am just a Robin, it's all I have ever been”

I know, but you are so very special, my friend

“Why take a picture of me, said the Sun at Sunset

It was at Sunrise, that we had first met

It's because of your colors, and your light

The beauty we see, when we take in your sight

As two Teenage skateboarders, roll on by

They ask the question of why

“Why take a picture of us?”

All I ask is for your parents trust

For I see beauty in each human being

That beauty is worth being seen

Every now and then I get some nasty feedback

on my photos. A recent one was that I took a

picture of their son and his girlfriend, who were

skateboarding down the sidewalk. There was

nothing wrong with it. Yet the Mother felt uneasy

that I had taken it and shown it on Facebook.

Facebook Drama

Facebook Drama

© by Bud Lemire on Oct 25, 2017

There's Drama on Facebook, that's nothing new

Politics and Religion, and their Point of view

Sally Sue has a new boyfriend, and Kerry and Jim have broken up

Liz bought a new Tea Pot, and she posted a picture of the cup

Did you hear what happened to Jane?

Her boyfriend had a fit and went insane

Millie posted a picture of her wedding in the park

Power went out in Seattle, many are in the dark

Moe and Mary had an argument, and aren't speaking to each other

Sue was reunited in Los Angeles, with her long lost brother

Did you see the post Joan put on her page?

Why it's just too wild, for a woman her age

People are sharing thoughts, nothing is private any more

It shows up on my news feed, and it's too hard to ignore

There's more Drama on Facebook, I wonder if it's true

Tongues are flopping constantly, and it's not from a shoe

 

You Don't See, You Don't Know

You Don't See, You Don't Know

© by Bud Lemire on Oct 22, 2017

If you look at me, I may not look sick

Having a good Make-Up kit, does the trick

What you don't see, is what I don't show

There is so much more, that you don't know

To be seen in public, I need to look alright

I want everyone to see, and it look good to their sight

Underneath, my hair is falling out

Even though my appearance, may leave you doubt

Under it all, I am so very weak

My days could be better, yet they're bleak

I can't do the “Everyday” things, that are normal to you

In fact, there are many things now, that I can't do

Some people won't believe, that I am this way

They aren't in my shoes, I live with it every day

Nurses come to check on me, to see if I am alright

Many times I find it hard to sleep at night

If you look at me, I may not look sick

Having a good Make-Up kit, does the trick

I'm sick underneath, but I'll never let it show

What you don't see, is what you don't know

When you are sick with a serious illness, you

still want to look your best. It's harder, because

we have hair falling out, and splotches on our skin,

or lumps, or various other things, that we wish to

be covered and not showing. We want to, and wish

very much to be as normal as possible. But under

it all, we are going through much more than you

will ever know. Because what you don't see, is

what you don't know about us.

Where Did The Time Go?

Where Did The Time Go?

© by Bud Lemire on Oct 21, 2017

Everyone at one time or another, knows someone in a Nursing Home

The reasons could be dementia, an illness, or not wanting to be left alone

It's hard to believe, but one day it might happen to you

And you'll be wondering, where did the time go to

Get everything out of life, while you're in your prime

Because before long, you'll find you're out of time

We are mortal, we age as time travels pass

Our lives are precious, it goes by very fast

Nap time can come at any time, in a wheelchair

In the Dining room, or almost anywhere

“I would like a visitor, maybe a game or two”

“Sitting here like this, there's nothing I can do”

“I forget where I am, is there somewhere I need to be?”

“Sometimes I can't hear, sometimes it's hard to see”

“I can't make sense of everything, but I'll give it a try”

Give me a push somewhere, if you are passing by”

When you get old, it isn't any fun

Knowing, that our life is almost done

You'll be asking the question, that others still don't know

The years have passed on by, where did the time go

We normally go through life, just living it. Never thinking

that one day we will be old and be frail and lose some of

our senses. But it happens to us all. Sometimes an illness

will take us away. It happens to many of us, for we can not

cheat time. Time waits for no one. It happens, and we as

mortals, must mature and grow old too. But how we treat

those who are much older than we are, is how we want to

be treated when we are old and need the understanding

that they need.

Don't Live With Regret

Don't Live With Regret

© by Bud Lemire on Oct 7, 2017

Don't Live With Regret

In a tangled up net

Of things you didn't do

You had to be you

Don't feel bad, of choices you took

You traveled the pages, to make your own book

You had to experience, you had to explore

The journey of life, so you could become more

When you chisel a sculpture, it turns out alright

A lifetime traveler, is embraced by the light

The finished product, looks pretty good

Sometimes we ponder on the “If We Could”

The role that you played

Was how you were made

Chiseled, with every moment passing by

Turning out, as beauty to the eye

You are who you are, be proud to be you

The trials of time, is what you went through

You've learned about life, love, and much more

Became much wiser, with the burdens you bore

Never look back, to what could have been

You've mastered you, and that was then

You can look back on your past and think of

things you could have done and didn't, or

things you did do, but shouldn't have. But

take a good look at yourself and who you've

become. Without those trials and experiences

you wouldn't be the YOU, that you are today.

From exploring life, you have had experiences.

From your experiences, you have learned so

much. You need not regret, be proud of YOU.

Dead Resident

Dead Resident

© by Bud Lemire on Sept 27, 2017

When the newspapers start piling up by the door

And there's an odor that is too hard to ignore

Someone could have passed away

Possibly last week, or the other day

Who would know, if someone passed away

They could be in their apartment, in a state of decay

It might be someone that you know

That you haven't seen in a day or so

What happened in their place

For them not to have shown their face

Who would know what happened there

There must be someone who would care

Let's check in on Lou today

Maybe he has gone away

Mary might be home tonight

It's 10 PM and there's no light

It's hard to know where everyone might be

Some sort of “Buddy Check” might be the key

There will always be those that we don't know

Who they are, and where they go

I wonder how their last days were spent

When someone turns up as a Dead Resident

In an apartment place, there will always be people

passing away. It was their time to go, most likely.

But when you haven't seen anyone in awhile, it might

be a good idea to bring it to someone's attention. So

they can easily check on that person just to be sure

they are okay. Everybody needs someone to check on

them. I have two people I know who would be calling

everywhere to check on me if I wasn't seen in awhile.

Everyone should have someone checking on them. If

not, they need to have someone do that. A “Buddy Check”

is in need for those who don't have one.

A Will

A Will

© by Bud Lemire on Sept 18, 2017

Before your life ends, here are some things to know

Doing right by those left behind, before you go

Legally, get yourself a Will, do it right

Smile at the outcome, as you walk into the Light

So many relatives, that are left behind

Are battling for possessions, is what I find

They have bills, they shouldn't have at all

Many have found, they are up against a wall

Before you leave this world, get everything taken care of

Getting this done, is showing the greatest kind of love

No worries, it's so easy to just glide

You weren't taken, for a hair raising ride

“Oh dear, oh my, what will I do?”

“Should that go to Uncle Tim, or Cousin Sue?”

“If I give it to Tim, Sue will be mad”

“No matter what I do, it will turn out bad”

So many times, it leaves a family at war

Feuding among themselves, in an uproar

Where a disagreement shouldn't be

“That picture on his wall, should have gone to me!”

“Instead it went to his Nephew Jim”

“Why did it have to go to him?!”

Before someone passes, a Will should be made.

To make sure this person is assured everyone

will get what they have coming to them from

the deceased person. The better the legal form,

the better the hopes of everyone getting what

that person wanted everyone to have. Yet, it seems

even when it is planned good, things can go wrong.

Families are at war within, and it isn't good. Please

do your best to get everything planned right, so when

you pass, everything will fall into place perfectly.

Rockin' Delta County

Rockin' Delta County

© by Bud Lemire on Sept 2, 2017

We're Rockin' Delta County today

Grab a rock and paint it your way

Use your imagination, make a design

Or even words, to make that rock shine

Inspire others, with the words on each rock

Hide them, while you're out on a walk

When others find it, it'll make them smile

It will make you happy, for quite awhile

Find a good place to hide it, but not too hard

Maybe somewhere in someone's yard

On a post, on a desk, or in a tree

You just never know, where one will be

It might be anywhere, all you have to do is look

That painted rock, could be behind that Library book

You could see it in some store

Or right in front of your door

Painting and hiding rocks, is for all ages

When you take part, in all its stages

Whether you paint, hide, or find

These rocks make, for a happy mind

We're Rockin' Delta County today

Grab a rock, and pain it your way

These Painted rocks have hit Delta County, and

things are really Rockin' here. Painting, hiding,

and finding them is a fun thing that is bringing

many people into this activity. People of all ages

are finding rocks and smiling about it. It's making

people more aware of what they are seeing, and

of course finding much more than just rocks.

They're finding a smile that was hidden way too

long. Rock Delta County and smile!

A World Of Fantasy

A World Of Fantasy

© by Bud Lemire on July 19, 2017

Take me away, on a journey to see

In the mind's eye, of all things to be

The words dance around, with a story they tell

With you by my side, we're under a spell

You're on this quest, with me by your side

If the evil is too strong, then we'll both hide

The greater magic, born of the light

Will guide us along, making all things right

Where will we go, just turn the page

Will the evil Wizard, go into a rage

The magical ring, will help you through

If you are caught, what will you do

In a book of Fantasy, anything goes

Only the author, is the one who knows

They've taken us, on the journey of the mind

Along the way, there is so much we can find

Yet, it's not only the mind, but of the soul

A magical quest, can make you feel whole

Take me away, on a journey to see

The magic we explore, in a world of Fantasy

This is dedicated to the woman who is always

on every quest I take into Fantasy. She is by

my side and holds the power to be the very

best sorceress that one could bring along on

any quest. She is magical, she is beautiful, she

is truly the greatest. I Love you, Vicki.