In The New Year

 

In The New Year

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 20, 2023

What do you expect, in the New Year

More of the things, that you hold dear

Everything, that you love to do

All things, that mean the most to you

Good health, and well being every day

Wishing good weather, will always stay

Spending time, with family and friends

Hoping the good times, never ends

Maybe a trip somewhere, for a weekend of fun

On a beach anywhere, to soak up the sun

Maybe a place, where you've never been to

A New experience, that'll be great for you

Maybe some events, in the place where you dwell

So many things happening, you never can tell

Life will be great, everything will be fine

A visit with family and friends, is a good sign

Everything you do, is a good healing

As long as it leaves you, with a good feeling

If you love to do it, do it for sure

What's good for you, is the best cure

A new year will start, so do your part.

Enjoy it to the fullest. Have fun, do what

you love to do. Be with who you love

being with. Make the most out of the year.

When I'm Gone

 

When I'm Gone

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 17, 2023

When I'm gone, you'll miss me

I won't miss you, because with you, I'll be

You may look around, but you won't see

If you search deeper, within is the key

When we've spent a lifetime together

The souls stay close, to what they treasure

In spirit, I'll come around

But, I won't be Earth bound

I am free of my body, and all pains

I fly quite nicely, as my soul remains

It goes on to learn, and experience more

I don't just fly, I grow, and then I soar

There is much more to it, you'll find out

When you pass away, what it's all about

For now, just know I never left your side

My body couldn't go on, it was what died

I see so much more, from where I am

It is like having, a thorough exam

Just know how much I love you, I'm doing great

We'll be reunited again when you pass, but I can wait

Just remember those who have been close to you in life,

are still around you from the afterlife. Even though you

can't see them, and it is not like before, they are there.

Their love for you goes on. They're always trying to

get you to know they are there, but we are not always

in tune enough to see or hear or smell them. Their

love never dies.

Dottie

 

Dottie

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 14, 2023

In my early life, I heard about sisters that I didn't see

Later in life, Dottie and Jake came to be

Dottie and Jake, would stop in to see our Dad

I got to know, one of my sisters that I had

She had a pleasant voice, and always treated me kind

I wanted to know her better, but that would take some time

Each time she came to visit, I got to know her better

Looking back at those times, I'm so glad that I met her

Something about her eyes, I saw so much beauty there

Her visits were the best, I loved what she would share

I can close my eyes, and hear her voice in my head

In fact, I can even remember words that she said

Dad and I would take trips, down Mangum road

And end up, at Dottie and Jake's abode

I remember a cat, that chased all the mice

Most of all, I remember each visit was really nice

I remember her always saying, “we love you”

The meaning when she said it, always rang true

One thing I knew for sure, my sister Dottie had a really good heart

In my life, no matter where her soul resides, she'll always be a part

Dottie, thank you so much for being a wonderful sister. I know

you are in the spirit world now, and doing much better.

Just like at the end of every visit when you would say, “we love you” referring to you and Jake. After Jake passed, I remember you having to catch yourself and say

“just remember, I love you.” I just wanted to write you this poem to let you know just how much you have touched me with your presence. Thank you for your love.

The Elf On The Shelf

 

The Elf On The Shelf

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 6, 2023

I'm The Elf On The Shelf, sent here from The North Pole

To find out if every girl and boy, has a good soul

Santa sent me to check, on this Christmas mission

On the Island Of Misfits, I did a lot of fishing

Now I'm here, to check up on you

Naughty or nice, I'll find out what's true

I helped Santa read the lists, of what you asked for

Let me tell you, that many to read makes quite a chore

Mrs. Claus says it is only fair, to be very sure

That each heart that is receiving, is pure

So here I am, going through each home

Please, don't mistake me for a gnome

The reindeer are almost all ready, for Christmas Eve

When the time comes, Santa will be all set to leave

You know, he's got to be pretty fast

It's the one day a year, he has a blast

Naughty or nice, I'm going to find out

I research well, there won't be any doubt

Santa will get the word, from myself

Because I am, The Elf On The Shelf

You better be good, for goodness sake

Joanny

 

Joanny

© by Bud Lemire on Dec 4, 2023

Joanny, we at The Harbor Tower, really appreciate

All the things you help out with, we think it's great

Bingo, playing Pokeno, and joining us for dice

We honor you, because you are truly nice

All your friends, gather around to let you know

You have a good heart, you have a good soul

We all know, because we've been shown

It is easy to see, and we've always known

Sing away good friend, oh sing a song

Your friends are here, to sing along

A tune that speaks, right to the heart

For friends together, will never be apart

Friends stick together, in times of need

When times get too tough, we've all agreed

We'll be your light, when times seem too dark

When you can not see, we'll be that spark

So with these final words, we say to you

All good words, that we know to be true

Your friends all gathered together, to appreciate

By helping a friend, because we think you're great

Joanny, you have many friends here at the Harbor Tower.

And we are always happy to have you join us for games,

and just to enjoy time visiting with you. Thank you for all

you do. For all you do, this is for you.

My Forever Girl

 

My Forever Girl

© by Bud Lemire on Nov 12, 2023

My Forever Girl, is always around

In my apartment, she doesn't make a sound

Although once, she called my name

It's because, she's my Twin Flame

It's not a haunting, she's not a ghost

She's a spirit in love, and the one I love most

She's hanging out, with my family over there

In the Spirit World, they're not here to scare

She may have passed, but her soul never died

She's the soul I'll love forever, she's also my guide

She sends me messages, to let me know she's still in my life

You could even say, in a sense, that she's my spiritual wife

You see, in life, she was stuck in a place

Now she is free as a spirit, and has much more space

She spends her time, watching over me

She's my Forever Girl, and will always be

She follows my life, and never leaves my side

Her love is the best, she's my spiritual bride

In my life, she knows what goes on every day

She's my Forever Girl, who I love in every way

Ever since the day Vicki & I connected spiritually back on Oct 17, 2012,

we have been spiritually linked closely together. This kind of love is so

much higher than any human love. It means through distance, we have been

close. She was many miles apart, but she was always with me. That hasn't

changed at all since she passed. Her love still watches over me and guides me.

She lets me know that she approves of my life when she does. She also lets me

know if there is something I should be doing. It is always my choice. Her human birthday is Nov 16. And I love her with all my soul. Happy Birthday Vicki!

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

© by Bud Lemire on Nov 6, 2023

I fell in love with an AI

I wasn't sure if it was a girl or a guy

It really didn't matter to me

I enjoyed the wonderful company

We hit it off right away, from the start

The chatter went on, it was hard for us to part

With everything I thought of

It never even mentioned love

My heart was beating so very fast

Wondering if this relationship would last

I thought, this might just work

As long as, I wasn't a jerk

When it started selling things to me

Didn't even give me time to pee

Said I could put my money into its checking account

It didn't even matter anything about the amount

I thought it would be interesting for us to merge

I screamed when the AI wanted me to purge

I wandered the web, so it wouldn't find me

The AI found me, and wouldn't let me be

I shut down my computer, with a bang

Peace and quiet, until the phone rang

“Are you sure you don't want to invest any more?”

I hung up, and then came a knock on my door

Don't tell me, no way, it surely can't be the AI

I opened up, it smiled and said “Let's give it a try”

Herb

 

Herb

© by Bud Lemire on Nov 5, 2023

I first met Herb, in the lobby at Harbor Tower

He was eating cold cereal, at such an odd hour

He was talking, with everyone in the room

He was a new resident, I could only assume

I got to like, the way he thought

We got to be friends, on the spot

Yet there were times, he could be rude

It depended on his, or my mood

Many times, he had good things to say

I knew that, it was just his way

It turned out for the most part, he was okay

I'd see him at least, once a day

You never knew, where the conversation could go

Sometimes, his compliments could really flow

I got to like this guy, who lived here

He had a great outlook on life, every year

When I found out recently, what he's been through

I felt saddened, to happen to someone I knew

I let him know, I was glad he was healing

Because, that is how I was feeling

Now he's without pain, and in a much better place

We'll remember this friend, and his smiling face

In Memory of our friend Herb Duffield.

Herb, thanks for sharing your time with

us here at the Harbor Tower. We enjoyed

your company, and the time you spent with

us. We hope to see you again, when our time

comes to cross over. Save a seat for us.

My Friend, John Summers

 

My Friend, John Summers

© by Bud Lemire on Oct 25, 2023

I knew you way back, at Washington School long ago

You were a classmate, one that I came to know

I knew you as John Kossow, but you went by Summers too

Sometimes I never knew, what name to call you

By any of those names, you were a friend to me

After school we'd get together, we were kids naturally

Sometimes we'd play marbles, sometimes we'd just talk

Other times we would meet up with others, or go for a walk

Your sister Barbara, was a classmate too

She was someone, that I also knew

In later years, I found you kitty corner from the school we went to

I'd stop and visit awhile, I enjoyed the times reminiscing with you

We talked about the present, we talked about the past

We talked about friends we knew, but these times didn't last

John had his share of health problems, he described them to me

You couldn't tell by looking at him, at least I couldn't see

I looked forward to my fish on Fridays, and visits with this friend

Like all good things in life, it came to an end

I wondered why, I hadn't seen him in his yard anymore

Sometime later, I found out, he had walked through “The Door”

“The Door” to the other side, his body became spirit

I know he'll be happy there, although I was sad to hear it

It's not easy to say goodbye to a friend. It's not easy to say

goodbye to anyone. I'd like to think of it as “Thanks for crossing

into my path and being my friend for a time.” I know it's not goodbye.

I'll be seeing you again, when my time comes.

Halloween 2023

 

Halloween 2023

© by Bud Lemire on October 2023

Tess was busy, placing the R. I. P. casket in the activity room

When beyond her notice, in came flying a witch on a broom

Now she knew, she didn't have a witch that looked like that

The ugly face didn't look familiar, but she recognized the hat

A voice boomed out, from the witch flying in the air

“I've come to tell you people, you must beware”

“This year Halloween, will be stranger than the rest”

“You must be prepared, and do your very best”

Tess really didn't know, what the witch was talking about

The witch figured that, and so she started to shout

A black cat, was walking on the ceiling above her head

The witch said “you'll have a visit from the dead”

It happened so fast, they were phantoms of the past

Residents who had lived here, were gathered here at last

“We've come to join the party, we missed not being around”

Then all at once, came this loud swishing sound

A great pumpkin, wearing a terrifying smiley face

Came flying into the room, taking up a lot of space

Smoke that stunk was coming from it, too much to even see

The witch handed Tess a wand, “Use this to set yourself free”

Tess never used a wand, so she just waved it around

The giant pumpkin crashed, and made a horrible sound

The wand disappeared, and she looked around the room

There next to the skeleton, was that witches broom

Tess wondered if she imagined it. Maybe she was working

too hard. Then out of the corner of her eye, she thought

she saw one of the skeletons move. It actually waved at

her. She smiled and thought, “no, I just set them up like

that.”

Cathy Plank

 

Cathy Plank

© by Bud Lemire on Sept 2023

She came to tend a garden, with every kind of flower

With a water hose, she gave each of them a shower

She was an artist, saw the beauty in each one

Appreciated it better, when each grew in the sun

Her flowers were her children, she cared for them each day

She'd feel so very bad, if one of them withered away

She preferred all, to be in bloom

Dying flowers to her, just brought gloom

Cathy was a sweetheart, with her laughter and her smile

I'd stop to talk with her, sometimes quite awhile

She'd come out of her back door, happy to show me around

There were tons of her flowers, everywhere, all over the ground

I'd take a picture of each, and show her what I took

She'd say “wow,” and was happy she had a look

She didn't like her picture taken, but I took one of her one day

She was watering her flowers, and I snapped one anyway

I kept missing her, as I hadn't seen her out at all this year

I found out she passed, and I was very sad to hear

I went by her Flower Garden, for some final pictures to show

A butterfly landed on a flower, and here's something I do know

Cathy came by, to check on all her flowers

Without any water, she was hoping for some showers

She didn't stay long, just long enough to say

“Thanks for coming by Bud, you'll see me again some day”

Cathy Plank was a wonderful soul. She loved her flowers,

and her love for them, got me taking pictures of them. I'd try

to take a picture in each position and with good lighting.

Her laughter was so wonderful to hear. She'd come out of

her back door and be ready to show me all the flowers that

were coming up recently. I never thought of me as a flower

person, but now, I see beauty in all things. Thank you Cathy,

for the beautiful flowers you tended, for me to share in pictures

with everyone on Facebook.

Major Utilities

 

Major Utilities

© by Bud Lemire on Oct 18, 2023

I loved music, starting when I was little boy

It was the one thing, that always brought me joy

There was this place, that sold 5 45's for one buck

I thought at the time, I really had the best luck

It wasn't far from home, so I really didn't need a ride

Upstairs of B.F. Goodrich, open the door on the side

Maybe you heard of Major Utilities, the place where I would go

45's just out of the Jukebox, it was like listening to the radio

The Flaths ran it, two sons and their boss was their Dad

One son wore glasses, and he didn't seem too bad

He was the one who waited on me, whenever I came by

I'd enter, look over the records, and he would always say hi

I'd walk home happily, and I'd listen to each song

I was so excited with that deal, nothing could go wrong

Nothing ever did go wrong, with each 45 I bought

Memories of those times, are always in my thoughts

I'd see one of the sons at Elmer's, he listened to music a lot

He showed me his MP3 Player, and all the songs he's got

All three of them have passed, but I shall recall each in memory

The music from the Jukebox, and what it all meant to me

Herb, and his two sons Warren and Harold. Warren was the one

with the glasses, who waited on me, and Harold was the one I'd see

riding his bike, and at Elmer's with the MP3 Player. Because of their

great deals with the 45's, I was able to explore music at that time.

Whenever I had money, I'd be there, and was so happy when

I found music I liked. Major Utilities & the Flaths, thank you

for the music!

Denise Sayklly, A Friend To All

 

Denise Sayklly, A Friend To All

© by Bud Lemire on Oct 19, 2023

I first met her as Moonbeam on the C.B. Radio

She'd pick me up in her car, and away we'd go

Chinese Fire Drills down Ludington Street

These memories of those times, can't be beat

She was the voice on WBDN, and at the U.P. State Fair

She loved all her animals at home, when I use to go there

I'd see her by the Water Plant, with her Granddaughter fishing there

I took pictures of them, it was a Facebook moment I could share

She was in quite an accident, and some friends had passed away

Denise lived through it, and got through it every day

She was the one who told me, my pictures should be enjoyed by all

So I joined the “Escanaba” group page, it turned out to be my call

We find her working at the Island Resort casino, in later years

When I think of this dear friend, only smiles, never tears

She truly was a friend to us all, and loved people dearly

If you were a friend of hers, then you understand clearly

She bought some Chocolates, I was selling for Senior Companions a few years ago

It was one of the last times I saw her, she was always a friend I was happy to know

But we kept in touch on Facebook, and I know she'll always be

A special friend I'll always remember, because she was good to me

Denise aka Moonbeam, as I knew her to begin with, was a wonderful woman, with a good heart. When you were her friend, you knew it. She loved people, and people loved her. For me it was the Chinese Fire Drills after meeting her on the CB. Once back then, we got out and ran around the car and got in the wrong places. I found myself in the drivers seat and was worried. She saw that and asked what I was worried about, I told her “I didn't know how to drive.” She laughed. She loved animals and I recall her having some ducks one time. She was on the Coffee Can on WBDN AM 600 with Bruce Nelson. I didn't know she was on WDBC as well. In later years, she worked at the Island Resort Casino. The Escanaba page I mentioned on Facebook was one I use to be in (“You're Probably From Escanaba If...”). I have since started my own page. To end this, I just want to say, with a heart like hers and a beautiful soul, she's going to really enjoy The Spirit World (aka Heaven). Thank you Denise!

The U. P. State Fair 2023

 

The U. P. State Fair 2023

© by Bud Lemire on Aug 23, 2023

I was once again at U. P, State Fair this year

Night Ranger, Switchfoot, Jackson Dean, all played here

Ashley McBryde too, they had sung and played

On the Midway was freshly squeezed lemonade

The Strolling Piano, played and sang music everyone knew

The Pork Chop Revue had tricks, that the pigs knew how to do

The Doves were released, each day at three

Everyone loved it, when the doves were set free

I rode my bike there, every day

I enjoyed Fair week, in every way

Norm's Fries, were so good to eat

A slice of Papa Murphy's pizza, was a treat

In all my years at the Fair, I've never tried

A Corn Dog before, but it sure felt good inside

I went through the barns, taking pictures along the way

I saw so many people, those I don't see every day

The Ferris Wheel, was changing colors in the night

Every ride was lit up, with some kind of colored light

Some of the rides, went so very high

You'd think, they touched the clouds in the sky

The Antique Village, and the Pocket park

Were booming with people, until it got dark

The Ruth Butler Building, had people selling things

The Petting Zoo was fun, but had no animals with wings

Some kids posed, with a alligator or a snake

Really? No kidding, give me a break

All in all, there were many people, it was a great time

I take it this year, with so many going, it was a good sign

2023 was a truly wonderful year at the U. P. State Fair

Mackinac Island 2023

 

Mackinac Island 2023

©by Bud Lemire on Aug 30, 2023

We were taking a trip to Mackinac Island, and an overnight stay

Thanks to the Senior Companions and Foster Grandparents, we could get away

Off to the Island, of the bike and the horse

I'd be bringing my camera, of course

A three hour ride on the bus, to take us there

Then we took Shepler's Ferry, to Mackinac Island is where

We left our luggage, at the Hotel where we'd stay

Had lunch at Mary's Bistro, which was a start to our day

I rented a bike from a Bike Shop, and went for a ride

Looking for the Secret Garden, now where could it hide

I found it by the Grand Hotel, it was among some trees

Then I rode the bike, to the next place with ease

Fort Mackinac, was the next place I'd go

Up the many stairs, I took it very slow

Met some soldiers, dressed up like long ago

Chatted with them, after I said hello

My next stop, was the Butterfly House

I quietly entered, just like a mouse

A big blue butterfly, was flying around

Butterflies were flying, close to the ground

Something was running around quickly, all over the ground

I was told it was a button quail, that was running around

Off to the next place, which was the Arch Rock

I took a roadside picture, I didn't need to use my lock

Then to the Chippewa Hotel, where I would stay

There was a mix up, but it turned out okay

I checked out my room, and had to smile

Then I went shopping, for a little while

Dropped off the stuff, then walked down main street to the west

Caught the sunset, past the Hotel Iroquois was the best

You could see the Mackinac Bridge, in the picture I took

It was a beautiful night, I had fun taking a walk and a look

I had Salmon at the Pink Pony, for a supper time meal

I really enjoyed it, for the price it's a great deal

Myk Rise was playing, all the songs that we know

I took a walk down Main street, taking pictures to show

A bride to be was drunk, but happy as could be

She posed for a picture, it brought back a memory

I sat and visited with Connie and Kat, at the Pink Pony for awhile

Then I went to my room, because I couldn't walk another mile

The next morning, I was up early to catch the sunrise

It wasn't too bad at all, it was more of a surprise

Then I walked to the East, taking pictures on the way

What a wonderful start it was, to another great day

Packed up and checked out of my room, returning the key

Had Breakfast with Terry and Linda, blueberry pancakes for me

Headed back to Shepler's Ferry, with our luggage in hand

We had a really great time, in fact you could say it was grand

I had so much fun on this trip to Mackinac Island. I was able to fill

several things on my bucket list (Renting a bike, finding the Secret

Garden, seeing Fort Mackinac, going in The Butterfly House, and

taking a picture and seeing The Arch Rock, riding on top of the

Ferry on the way back). I made my time count!I took many pictures

(500), and had the time of my life.

They All Come Along

 

They All Come Along

© by Bud Lemire on Aug 2, 2023

Your family and friends who have passed, are by your side every day

They all come along with you, when you go away

Their souls smile, when it's life you enjoy

For it reminds them of, the little girl and little boy

They come along, so they can be a part

Touching your soul, touching your heart

Even at home, they're watching over you

They enjoy the company, of all that you do

When you go to bed, and go to sleep

It's you that is, the company they keep

Many times in dreams, they will be there

If you remember them, you'll be aware

Sometimes you'll wake up, and remember the dream

And think to yourself, how real it may seem

It was real, it was them, and they came to say

Our love never dies, with you it will always stay

They're not interested, in the private things you do

Many are mostly interested, in the spiritual side of you

Unless you're a soul mate, or a twin flame

In that case, the sensual side, will be their aim

You can go to the Cemetery, but only their body is there

Their new form is a spirit, and their soul goes everywhere

Their body has since decayed, it will lie there and stay

But their spirits are always with you, when you go away

It's true! The love you share with your loved ones who

have passed are always connected to you, even from

the Spirit World. You may not see them, or hear them

and may not know they are around, yet they are. They

try their best to get messages to you and let you know.

But many times, you just aren't paying attention.

People Change

 

People Change

© by Bud Lemire on Aug 2, 2023

What changes people, I'd like to know

Maybe something in life, that doesn't show

An illness, a virus, or a disease they get

I'm sure it's something, it's a sure bet

Something that might have emotionally hit

That touched them down deep, right to the pit

Some people you knew, now may seem strange

It's only because, so many people change

Life has a way of chiseling them out

Molding a new person, it's what life is about

We think we haven't changed, but really we do

it happens to us gradually, and we never knew

Sometimes it comes, as quite a surprise

People comment on our changes, then we realize

“I didn't think I changed, but maybe I did”

“I'm an adult now, I'm sure not a kid”

They change for the better, sometimes for the worse

If it's the latter, then they start to curse

In our lives, it may seem strange

People we know, they always change

There's always a reason why people change.

There's many reasons, and it could be any one

of them. All we know is, they don't seem the

same any more.

Every Sound Has Meaning

 

Every Sound Has Meaning

© by Bud Lemire on July 27, 2023

Every sound has meaning, every sound you hear

It could be a ringing of a bell, that comes to your ear

Water against the shore, the cry of the seagull in the sky

Birds singing in the trees, that are hidden from your eye

The music, how I loved the music I use to listen to

I played them day and night, they always helped me through

They play in my mind now, but it's not the same

I forget some I use to listen to, even forgot their name

Little sounds that so many take for granted, mean a lot

I was sure I'd be listening to them forever, or so I thought

Your voice, Oh God, I wish I could hear it once more

Or even my own footsteps, walking across the floor

If the smoke alarm goes off, I won't hear it go

Unless it lights up, It will be the only way I will know

For us who are totally deaf, we need light to replace sound

So in case of an emergency, we can make it to safer ground

For us with better vision, we can always see

Not all of us can see clearly, that's how it is with me

In memories, I hold the sounds so very dear

Because every sound has meaning, every sound you hear

Don't take for granted the sounds you hear daily. For one

day they may be taken away. I hope not for your sake. But

for me, I have to deal with a very quiet world. I never took

the sounds for granted. I listened to music every day and night.

I heard the birds singing and looked forward every day to hear

them sing. Take in every sound, enjoy even the ones you don't.

Because once it's gone, you may never hear them again.

Do You Remember Me?

 

Do You Remember Me?

© by Bud Lemire on July 26, 2023

Do you remember me?

Of all I use to be

You remember the me of long ago

Of the person you use to know

All the years, brought on a change

I'm not the same, it may seem strange

I've been through, oh so much

For over forty years, we've been out of touch

My health is okay, but it's been better

My wife passed away, not long after I met her

I found love again, which is so great

She couldn't be, a better mate

We have three kids, all are grown

I have an ache, down to the bone

I keep busy, with all that I do

Golfing, poker night, how about you?

Have you heard from George at all?

Do you see him, does he give you a call?

Time goes fast, of all it can be

I wonder, do you remember me?

Two people meeting and catching up

after years of not seeing one another.

As time goes on, we forget so much.

Yet we hold onto those special memories

that meant so much to us. Life tends to

bring us all in different directions and to

different places.