Author Archives: Jim Stewart

About Jim Stewart

Writer at Butt in Chair

A prayer for my friend Brian Doyle and my grandpuppy Toulouse

Posted on November 1, 2019

This uses the form Brian invented for his Book of Uncommon Prayer and is used here out of deep profound respect–jrs Who never met but I would offer a few years off my life to watch them measure each other. … Continue reading →

Posted in Brian Doyle, Catholicism, Dogs, Otters, prayer, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Muselessness

Posted on October 1, 2019

I’m supposed to be finishing a novel but I’m not. It’s a murky late summer day with an uncertain sky and a directionally challenged breeze smelling of salt and fir, marsh and cedar. My characters are all hovering around the … Continue reading →

Posted in Absolutes, animals, Brian Doyle, Dog, Dogs, Gratitude, Novel, Slice of Life, Uncategorized, William Stafford, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

“Mister…?”

Posted on September 19, 2019

A young boy, dressed in clean but threadbare jeans and a shirt that might have once been red, took in my leathers and my road-weary black Harley. He then shot me a look that was older than he was. “Mister? … Continue reading →

Posted in Action-adventure, Aging, Conversation, Harley Davdson, Life, men, Motorcycles, Narble Furt, Riding, Slice of Life, story excerpt, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Cleavage Trap

Posted on July 3, 2019

Her passionate eyesheld mine as she elegantlyvoiced her heart’s intent.When she looked awayI snuck a peek into her cleavageand immediately looked up,embarrassed, apologizingto the sky and allthe women in my heart.But I chanced another glance as soon as I could. … Continue reading →

Posted in boobs, cleavage, Friendship, Humans, humor, laughing, men, Narble Furt, Poem, Satire, women | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Quiet Despair

Posted on March 3, 2019

The mirror barksa noiseless disdain;the backward eyesshadow quiet despair;a vacancy of intent, wherea blink hides nothing. (image: the americanconservative.com)

Posted in Aging, anger, Brain, Hope, Humans, Life, Poem, Right now, Uncategorized, Wisdom | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Amble du Jour

Posted on February 22, 2019

The dog catches my eyeand whines his question:“Now, Boss, now?”An idea: the smell of saltopens my mind.I laugh and nod.He stands with a clatterof claws on hardwood,tail high and boisterous, ashe prances around the couch.His eager head presses throughthe red … Continue reading →

Posted in animals, Beach, Dog, Dogs, family, Friendship, Gratitude, Morning, Ocean, Oregon, pals, Poem, walking | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Universe Understood

Posted on February 13, 2019

Consciousness,the universe is–a way to understandand make small enougha vastness into parts.Your mind will nevergrasp the whole, no,that is a feelingfor your soulto warm whencold clasps your heartand galaxies never seenseem almost familiarand close enoughto nod acquaintance.Understanding isaccepting you cannot.

Posted in Absolutes, Art, Brain, Consciousness, Humans, Poem, Quantum flash, Uncategorized, Universe | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Tag, I’m It

Posted on January 29, 2019

Birds play tag:close-drill flitting,chasers suddenly chasedat the flick of a feather.I laugh;my mind flips like they do,but without their agility.I am honored to watch,bathed in their game,humored with their compassion. (photo: avopix.com)

Posted in Birds, Brain, Flying, Gratitude, Humans, humor, Joy, laughing, Poem, Wildlife | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Looking Up

Posted on January 25, 2019

(for William Stafford) Your poems run the gamut;you have blessed us with musicof realization and understanding.Many of those poems were bornon your couch, lying on your back,looking up at your journal.Really? Their birth is asastonishing as their venerable lives.

Posted in Art, birth, Gratitude, Music, Oregon, Poem, Poetry, Uncategorized, William Stafford, Writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

An Example of Daily Writing

Posted on January 19, 2019

(Here’s an example of a the beginning of a daily writing session. Initially, I made no edits. But I couldn’t stand it, so now it’strying to become a poem. I’ve changed the original, so my firsteffort has been subverted. Silly … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, communication, Consciousness, Hope, Narble Furt, Poem, Poetry, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments