James E. Toal

Petersburg, IL, USA

James has had several poems accepted and published by the American Poetry Association in Santa Cruz, California, as well as a cassette tape of poems about Abraham Lincoln. Several Poems have been published in the Weekend Journal in the Illinois State Journal Register. He wrote a book of poetry entitled "Visions of Yesterday," which was published by Carlton Press of New York, New York. James currently has poems featured in "The Poets Corner" on a website sponsored by The University of Zurich, at Zurich, Switzerland.

James Stewart

In the Year of Our Lord 1908,
A Gracious soul was born,
He like All, began small.

Unlike the many, he grew,
He grew in another way,
Not only achieving, But returning.

Taken of Human belief,
Relating to the elements of life,
He dedicated to others on screen.

Many dream, many try,
Some care, others only stare,
However he dared, and cared.

From actor, to Soldier in WW II,
He carried the torch of Americanism,
Rest Peacefully, Our Gentle Giant.

Affections

Those long years ago I said,
That which came from my heart,
"I bid you an affectionate fare well."

How was I to know of fate?
Neither did this awakening land,
In a brief encounter for others.

In what spectrum of thought,
Brought to bear out transitions,
Where did my affections wane?

Did I let friends press me beyond?
Is leadership not of destiny?
Whereby I offered my best?

In my duties, I rested uncomfortably.
Fear of sorts, tore at me inside.
The decisions made, not joyous.

Plucked from the wilderness to power,
My affections were with all.
I neglected only myself for sovereignty.