Woodrow W. Edwards, Jr. Temecula, California

Woodrow W. Edwards, Jr. (fondly referred to as Woody or Junior by his loved ones) was born on September 29,1939 in Clinton, South Carolina. He relocated to Washington, DC, where he attended school and worked as a shoe repairman. Later, he was employed as a messenger in the U.S. Senate Office Building prior to being drafted into the military in 1961. Woody retired from the Army as a Non-Commissioned Officer in 1983. He retired as a Department Army Civilian in 1996. After an assignment in school, Woody became inspired to write poetry and lyrics. Woody is inspired by his wife, Inge, and four children, Joyce, Phyllis, Linda and Chad. At age 57, he is finally realizing his dream. He is a member of the International Society of Poets, and has had one poem , entitled The Awakening, published in the National Library of Poetry's Tapestry of Thoughts. Woody is looking forward to sharing much more of his work.

WHY Why can't we all learn to love one another? Why is this world filled with hate? Why should it matter one's race, creed or color? In the end we'll all reach the same fate. Why should it matter what God he believes in? Why are there wars because of one's faith? Why do some men toy with tools of destruction? How long do you think your God is willing to wait?

THE PLIGHT OF AMERICA'S FINEST The Soldier, a forgiving soul. The substance of an ancient mold. Though over worked and under paid, their loyalty remains unscathed. The Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marines, a few proud men and women, being all that they can be. Whether on our home-front or abroad they serve to heed our nation's call. The military cares for its own, or so we've been taught to believe. When they find that they no longer need you then, you'll find that you've been deceived. You've performed as you were ordered, some put their lives on the line. Our Congress enjoys an increase in pay. but for yours, there's no funds, there's no time. Her saving are gone. His home is lost. You're dying from some unknown cause. The Military Doctors, they can't find a thing. Their diagnosis, "You're malingering". You need not look too far to see a Veteran living in poverty. You've done what you were asked to do. What will our leaders do for you? Some soldiers return home to face an added problem, one of race. Some families live in constant fear. their neighbors, they don't want them here. One buys a home and settles down, bigots want to burn his house to the ground. Our countrymen, they fight side by side to make other nations free, only to return to the prejudices of our own society. Its time we showed appreciation to those defending our great nation. Heads of state should make provisions to give our soldiers due recognition. The freedom that we all enjoy. we owe to those that we've deployed. On land, in the skies, on the Ocean too. Our Soldiers protect THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE.

All poems Copyright © 1997 Woodrow W. Edwards, Jr. All rights reserved.