At the end of 2006 I started a special prgram called the Poetry For Life Project.
This project consists of three small poetry collections.
The first book Poetry For Life contains poems mainly dealing with drug and alcohol abuse.
The second book Save Our Selves deals with abuse in the family, suicide and the loss of family members.
The third book is a chronilogically-arranged historical poems I have written. We used to record history though poetry. We should never stop!
I am acting both as author and publisher for these books to try and make them available to those who need them at the lowest price possible.
If you need a copy or know someone who does please contact me at poetryforlife@cox.net.
You can also click on the link from the web stite to access some of the poems that are in these books. When you need something, sometimes it should not matter whether or not you are able to pay for them!
There is a date, title of the poem, then a comment left by a reader
2007-11-02 02:00:56 Trying to Understand the Bombing a friend of mine here at university of Amman shared with me your poetry i was PLO i was going to be terrorist by stopping me you have saved many i am returning to my people now in desert to allow sand and wind to wash away my shame my friend has shown several all he risk to do so many will never know he met you year ago you saved him he saved me now 2007-10-28 23:00:46 Trying to Understand the Bombing Sir, I saw the video you made with this poem. I thought your words were powerful before,now I understand what power is. You are an example of what poetry was, is, and what it is to become. I am giving my students your web address so they can see this for themselves. It might not be your intention but you are one of the most powerful teachers I know. your words may someday shape the world. 2007-10-27 21:00:07 Lessons Now this flows so very well. The message comes across with crisp study attention. very well done. 2007-10-24 14:42:28 The Criminal Rating: wow... absolutely amazing!!! I cried reading this wishing i had the guts to take my kids and run!! The judge told me i wasnt financially secure to take care of my kids and i had no furniture in my house how could i provide a safe /comfortable place..... when the judge knew good and well the only reason i had none of the things is because their own father took everything out of the house when i was at work........ he left them with nothing and no child support and he was a captain in the service.... he saved all his money took me to court and kidnapped my kids using the legal system to his advantage!! HE ATTACKED ME IN THE PARKING LOT IN FRONT OF MY KIDS.... That meant nothing to the judge because he had money.... he was a veteran.... he beat our oldest son up strangle marks black eyes and face swollen but he had money!!!!!!!!!! I wish I had the guts to take my kids and run!!! My youngest son sent me pictures of when his father threw him down the stairs..... but he has MONEY!!!! Its a shame that love means nothing when trying to raise your children!! 2007-10-24 10:37:54 5 Single Words indeed there is a stir in the soul. if anyone reads this they must be moved. what makes a person react to their situation is beyond reasoning. it is ourselves that makes reasons come alive. to make dramatic choices. thank prayer and voice that responded when we can't find the reasons why we do what we do. nice writing. 2007-10-19 19:29:09 Alcoholism Wow!! What a picture you have painted with your words to captured in this sad but oh so true Imagery..Alcohol..the devastation it leaves behind..Excellent message you have conveyed.. 2007-10-19 13:56:49 If They Were Coming for You now see if you made this creepy, or gave it a scary feeling to it, it'd be alot stronger, i think, your poems are very realistic, i want to know what you could do with a bit of evil an scariness... 2007-10-19 13:45:20 The Phoenix Diane wow, im hoping this has nothing to do with a real life experience, that would suck a many, but this is pretty darn good; you ramble than switch, a good rythm, imagery is definitely there, now to show more pain, that would make it spice up... 2007-09-28 01:47:25 The Criminal : this is a very good write and so how true this is in the courts today the unfareness same thing happen to many, my wife got the kids and my kids went from church to living in hell living with my x wife but i had nothing to fight with to win 2007-09-27 10:23:51 Beat Me My friend this is really a mouth full and touches my heart because when i first started back to writing my thing was to write about nothing but domestic violance and they made me change up great write and keep it up god bless 2007-09-27 02:06:50 The Phoenix Diane Ed, your mission on Earth is done, you are a life saver to most people falling into imminent death, you are the medicine we all need...stated by one of your commenters. God is so much pleased with your poetry project...Save A Life, and you travel the world to save much more, not only Diane and that one man who posted you feedback on your site. I cant render more justice to speak about this poem for all have said enough, the awards speak the same. We are just lucky to have you around...a living saint. 2007-09-20 02:28:27 I Used to Have a Brother Once This is important work! You write about real life and bring it to the forefront with stunning words. Relate? Who could not relate? I know I can, and I am just a writer of fiction. 2007-08-31 21:15:19 Blue Eyes Feedback being a animal lover myself this poem really touched me i can feel the pain in the words you have written. i just hope you don't have to make that decision. good luck and keep writing linda 2007-08-29 16:40:48 Flight of the Lovebird It reminds me of a painting in which a black man is shackled in locks in chains, and the key is painted inside of his mind. Excellent write 2007-08-27 18:08:57 The Criminal : Hi ED, this one really pulled at my heart strings, I would have done the same thing if i were in your friends place, the bible tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil,God bless your friend and his child,they will be in my prayers,take care i haven't heard from you in such a long time, i hope your doing well, 2007-08-21 18:25:48 5 Single Words What a wonderful and beautiful poem of courage. You should be very proud of yourself. I lost someone very dear to me who, unlike yourself, did not find God or the courage to not pull the trigger. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. 2007-08-09 12:13:12 If They Were Coming for You : I showed this to my grandpa he was in Poland when WWII started. This poem made him cry, this was the first time I have seen him do this. Then I showed him your poem My Greatest Horror. He took the paper from my hand and held it next to his heart. I don't know what to say Ed, he said finally someone remembers. You touched not only my heart but brought happiness to a 90 year old man today who God knows doesn't get much anymore. Thank You 2007-08-06 09:52:18 Alcoholism Ed, such a powerful message of wisdom and strength...keep saying, "No," because one sip can take you on a long trip. I enjoyed this so very much and I can so relate to this poem. 2007-08-05 07:36:35 5 Single Words Rating: Ed...I'm sure glad you're still here with us in the land of the living. Look at the wonderful promise and hope you are to others and the inspiration you are to me. All this would have been lost but your listened and heard HIS voice. To this I say, "Thank you, Jesus, for giving us Ed. What a blessing he is 2007-08-05 07:26:22 Blue Eyes Aaaawwwww! Seems I'm holding my breath a mighty lot while reading your accounts. I'm a cat lover so I can relate. Stray cats seem to find me wherever I go and I love nothing better that to share my home with them. I love this write. 2007-08-05 07:20:29 Tears of a Soldier Oh dear God! I held my breath throughout this amazing story, hoping for a happy ending. I was so relieved it didn't end without hope. It's official ... I am now your Number One fan. I can't seem to stop reading. 2007-08-05 06:55:02 The Criminal WOW!!! My eyes were glued to this story as I read it. How sad! I'm sure he saved his daughter from events that could otherwise have ruined her precious life. He took a stand. I applaud him. I pray life is good to them now and I pray for his wife also .... that she would somehow find JESUS before it's too late. 2007-08-04 00:34:27 Alcoholism what a beautiful and great write and message for those who struggle with this addiction i can relate i lost my mother to drinking and i stayed there to the very end and miss her dearly though shes in the best care almighty god and thank you for coming by my page and i appreciate the advice you gave that really meant alot and i love to learn from my mistakes so thank you my friend and may god bless!!!!! 2007-08-03 08:05:33 The Phoenix Diane this is RAW right into your face POWER never seen anything like what you write. most poetry is cute sickening boring never thought it could be anything like THIS this is like the 10th poem of yours i read today gonna come back and read them again. maybe just one or two at a time though you got me blubbering like a little girl and that ain't cool. HELL i went to IRAQ twice saw things that would make anyone break down. you hit below the armor no jacket can stop this. Ed you did something i didn't think anyone could ever do - you made me FEEL again CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH THIS MEANS! 2007-08-02 09:22:11 They Didn't Know Yes, it is always best to tell the truth to your parents. I found that out myself. You really were not protecting them. For a problem like this always come to light someday and the pain is terrible. 2007-07-30 12:25:23 I'll See You Later This is beautiful although so very sad. I lost my Mother and I felt like my world had crumbled around me. I even thought of suicide because I felt I could not go through life without her, she was my friend as well as my Mother. I have missed her so much but found that life does go on and now I wait my turn in hopes of seeing her again some day. ~~ 2007-07-27 16:46:09 The Criminal I just added them tonight to mine! I am in the golden triangle area of Texas Orange, Pt. Arthur, Beaumont, and will help them get settled in if they ever get this way! Lots of work now, in anything he might want to do! I know, keep it in line with her hours~! This can be done! Some people just like to live a life of service! No strings either! Bless you! 2007-07-26 09:28:10 The Criminal Rating: Not sure what I can say to this. When mom and dad split I went with her. I was 8. I was raped by one of her "man friends" when i was 12, ran away at 16. wish my dad had loved me enough but haven't seen him since he left. I have been reading your poetry for alomost a year now ED. Sometimes its like you have a window to my soul. God i hop more people read this, maybe it will give someoneelses dad the guts to fight! you touch my heart like no one els can, please never stop! 2007-07-25 01:04:55 5 Single Words This poem is an excellent message of hope.I do hope for those who are out there in the world that feel that they have no reason for living will have the chance to come across this poem to give them the courage not to take there own lives but to encourage them to live there lives without ever looking back again.This was a very long poem but well worth its read.Dean 2007-07-20 20:51:54 The Phoenix Diane This rings profoundly Ed. I slashed my wrists last month, been in a rehab center until yesterday. I was going through the papers they gave me and was surprised to see a poetry site reccomended on their reading list. Now i understand. Plan on visiting here and reading more tomorrow, crying way too hard now to read more. Bless you ed. You are the medicine we all need 2007-07-20 13:29:55 19 Days I know this feeling very well, a resistance somewhere inside, that doesn't match what's happening. Well expressed. So true, sometimes you just travel so quickly that you aren't aware of who you are with. Nicely done. 2007-07-18 06:44:12 I Used to Have a Brother Once This again is lovely but sad. In my support group I've heard this story again and again I used to have a __________once, Keep writing Ed and keep praying too. 2007-07-18 06:40:48 Where Will You Be After This is really good I lead a support group for women who have lived this or live with someone who has I hope this has not been your life experience. 2007-07-16 20:50:57 Lessons Love this poem, shows there even is a chance for someone like me. Wish I had found your site so much sooner, Ed. could have saved me a lot of scars and pain.
I see you standing there in the middle of the crowd. You, with the cord in your hand.
Yes, I know what it is you are carrying. I know what it is that fills your belt.
No one else here can hear Me. No one else can hear what you say to Me either. For this moment You are as invisible as you wish.
Before you pull the cord I needed to take a few seconds to ask
Why?
What is it that brought you here? Led you to this moment?
Was it money? How much did they pay you for your soul? Do you think money will buy you forgiveness? If you do you are a fool indeed!
Was it fame? Do you think others will praise you? Look around, see all the others that will die around you. Know now your name upon their families lips will be a curse until the end of time. Is this the fame you seek?
Do you think you will be rewarded? Is that it? For what? Killing innocence? Killing children? Rest assured you will be punished! Rewarded, I don't think so.
Is it hate that brought you here? Hate for whom? From whom? Do you hate those standing around you? Hate the ones that will mourn at their graves? Is this really your hate at all?
Did someone else give this to you? Why then are you the one here? If truly this was their belief would not they be standing here with the belt around their waist? Would not the cord be in their hand instead?
I know that I could stop you. Leave your body like so much ash upon the floor but I promised long ago to let you decide your fate and your destiny.
Do both of us a favor now. I know that you are going to pull the cord. I can not change your path now and I know you understand this as well.
The favor I ask is simple, One I have asked of others in your shoes.
With your very last breath please, do not with your last words call out My name.
It is not Me that awaits you!
I promise you you will never see Me or hear from Me again.
Forever!
I see you there. The one leaving the package at the side of the road.
When we come into this world We are all given but one pen When we leave It is up to us to decide Whether we leave the slate clean Do our best to leave our mark Upon this Earth Or whether we leave behind us A stain
If I can but turn on a single light In this sea of darkness Light but one flame To stand against the bitter cold of despair Raise but a single bloom In the desert of desperation Then my job here will be done
For Can not a single bloom Flourish into a garden A simple flame Grow into a mighty pyre And Is not the sun Nothing but a single light
Then why must you look and wonder Laugh at me When I offer you but one word One word that can reshape the world
It was a cold October evening And my Billy laid sick there in bed His fever it was burning Drops of sweat were pouring from his head He looked up at me for a moment With a funny smile forced upon his face And he asked me these few questions That I have never been able to erase He said
Daddy are there toys in Heaven Do you think I'll find a place to play Will I get to meet Grandma and Grandpa Do you think that they'll both look the same way Daddy you know when I get up to Heaven The first thing that I'm going to do Is pick out the best place in Heaven And Daddy that's where I'll be waiting for you
My son Billy turned six the next morning But the angels came and took him away He left this world without much warning So I knelt by his bed and I prayed
God I hope you do have toys up there in Heaven And can you please find my Billy a place to play Can you find his Grandma and Grandpa And give him a safe place to stay I know you had a good reason to take him I just wish that I understood Why he couldn't stay here with his daddy If only there was a way that he could
It's been so long I can't remember Since God took my Billy away And now it's the middle of December All my black hair has faded to gray Last night as I laid here sleeping I woke up in such a strange way Maybe I was just merely dreaming But I thought that I could hear my Billy say
Daddy there are toys up here in Heaven There's sure a lot of nice places to play And I am up here with Grandma and Grandpa And yes we all look the same way Daddy when you get up here to Heaven The first thing that we want you to do Is look for the best place in Heaven And that's where we'll be waiting for you We sure will be waiting For you.
