Article Archives: Words with Woods

The Use of Language

September 4, 2025 | by CJ Woods III

A commercial that interrupted the TV program I was watching featured a woman’s undergarment — specifically, a brassiere (commonly known as a “bra”). As the actor showed the audience the benefits of the garment, she used the term “comfortability.” I immediately dove for my big, fat Oxford English Dictionary and … Read More

Poetic Allusions

August 28, 2025 | by CJ Woods III

In 1981 I was a 34-year-old student at Indiana University Southeast, exploring art and literature. A counselor suggested that, based on the number of English courses that I was taking, I should declare that as my major. I did, and all these years later, I still have many of the … Read More

Everyday Awareness

August 21, 2025 | by CJ Woods III

“I meant to tell you,” said the woman standing next to me at the bar, “that I like your pool case.” The bar was Si Greene’s, and I was there to play pool. On that day, in addition to the pink pool case that I carry, I was also wearing … Read More

Neighborhood Generosities

August 14, 2025 | by CJ Woods III

On Tuesday, August 6th, 2025, a “National Night Out” block party was held in the 900 block of Hawthorne Lane, on the lawn of my neighbors Karen and Todd Davis. This was an opportunity to “be neighborly,” and to meet the police officers who patrol the area. Neighbors were encouraged … Read More

Booked Solid

August 7, 2025 | by CJ Woods III

This column first appeared in August 2014. “Uncle CJ, you have more books than me,” said my 24-year-old niece, looking in wonder at my book-jammed apartment. I chuckled, thinking, “I’ve had a bit of a head start.” I don’t know how many books I have. When I try to count … Read More