Article Archives: Words with Woods

Stepping Out

May 8, 2025 | by CJ Woods III

Two of my friends from the Irvington Community Chorus drove past me as I stepped down Ritter Avenue toward our practice session at the Irvington Presbyterian Church. Both Terri and Joyce have graced me with rides home from our Monday evening practices, but I have made it clear that I … Read More

Conversations From The Tavern

May 1, 2025 | by CJ Woods III

“CJ!” the woman cried out as she entered the coffee shop. I raised my head from the blueberry muffin I was eating and looked at her. She laughed, watched the expression on my face as I worked through recognition possibilities. It did not take me long to land on “Autumn!” … Read More

Mixed

April 24, 2025 | by CJ Woods III

A social media post got a response that triggered me. The poster was looking for qualified hair care for a granddaughter that she identified as having both African American and white heritage. A respondent claimed that she was also, “mixed.” I remembered hearing that term when I showed the server … Read More

The Office

April 17, 2025 | by CJ Woods III

“That’s Clop’s work.” Myah, my youngest granddaughter, was sitting in her car seat in the back of her grandmother’s car when they passed the corner of E. 10th Street and N. Emerson Avenue. Myah, who calls me “Clop,” pointed out my “work” to my second bride. Amusement was in Teresa’s … Read More

The Poetry of April: Redux

April 10, 2025 | by CJ Woods III

This column first appeared in April 2024. My friend in Florida sent me a text message telling me to expect an early birthday gift. My birthday is in March, but her gift was delivered to me late in February. She was excited about the present because she knows that I … Read More