Article Archives: Words with Woods

Good Vibes

July 9, 2026 | by CJ Woods III

My friend told me that she had responded to a notification about a house concert that was going to feature one of the musicians that we follow. Paula Nicewanger, co-owner of this publication, said that she included me in the invitation. On Monday, June 29th, we went to a Clear … Read More

Big Game Hunter

July 2, 2026 | by CJ Woods III

I was startled into an impromptu Capoeira dance, whirling and slapping at my face and arms, as if trying to put out little brush fires. A moth had attacked me. It did not live to tell its friends of my demonstration of fear. I stood over the crushed body and … Read More

Songs Flung Out

June 25, 2026 | by CJ Woods III

Early in the evening of June 15th, 2026, I was walking West on 9th St. between N. Hawthorne and Emerson Ave.; I saw a woman on the ground at the side of her yard, doing something gardening-wise. As I got closer to the house a young face popped into view … Read More

Impossible Dreams (Two)

June 18, 2026 | by CJ Woods III

In May 1969, the R & B group “The Temptations” appeared on the Ed Sullivan show and sang a song that became a theme for me and the woman I would marry in July of that same year. “The Impossible Dream” was composed by Mitch Leah, with lyrics written by … Read More

Impossible Dreams

June 11, 2026 | by CJ Woods III

In 2003, I was living in St. Louis Missouri; I’d relocated there after my job in the L.S. Ayres’ advertising department was eliminated when the store closed. My new job with Famous Barr, the St. Louis department store, was also in the advertising department. My apartment was 8 blocks from … Read More