Words for Living

About the Book

The Book of Genesis gives us, The Story of the Creation. This author gives us the deeply moving poem, After the Creation. No Man, and, My Black Mind, are equally compelling in Words for Living, a book written for all of us who live.

About the Author

The author, Ethel Jones, is overdue in publishing some of her many writings of essays and stories. Th is book of poetry began when every morning before leaving to teach her third graders; she strategically began placing little rhymes for her own children to read before leaving for their perspective schools. Th e title, “Plain Talk for Plain Folks”, was considered for the book because each poem carries a message and it is desired that the message be understood by the masses. Noting that the poems fell under eight headings, which include, “Praise”, “Inspiration”, “Women”, “Family”, “Love”, “Social Issues”, and, surprisingly, “Death”, “Words for Living”, became the better choice. Besides writing, Ethel also has a natural ability to work with drama and training others to recite passages. Th is innate talent was recognized and widely used throughout her twenty-four years teaching. She was usually the director or had some intricate part in all of her schools’ productions. Of the schools attended, Savannah State University, Fort Valley State University, University of Hawaii, and Augusta State University, none was attended for writing. Each was about improving or advancing in other areas of Education. However, because she loved it, Creative Writing was probably one, if not the most enjoyable subject in Mrs. Jones’ classrooms. Many who have read some of the author’s writings have said that she should publish her work. Her self-evaluation is, “Some pieces, I am very proud to say that I wrote. But if I have talent, it belongs to the Lord, so, for that reason, perhaps I should publish”. “See Me”, “No Man”, and “I Will Not Let You” are three of several poems within the book which bring out the natural dramatic spirit of the author. Th ey are bound to incite those who love to recite poetry and make others “think”.