Author Archives: William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

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About William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

William Eric Waters is an award-winning poet, fiction writer, essayist, educator, criminal-justice scholar, and nonprofit executive. Writing as William E. Waters, he is the author of the epic poem Black Shadows and Through the White Looking Glass and three poetry collections: Sometimes Blue Knights Wear Black Hats, The Black Feminine Mystique, and The Black Blood of Poetry. Under the pen name Easy Waters, he is the author of the novel Streets of Rage and the short-story collection Conundrums: Stories of Law & Justice. His work explores Black history, race, law, punishment, institutional power, accountability, redemption, and resilience.

What I learned from my mother about tolerance…and appreciation

Posted on June 18, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Growing up in Marcy Housing in Brooklyn, one of my neighbors was gay. Everyone in the building knew this. Everyone accepted this, because this is who he was. I won’t say that everyone in the projects accepted this, but most … Continue reading →

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Superman and a Little Girl’s Imagination

Posted on June 16, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

I am walking down a busy Brooklyn Street when a little girl sees me and says, “Superman to the rescue!” I strike a pose and walk, not fly away. I am wearing a Superman tee shirt, and I feel Super. … Continue reading →

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Fathers’ Day

Posted on June 15, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Fathers’ Day is tomorrow. Nowhere near as many cards, gifts and flowers will go to fathers as Mothers’ Day . In fact, Fathers’ Day, after Mothers’ Day, is anticlimactic. Nonetheless, fathers are important in any equation when we talk about … Continue reading →

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Reentry is an Odyssey

Posted on June 10, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

The Odyssey, the epic poem by Homer and the second oldest extant work of Western literature, is a reentry story. It is a story about returning, of trying to get home, of how hard it is to return, of how … Continue reading →

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Spring Cleaning and Other Discoveries

Posted on June 3, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

During the Spring Cleaning that I mentioned in another blog, I did not mention that I discovered something else: two manuscripts I wrote in my 20s, when I was aspiring to be a novelist. The first, β€œStreets of Rage,” is … Continue reading →

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Mother’s Message on my sister’s Christening Day – January 4, 1959

Posted on June 3, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

To Jeanette: I want to wish you on this your Christening Day all the happiness, prosperity, health, and wealth through your entire lifespan. Β I also hope that you will continue to be as well behaved as you were today.

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“Memories”

Posted on June 2, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

“Memories,” by Barbara Streisand, is one my favorite songs. I love the lyrics: Memories Light the corners of my mind Misty watercolor memories Of the way we were Scattered pictures Of the times we left behind Smiles we gave to … Continue reading →

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Spring Cleaning and Discovering My Roots

Posted on June 2, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Last night I stopped by my sister Jeanette’s place — she’s the eldest, I’m the second eldest — and helped with some Spring cleaning. Β We looked through a box, an old box, a box she probably hasn’t looked in for … Continue reading →

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“I’ll Always Love My Mama” (Part 2) — What I learned from my Mother about Restorative Justice

Posted on May 28, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Yesterday, Veterans’ Day, I remembered my father, a World War II vet.Β  Today, I want to remember my mother.Β  The 35th anniversary of my mother’s death is fast approaching.Β  It’s hard to believe that it’s been so long, yet, it’s … Continue reading →

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Memorial Day (2013) — Remembering My Daddy

Posted on May 27, 2013 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

It’s Memorial Day, when we remember the men and women who have and are serving in our armed services. Today, I remember my father. He served his country during World War II. He enlisted in the Army on October 31, … Continue reading →

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