This book is one man's journey through rebirth, self discovery, love, pain and growth. It is nothing profound, however it is simple poetry written mostly in verse utilizing play on words and conveying messages and lessons learned. My friends that have seen bits and pieces of this book have smiled, laughed and some have been moved. My favorite description that I've heard most often is "cute." This book is written mostly about me, and subjects and people that have touched and tested me. I believe I'm an interesting person and that my life has been also. This book has been compiled over the years and people have always requested copies of individual pieces. I have been prompted by many to publish my work so I thought others may enjoy seeing my poetry through my eyes also. I believe this book is insightful and that "old school" would describe it as "deep." This book will not be a best seller however it most certainly will be an enjoyable experience. Please come meet Brother Rook and I and see for yourself, Poetry through my Eyes. I was born "Edward Carl Colding" to the birth parents Father, Robert L. Colding, originally from Tampa Florida and Mother, Verna (Catanch) Colding originally from Ahoskie North Carolina. I was born and raised in the concrete jungle of West Philadelphia. I was always your average young boy that was exposed to more drama than I could comprehend very similar to the fictional character "Preach" in the movie Cooley High. I worked hard and finally freed myself of my many complexes and I developed an alter ego that I call "Brother Rook." In three years in and out of the classrooms of Overbrook Senior High School I moved from feeling unworthy and being a young boy to making a place for myself, proving I belong and in the process becoming an old man practically overnight. I erased my square dull points by becoming a well rounded 20 year veteran of The United States Air Force. I dealt with many different types of people and traveled half way around the world which sharpened my senses and gave me a passion for life. -- Once in grade school in the auditorium I was assigned to recite the poem "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer. Like many kids I froze even though I knew that poem like the back of my hand. I'll never forget that day or that poem. From that day to this; I have loved to express myself in poetry and I enjoy an audience, because "poems are written, by fools like "me," but only GOD can make a Tree."