Poetry was a large interest of Edward's. Perhaps writing poetry helped him to cope with hardship. Three composition books full of it were returned to his family after his death. Two of the poems which were sent back home are transcribed below as they were written:
"I'll Be Seeing You, Pal"
(To Coot---Best pal of my life)
Goodbye, my friend, I'll miss you
Life will never again be the same.
I'll always remember and love you
And look forward to seeing you again.
Many hours we have spent together
And, Pal of my Heart, you were always true.
We rode together, played together, slept together,
From childhood you were the best buddy I knew.
Pardner, reserve us a room in God's mansion,
One that looks out onto the square.
I, too, will be leaving for home soon
And I want us to be roommates up there.
Remember when we wanted it that way in college.
But the matron of our dormitory said "no."
Well, I believe it can be arranged up in Heaven
For it'll be alright with God, I know.
When parting the Spaniards say, "odios."
When parting the Franch say, "adien."
When parting we Americans say "I'll be seeing you, ole pal."
That is what I'm saying to you.
"Mother-My Guiding Angel"
She beacons with a voice as mellow
As the blending chords of many guitars
Her eyes, pale-blue reflectors of God's divinity,
Light up my path far more than do the stars.
Her lips, companions of the soul in many hours of prayer,
Often murmur my name.
Oh God, please don't take her from me,
But always leave her there the same.
"I'll Be Seeing You, Pal"
(To Coot---Best pal of my life)
Goodbye, my friend, I'll miss you
Life will never again be the same.
I'll always remember and love you
And look forward to seeing you again.
Many hours we have spent together
And, Pal of my Heart, you were always true.
We rode together, played together, slept together,
From childhood you were the best buddy I knew.
Pardner, reserve us a room in God's mansion,
One that looks out onto the square.
I, too, will be leaving for home soon
And I want us to be roommates up there.
Remember when we wanted it that way in college.
But the matron of our dormitory said "no."
Well, I believe it can be arranged up in Heaven
For it'll be alright with God, I know.
When parting the Spaniards say, "odios."
When parting the Franch say, "adien."
When parting we Americans say "I'll be seeing you, ole pal."
That is what I'm saying to you.
"Mother-My Guiding Angel"
She beacons with a voice as mellow
As the blending chords of many guitars
Her eyes, pale-blue reflectors of God's divinity,
Light up my path far more than do the stars.
Her lips, companions of the soul in many hours of prayer,
Often murmur my name.
Oh God, please don't take her from me,
But always leave her there the same.