ENLIGHTENMENT
A Collection of Poetry and Essays
by
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Every one of us has special moments in our lives when the world somehow seems to make more sense; when there is clarity and peace and joy. The moments fade, however, as the cares of the world come crowding in again. These are moments of Enlightenment; they briefly lift us up, and show us a way forward through the strife. But do they need to be so transient? Can we live our daily lives while still remaining conscious of a higher path? I think we can.
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About the Book
This collection of poetry and essays explores the enlightenment experience both before and after. The poetry takes us on a journey through the breadth of our human condition. There is beauty, and there is ugliness. But through it all, there are those special moments when we glimpse a higher reality. The images and metaphors are meant to inspire us to see beyond the illusion of the world and understand the universal way. The essays look directly at enlightenment using plain language, not poetic imagery. We discuss what it takes to live as enlightened beings, the mistakes that can trap us, and the good choices that allow us to advance within ourselves and make a difference in the world. “Living our enlightenment” is the secret to staying on the path and helping others find their own enlightenment.
About the Author
The author was born in Sydney, Australia in 1949. He was the only child of Bob and Connie Wells. In 1961 the family moved to Montreal, Canada. In 1963 they immigrated to Beloit, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and a second major in Philosophy, in 1972. He worked part-time as a draftsman during the summers. In 1975 he completed a Secondary School Teaching Certificate in English at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, but he continued to work as a draftsman, and then as a designer. In 1980 he followed his parents to their retirement home in Clearwater, Florida where he continued to work as a contract mechanical designer until 1983 when he entered engineering school at the University of South Florida in Tampa. In 1985 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He continued working as a contract engineer until he entered graduate school at the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1987. He graduated with a Master of Science degree (mechanical engineering) in 1988, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree (mechanical engineering) in 1991. He served on the faculty of the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette from 1992 to1995, at which time he returned to Clearwater to take of his aged parents. In 1999 he joined the faculty of the University of Texas at Tyler. He retired in 2008, and returned to Florida where he continues to pursue his interests in Literature, Engineering and Philosophy.