Awakening

The lead poem, Awakening, analyzes life from the standpoint of human existence. Other poems depict elements and situations of life which illustrates different facets of the human condition, i. e. irony, poignance, humor and tragedy, with New Age insightfulness.

Awakening is a collection of poems about life as we know and live it. The author sees poetry as a tie that binds humanity in happiness, sorrow, work, recreation, and uncertain fate. It helps us attain a subtle awareness of solidarity with others in joy, sorrow, love, child rearing, earning a livelihood, pursuit of esteem, and protection from the harshness of the world. It is comforting to know that other human beings have experienced, dealt with, and overcome problems like those that confront us. Awakening also contains a section of humorous poems including "The Peanut Man" which is a poetic cartoon.

D. C. Arledge holds a B. A. Degree from Loyola University. He has worked as a laborer, roofer, iron worker, shipping clerk, warehouse manager, police officer, penologist, auditor, audit supervisor and parole officer. He is also a U. S. Army veteran. His poems have been published internationally. In 2003, he was the recipient of the “Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Award” conferred by the International Society of Poets. In 2005, he was honored with the “International Poet of Merit Award” and included in the International Who’s Who in Poetry book.