TRANSFORMATIONS: Poetry And Art

explore the challenges of self-expression and self-acceptance we may face, the doubts and fears about being vulnerable, and sharing who we are. Are we enough? Are we true to ourselves and others? The poems and art explore, with humor and compassion, the transformation of moving beyond the barriers into the light and joy of self-expression. Most of the poems and art were created while Jordan lived in southwest Wisconsin with his family and researched quantum physics. explores the challenges that I faced at a critical time in my life and many of us may face. Are we enough? Are we honest with ourselves? Are we true to ourselves and others? The poems and art explore, with humor and compassion, the transformations I experienced moving beyond the challenges into the light and freedom of self-expression and self-fulfillment. The poems and art reflected my everyday personal challenges and victories: being present, being loving, taking risks, expressing doubts, showing determination, engaging in self-reflection, observing the mind and the shadow side, creating renewal, acknowledging death and the divine within us. Some of the poems describe the joy and challenges I felt leaving my university position and moving to the country with my wife, our two young children, and our two dogs. Some of the poems reflect the overwhelming technical issues I faced working on exciting and revolutionary programs in quantum physics for NASA, exploring the use of quantum energy in space to propel rockets, and the use of entanglement to establish a communication link with no broadcast power and with no limitation on distance. The mixed-media drawings were done with oil pastels, watercolors, art markers, and ink. The metal sculpture is welded steel. The poems and art were created independently of each other.