May Tomorrow Be Awake

If you are interested in learning about neurodivergent thought, I recommend Chris Martin’s book May Tomorrow Be Awake. It is a compilation of his experiences teaching neurodivergents how to use poetry to communicate. He writes about specific spellers and how they evolve as writers. For example, Chris mentions how different the perspective can be when someone is neurodivergent. He illustrates this through Tito’s explanation of the flashlight’s perspective on a cave rescue. Tito imagines how the flashlight might feel, searching in vain. Chris also shares his own journey as a teacher. As a reader, we are invited to experience how he learned from his students. Adam and Amelia each show him that age is not necessary to be a prolific writer. Sid suggests that Chris is always one step behind his student, as are we, the readers of Sid’s poems. Hannah is another poet Chris learns from. She invites Chris and us to attempt to be her, so we can feel neurodivergency. In example after example, the reader is invited to celebrate the uniqueness of each writer. As I say in the chorus of my song, “Neurodivergent we all may be. Striving to understand one another is key.” Martin’s book is a great way to increase our understanding of all different kinds of brains. I invite you to get your hands on a copy of this book or listen to it on Audible. The read is an experience I have had nowhere else. Please listen to my song to hear how it feels to read this book. Enjoy!

 

 

Words are power
Power is the word
Chris makes them all flower
He’s not one of the herd

Read his book
May Tomorrow Be Awake
Your vision will change
It’s like an earthquake

The fact is we all have
A contribution to make
To see with compassion
Is all that it will take

He writes with precision
Students are honored with flair
Chris writes with care
He has much to share

Neurodivergent, we all may be
Striving to understand one another is key
It’s plain to see if you feel lost,
Read may tomorrow be awake
It is worth the cost

Your brain will consider
Ideas that rattle you
Inanimate objects have feelings
It’s all true and all new

Neurodivergent or not
The book is full of thought
All minds have value to Chris
It’s a book you don’t want to miss

The fact is we all have
A contribution to make
To see with compassion
Is all that it will take

 

 

Joel Nyland is a Pacific Northwest songwriter. He spells to communicate. His biggest
wish is that nonspeakers, unreliable speakers, and minimally speaking people be heard.