BEFORE ASLEEP YOU FALL
By T. Aaron Cisco
Yes, it’s been a minute since I’ve reviewed a Spoken Word book. As a poet, T. Aaron Cisco has successfully incorporated Spoken Word into a children’s book of fantasy worlds. That being said, I present to you Before Asleep You Fall.
Before Asleep You Fall is a collection of bedtime poems encompassing the fantasy world and the “real” world–with an edge. “The Sirene” is a testament to a boy’s bravery and courage when a fishing village is decimated by the aforementioned creatures. “Charles” is a supernatural cautionary tale on the consequences of not listening to Momma. “All Growed Up” gives us a young girl who is wise beyond her years, already demonstrating the qualities she’ll need when she grows up. In “Messy Closet,” a hardheaded girl finds monsters not under the bed, but in her closet. “Robots Can’t Dance” gives a new take on the rewards of believing in yourself despite the naysayers. “Faeries of the Flame” bring us the powers of ancient magic, wisdom, history, and sisterhood.
I enjoyed Cisco’s ability to weave past and present, fantasy and science fiction overlaid with worldbuilding, and his power of imagination to bring us this unique collection. I can easily picture him sharing this book as a Spoken Word presentation, or as stories one would share around a campfire in the woods with the possibility of something that went bump in the night.
Before Asleep You Fall is available through Amazon.
Thank you once again, T. Aaron, for your amazing gift of storytelling. And readers, if you are sharing these poems at bedtime, just for good measure, take a peek under the bed first.
W.D. Foster-Graham
W.D. Foster-Graham is a native son of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received a B.A. in psychology from Luther College, and he was an original member of the multi-Grammy-Award-winning ensemble, Sounds of Blackness. He has also been recognized by the International Society of Poets as one of its “Best New Poets of 2003,” is a guest writer for journalist/author/entertainer Wyatt O’Brian Evans.
