Jack Noble is set to realise a dream.
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On Monday his book of poetry, titled Me, will be launched at an assembly at Chatham High School and made available to the public.
The moment will be the culmination of more than three years work by the 18-year-old year 12 student, who has been assisted in the process by his learning support officer Marilyn Connors.
The road to publication meant overcoming a number of challenges.
Jack has a condition which leaves him unable to move or speak, causes constant pain and also attacks every part of his body, except his brain.
“We communicate by holding hands and I go through the alphabet – we have them split into four rows in our heads – and when Jack gets to the letter he wants, he pushes against my hands,” said Marilyn.
When he indicated he wanted to write a book of poetry, Marilyn was determined to help him make it happen.
The inspiration came when writer and former Australian Poetry Slam champion Luka Lesson visited Chatham High and conducted a workshop on the spoken word with some students
“He loved it. Luka has such a fabulous personality,” said Marilyn.
“That time, during which he compiled his poem, Me, had a huge impact on Jack.
“At the end of Luka’s visit the students put on a performance and Luka read Jack’s poem.
“From then on, people who heard this completely changed their attitudes towards Jack. Finally he was being seen as a person with, yes, a brain.”
Luka asked Jack if he wanted to keep writing poetry and when Jack said yes, he made a promise that if he wrote 30 poems, he would publish them in a book.
He wrote his poems with Marilyn during free periods at school and when they could.
“One of his greatest hopes is that this book will inspire people to be more aware that just because people can’t speak or move, doesn’t mean they are ignorant to their remarks.”
Marilyn said as well as making an impact on other people, it has made a huge difference for Jack.
“Over the three years he spent compiling his collection, Jack has been able to express his thoughts and feelings, even in day-to-day conversations.
“It’s not just the poems but he has been able to express himself to people other than me.”
“As Jack said, ‘Writing has given me a voice’.
“He is one of the most amazing people I have ever met – the way he looks at the world and people.
Marilyn has assisted Jack through high school, since he started in year seven.
She said he is very excited about the launch, which takes place at 10.30am on Monday in Chatham High’s multi-purpose centre.
Luke Lesson, who organised the publication of the book, will be there and will perform Jack’s poetry for the audience. A morning tea will follow and people can buy the book for $20.