This work is a reflection on my experiences as an autistic person.
 
Commissioned for the Contemporary American Vocal Music Initiative by Dr. Jerron Jorgensen and the Choirs of Southern Oregon University
 
Text by Amy Scurria
inside
the world is safe
inside is a universe
 
my skin
is electric
feeling air
like dancing fairies
 
i dance
to the music in my mind
to the music in my ears
to the music everywhere
 
i breathe
to know that i'm alive
in this body that doesn't begin
to tell the whole story
 
i speak
but words fail me
 
i sing
my mind like the trees
a network
connecting
connecting
connecting
 
calling out
please listen
i see
i hear
i sense
 
the universe
connected
yet tearing one another apart
i weep
 
i cannot convey
all that i experience
all that i see
and all that i know
 
i want to ask you to listen
gently
listen
with more than your ears
 
my tears plead
please pay attention
to one another
 
inside
is a universe
inside
is more than i can show you