Silence was silenced

Silence was silenced

by Austin Jepson

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Silence, an unwanted companion,

Ape-like utterances, my only option,

The muzzle called autism.

 

When would I be freed?

 

Pencil through a letterboard,

Are you really in there?

An angel wore a HALO.

 

Words on a wall,

A story from the pencil,

And autism speaks.

 

Words on a keyboard,

The people can’t believe it.

Can it be true?

 

A silent boy has spoken,

A spell has been broken,

The words are like pearls.

 

Come read with such wonder,

And marvel and plunder.

So what is the worth of a word?

 

A word can change minds,

And minds can change nations,

And nations can change the world.

 

My words are invaluable.

My words are my mission.

My words mean everything to me.

 

Editor’s note: This is a pretty cool poem, especially if you understand some of the symbols that he uses.  Austin is completely non-verbal and really can only make grunts and similar vocalizations, which are not apparently purposeful (at least we don’t understand them).  He learned how to communicate first at a facility called HALO (which stands for Help Autism through Learning and Outreach) in Austin, Texas using Soma® Mukhopadhyay’s Rapid Prompting Method.  This involves the kids using a pencil and putting the tip of it through a  hand-held stencil board with the alphabet cut out of it.  She then writes their letter choices down on a piece of paper that she hangs on the wall nearby until they have constructed words and sentences.  Later, we started using a keyboard to help him generalize these skills at home and now that is how he types.  It is also interesting how he references  Autism Speaks which is a familiar national advocacy organization.

About author

Austin Jepson

I am a non-verbal boy with autism. I was adopted by the Jepsons at age seven. Prior to that, I lived in foster care for 2 years. My original family could not take very proper care of me and I was taken from their home. My memories of them are still alive, though, and I love them, even though they had problems. My life now is better. My mom and dad love me and so do my brothers. I am lucky for that. As I am planning on going to college some day, writing in this blog is great practice. I hope you like it. Maybe you will learn something about autism. I hope so.

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Comments(17)

  1. REPLY

    Don C Jepson says

    Way to go Austin! We continue to be blown away. Your grasp of “our” language and speech through poetry and your deep thinking is absolutely amazing.

  2. REPLY

    Phyllis Krutsinger says

    I love your new poem! It’s truly amazing that you can convey your emotions and feelings to all. Keep up the great work Austin. Well done.

  3. REPLY

    Lisa says

    You are blessed and have blessed us also!!

  4. REPLY

    Aimee says

    Truly inspiring!! Thank you for sharing such a great poem!

  5. REPLY

    Abby Bonell - News Directer/Anchor says

    Austin, you are brilliant! You have an incredible mind! A great writer. You have so much to teach us!

  6. REPLY

    Gayelee says

    U must feel wonderful that finally, you can communicate more fully. Further, your parents with all their love for you may also more fully communicate with you. I believe that you Austin! will have a great impact on many people and make all of our lives richer . Thank you for being you and writing a very insightful poem.🤗

  7. REPLY

    Debi says

    Love it you are really talented! This and more writings from you can really help others with autism expire everyone. Much love and respect 💜

  8. REPLY

    Chrisy Ross says

    Gorgeous:)

  9. REPLY

    Nan Stratton says

    This is beyond beautiful and made be cry. So profound and at such a young age. Way to go Austin!

  10. REPLY

    Elda says

    Beautiful poem!

    • REPLY

      Vicki says

      Awe…simply inspiring, Austin.

  11. REPLY

    Alicia Tolpinrud says

    The world is indeed a better place with your voice, Austin. Your mind is rich with ideas and nuances that create beautiful imagery for any reader. Kudos to you and to those who love you and have made your world come alive with words!!! I expect to see you published one day!

  12. REPLY

    Lugene Hunter says

    Austin – You are one incredible and amazing young man! Loved your poem! Great job! Hugs

  13. REPLY

    Cyndy Bequette says

    Beautiful poem, amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing this, It’s filled my day with sunshine.

  14. REPLY

    Mrs. Honkanen says

    Another beautiful poem by the poet Austin Jepson. I’m so honored to have you in my class and I will miss you next year. I will keep on reading your blogs…

  15. REPLY

    FayEllers says

    Wow! Absolutely incredible, thank you for sharing.

  16. REPLY

    Austin Jepson says

    Thank you everyone. I am so glad that you enjoyed this poem. It is particularly gratifying that my words can brighten someone else’s day. That makes me feel really motivated to keep at it.
    Austin

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