Silence was silenced
by Austin Jepson
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.
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Don C Jepson says
April 28, 2016 at 6:19 pmWay 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.
Phyllis Krutsinger says
April 29, 2016 at 6:11 amI 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.
Lisa says
April 29, 2016 at 8:45 amYou are blessed and have blessed us also!!
Aimee says
May 1, 2016 at 4:30 pmTruly inspiring!! Thank you for sharing such a great poem!
Abby Bonell - News Directer/Anchor says
May 1, 2016 at 5:21 pmAustin, you are brilliant! You have an incredible mind! A great writer. You have so much to teach us!
Gayelee says
May 1, 2016 at 8:48 pmU 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.🤗
Debi says
May 1, 2016 at 11:48 pmLove it you are really talented! This and more writings from you can really help others with autism expire everyone. Much love and respect 💜
Chrisy Ross says
May 2, 2016 at 8:37 amGorgeous:)
Nan Stratton says
May 2, 2016 at 10:43 amThis is beyond beautiful and made be cry. So profound and at such a young age. Way to go Austin!
Elda says
May 2, 2016 at 3:39 pmBeautiful poem!
Vicki says
May 2, 2016 at 6:47 pmAwe…simply inspiring, Austin.
Alicia Tolpinrud says
May 2, 2016 at 9:09 pmThe 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!
Lugene Hunter says
May 2, 2016 at 9:30 pmAustin – You are one incredible and amazing young man! Loved your poem! Great job! Hugs
Cyndy Bequette says
May 5, 2016 at 5:08 pmBeautiful poem, amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing this, It’s filled my day with sunshine.
Mrs. Honkanen says
May 10, 2016 at 8:43 amAnother 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…
FayEllers says
May 11, 2016 at 12:41 amWow! Absolutely incredible, thank you for sharing.
Austin Jepson says
May 18, 2016 at 2:43 pmThank 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