Landen the Poet

Landen was an autistic nonspeaking poet and artist who used a letterboard to share his thoughts with the world. His work is filled with courage, honesty, and a deep longing for unity and understanding.
Through spelling, he found his voice—and used it to advocate for others, celebrate differences, and call for change.

These poems and artworks are his legacy. May they inspire you to see the brilliance in every mind.

“Like to be known as Landen the Poet. Because Landen, by itself, is too boring.”

Music

Usually decide my songs
But now I am taking over
Life is surprising that way
One day you have no opinions
And the next

Characters behave in unexpected ways
And you find music
And you find music
And you find music

KNOTS.

THE ACCESS TO KNOTS IS NOT FOR EVERYONE.
SOME ARE DENIED THIS SIMPLE TASK.
US WHO SEE.
THE WORLD IN PATTERNS.
CAN’T GET OUR HANDS.
IN THE WAY IT TAKES.

SOCIETY TO TAKE US SERIOUSLY.
LITTLE HANDS ARE GIVEN UP ON.
TOLD WE DONT UNDERSTAND.
KNOW THE WORDS.
FOR HOW TO MOVE IS THE MYSTERY.

Poetry is Life

POETRY EQUALS LIFE.
SUNNY DAYS ONLY.
CHANNEL TO ALL LIFE’S HAPPINESS.
POETRY IN MY MIND.
KNOWING NO ONE COULD TAKE IT AWAY.
SAVED MY MENTAL HEALTH.
HAVING AVENUES TO CHOICE OF WORDS.
KEPT ME SANE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE.

WORDS MEAN THE WORLD TO ME.
IRONICALLY SO.
A GUY DIAGNOSED.
KNOW WHAT THEY SAY.
YOU’VE NOT GOT INTELLIGENCE.
MORE THAN THEY’VE GOT.
I’VE GOT POETRY.