Rudy Francisco - Drowning Fish

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Rudy Francisco, performing "Drowning Fish".
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About Button:
Button Poetry is committed to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for spoken word and performance poetry.
We seek to showcase the power and diversity of voices in our community. By encouraging and broadcasting the best and brightest performance poets of today, we hope to broaden poetry's audience, to expand its reach and develop a greater level of cultural appreciation for the art form.

[@AngieSzavui]

I am in awe of how he gave rhythm to this poem with his breathing, I could feel him grasping for air, such a powerful delivery.

[@egbougonna2692]

Yea it is powerful

[@maryjons3068]

ok so I wanna say "fuck you" you listening to the wrong thing try to understand hes talking about his life I dont think that's a delivery style I thinks that's really how he feels

[@km2163]

Olivia Gatwood does this too idk if it’s intentional but her gasps keep rythym in all her poems I love it.

[@youngtraveon03]

His deliveries will always captivate

[@roniboni___]

rudy ALWAYSSS delivers he’s truly incredible

[@khanyikuzwayo]

“Getting out of bed has become a magic trick and I am the worst magician I know” sums up the last year.

[@samanthataylor1761]

How I relate. 😪

[@aaronfelix5843]

🎯🎯🎯🎯

[@ntombizulu3933]

"Thank you for not giving up on us" that slapped hard

[@cudjoe8769]

Came here to make the same comment.

[@heyyitsleslie]

I cried after he said that.

[@alexiavence3432]

Yeah, Those were the perfect words

[@OsuFootball28]

I look forward to this moment for me

[@patrickrudicill4023]

Especially when his name is your nickname... hit me like a truck!

[@thisisthezodiacspeaking]

This man put into words what most of us cover up with the words “I’m good.”

[@lexyluwho]

“Same;” Wow, so incredibly powerful!

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Yeah so powerful

[@Crazyndfunny]

The pandemic needs to get it together cause I am DYING to see Rudy LIVE!!!!

[@milabell3465]

I went to see him in Nov 2018, still the best night of my life. He’s absolutely incredible. Meeting him after was a dream, he’s such an inspiration. Wishing for you to see him!:)

[@i.e.ivor2308]

oh my god same 😩 like his presence in a room of people must be so immense

[@janicerobinson2225]

Same want see him live 😩

[@wyntermuro7762]

Saw him back in June of 2019 with my best friend, BEST NIGHT EVER. Being able to meet with him and tell him how much his writing means to me after was truly a gift. Hoping you see him soon!

[@dinaaa5297]

"I cry but I tell myself it's going to be okay because there is a better version of me in the future and he is saying thank you for not giving up on us" This line right here sums up the reason why I haven't given up on myself yet.

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Hello Dinaa how are you doing

[@dawsonroby1876]

and i hope you still haven’t given up

[@solenix]

the way he delivered seriously made it feel like this wasn't pre-written at all, it's almost as if he really let go of everything that was pent up inside of him, almost like just immediately, continuously verbalizing all the thoughts running through his head. so so good. this was the first poem i heard of his and from reading the comments i can tell he's well-loved.. i can't wait to check out his other works.

[@ShadowEli94]

You need to. All of his poetry feels like that, like he’s just a relentless tide of emotion waiting for him to open his mouth. Each of his poems resonate in a way that can only be spiritual

[@TGnPBullet]

Whenever I think that the poetry scene has become weak and cliche, Rudy comes back and blows me away. If you hear someone clapping in admiration from hundreds of miles away, that's me...

[@liormarom1266]

Rudy's words are strong, but his delivery is stronger. I could listen all day, to anything he speaks.

[@wiKCed0831]

I made a promise to myself that I won't be another drowning fish. Thank you for not giving up on us. This poem hits hard.

[@abdulrafay984]

When I say I'm fine I'm crying When I say I'm okay I can't even sleep When I say I can take care of it I run around freaking out When I say you don't have to come I want to see you as soon as possible Then you say I'm glad you're fine and hang up I hope you know I lie

[@bouleaneige2077]

His presence is incredible, more than the poem it's what he made of it on stage that made me shiver

[@amyle1408]

His delivery got even better, and that silence was deafening. I love Rudy so much.

[@kylecarpetburn4767]

The run on sentence line goes hard

[@samjfanpage]

Hearing this poem progress over time as Rudy pulls pieces of old poems together and intertwines them with new words and new language is so completely gratifying

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Hello my dear how are you doing

[@bookwerm4life19]

His poetry is absolutely stunning

[@TotalShredHead]

“sometimes i’m fine is the quickest way to say i don’t want to talk about it” rudy never fails to speak to my soul with his words

[@oneiros7314]

Rudy is in his own lane with Poetry. This man knows how to make the saddest things beautiful-- so amazing.

[@jadynmitchell8531]

The emotion in this poem. That hit hard. "Thank you for not giving up"

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Hardwork

[@morganmclovinn7142]

This might be one of my favorites of his works. Truly beautiful and touching. So glad to have found Rudy this past year

[@ButtonPoetry]

Same here!

[@LPoper]

Sometimes there's a "help me" chained to the ankle of "I'm doing ok" 😔

[@shraddhapawar]

Always.

[@LPoper]

@@shraddhapawar 💜

[@jamiechernick7845]

This poem feels a lot like being a covid nurse for the past year or so. Until now, there have been no words to describe it. Those first 35 second paraphrase everything i feel when I hear "you signed up for this".

[@LPoper]

@@jamiechernick7845 💜

[@bhavyakjain]

Or Kill me!!!

[@bqwadseertg]

I can just tell that I'm going to have lines of this poem in my head for many days...

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Yeah that dud is good 👍

[@mogomotsinthokwa97]

A fish pulling others out of the water...your words are magic.

[@slymanyonga7226]

I had missed Rudy’s performances 🥺

[@sneakychopsticks518]

I'm in tears because my grandma had dementia and didn't remember me much before she passed last year. Especially since Covid made visiting her not possible. Thank you Rudy. Your performances inspired me to write works of my own and turn my pain into poetry.

[@Riverrunzred]

This is one of the best poems I’ve ever heard. Thank you for not giving up, Rudy.

[@abdallahsadig5847]

Thank you for not giving up on us

[@jakebaxter9571]

This man genuinely deserves some form of award for lifting so many people up from hard places and bringing awareness to people situation and for them not to have to say a thing. As he shines a light on a ever looming darkness for those in pain, suffering or demonised due to a difference in any way I just want to say thank you Rudy for being a legend amongst mortals and a light in darkness.

[@tommyochoa3774]

I had to stop before the 2 minute mark...the emotion hit too close to home. I'm glad I came across this while researching poetry for my English class....and I will continue. When I am ready. Thank you Rudy Francisco.

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Yes you right no easy 😢

[@jonakafunda6635]

If you do poetry Rudy is definitely a must listen to 🙌🏾

[@travisreznor250]

Truth

[@frankmiles9016]

Facts 💯

[@poisonedfrog]

Jesus. Wow. THIS IS THE POWER OF POETRY. Thank you...

[@mediumjimmy]

I've read both of Rudy's books cover to cover, but this is the first time I've seen this poem performed. His performances often make me cry. I'm so glad a teacher played one of his videos in class one day and opened up the world of slam to me. Rudy's poems along with many others have helped me heal and put words to the feelings I have felt and didn't know how to describe. I never thought poetry could be like therapy or that it was possible someone else could be feeling the exact same things I was. I don't think I would've come this far without poetry. I know that sounds like such a silly thing to say, I wouldn't have believed it myself years ago if someone told me poetry would help me heal. I hope these poets know when they speak of their traumas and pain and struggles they're not just voicing for themselves, but they're helping others find their own words too. When I can't explain my own feelings in words, I know there is a poem out there that explains it perfectly, and maybe one day it will be a poem I've written.

[@rolanddensonjr2464]

I really felt this one. Thank you Mr. Francisco. You give a voice to the voiceless.

[@notourz]

What Rudy said about knowing a you that is better, and in the future you will be okay - it's good to hear that. I am typing this w tears rolling down my face bc a few times this week I forgot there's a future me who's okay. I'll remind myself of that more.

[@AnemoneEmily.]

"Getting out of bed has become a magic trick and I am the worst magician I know." Damn.

[@joanguevarra7105]

Thank you for this. I know exactly how this feels. To drown every day and still live. Thank you for not giving up.

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Thank you for not giving up me either

[@abdulrafay984]

Sometimes when I say I'm okay I want someone to look me in the eyes Hug me right and say I know you're not

[@graay_socks3588]

That last line… broke me❤️

[@camilajulietagarcia7086]

I can't not cry to this poem. Rudy, you are amazing. Thank you.

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Rudy you good

[@ghostofaman4984]

Always come back to Rudy. I wish the right person would hear one of his poems, and make him famous already.

[@ButtonPoetry]

I wish it were that dang simple. My man has been on Fallon twice. On the bachelorette. Did a series of poems for the Rams. Has sneakers with his poems in then made by folks from Nike and Rebok. And on. Which is to say, the right people have heard him, the world just needs to catch up.

[@phiahphiah9072]

OMG I LOVE THE ENDING ! I love how he did that ! This was amazing 🥺💕

[@rachanakishorko4526]

How he remembers all his words , I also write poems but can’t remember. Wonderful memory ,words and feels .

[@nabilaosman6962]

Oh my gosh,this really make me cry

[@teagannam]

that beat of silence was the most powerful one I’ve ever heard

[@sircharlesthepoet4289]

The way this man expresses and describes emotions is immaculate!

[@BrutalKombos]

Rudy Francisco does it better than anyone else I’m always in awe when anything comes out of his mouth he is truly special

[@justbeingkairo]

Rudy has marked my life in many different moments. but tonight's been different. if there is any way to please let him know how much this poem and his delivery have been giving me strength towards recovery and becoming clean. thank you, Rudy. you're not only an inspiration but the nature in its true form

[@becomingchristopher6337]

"same" thank you for sharing Rudy. Just keep swimming. 💜

[@bthomp6694]

Rudy is my favorite poet and this poem is just another perfect example of his ability to mix the English language with the human experience and performance art. Such a gift 🥺😩😭❤️

[@Gadscylla]

I remember seeing him perform this live in Brooklyn 2019. My friend and I were almost in tears

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Yeah he's good

[@froggarolli-Stolitz]

"thank you for not giving up on us" wow... Amazing poem👏👏. thank you for sharing that with us ❤️❤️

[@ButtonPoetry]

Thanks for listening

[@Ambassadorial_Interventions]

Rudy is an amazing poet. He keeps doing this poems about me. I poem on my anger, and he poems on how and why I must keep hanging on

[@trini5269]

Rudy has been my favorite poet for years. My greatest inspiration in my life journey. ❤️ Thank you Rudy for everything you do

[@kaylaholmes5462]

I cant stop watching this

[@littleprince7294]

Rudy's performance is what makes it all extraordinary

[@josefdupree1116]

"Same" that raw feeling that emersified itself in that moment. Damn just damn....

[@SethJSalas]

The passion blasted through my speakers, and I had to stop baking to watch the screen

[@cheyenne2001nc]

The way I'm crying right now man, god what a masterpiece.

[@neirasworld]

The power when you read his poems and hear his voice in your head. He's truly one of the best if not best 😉 and as a newly published poet, I aspire to be this good at performing. Tomorrow actually, I have my book event and I'm gonna perform my poems, I think Button couldn't have chosen a better time to upload this video!

[@zaydlokhandwala1458]

I said same- I cant believe I haven't listened to his poetry. Its quick, its witty, its emotionally exhausting

[@pabixthoriso7179]

I am watching this poem every morning, just so I can be reminded of the many reasons I can find to keep Going.

[@danwest9628]

Seeing this now makes me wish I had kept up with your current content. Your masterpiece "scars to the new boyfriend" helped me so much In healing after a nasty breakup which involved my sons mom. The passion you expressed in that piece was undeniable and hit home so hard I couldn't listen to your words without tearing up. But eventually I could listen and be sad but okay. Eventually I could speak along and not have an emotional break down. I recently saw a rendition that you did maybe 8 years after the fact and it wasn't the same. The passion was gone. But what would you expect when you recite the same thing for 8 years? I wish I kept up better. This reminded me of the true emotion you deliver and your talent with rhythm and poetry. This is an amazing performance. I loved every second of it.

[@wordscanchangetheworld9335]

This man breathes life back into my soul..ironically the expression of what is going on in my very mind, helps me to feel less alone in the world..hope that I'm not the only one at the point of breaking while smiling on the outside..he has a gift that reaches the lost souls 🙌⭐️❤️

[@SNIPEZONE23]

As someone who relates I'm so glad I decided to live. To anyone out there still in the deep darkness without hope, it does get better. Hold on just awhile longer please, you won't regret it.... It'll be hard, but worth it 🤗💜💙

[@daniellebain4294]

We all feel this way at times. So appreciate the the honesty.

[@humanperson3733]

I cried. Such a beautiful description of life that applies to so many of us.

[@OddWomanOut_Pi81]

Rudy's a frickin alien, man. SHEESH!!! 😮‍💨👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 He don't miss.

[@beyondthescenes7430]

This is honestly so beautiful, I never knew I needed to hear it too, thank you for sharing such a beautiful masterpiece with us Rudy, all the love just keep swimming, floating one day you would be able swim with ease

[@roletrepdos8264]

im crying rn listening to this for the first time

[@ryaanmansouri9431]

My favorite most inspiring person on the planet. I want you to know you impact people in a way you will never understand. I use u in practice daily.

[@SnaDyl]

Rudy never disappoints

[@giosterr44]

This is my first search for my in hobby interest of poetry. I cannot stop pressing replay.

[@TheInfiniteX]

"thank you for not giving up on us" 🙏🙏

[@aalaylao7889]

Had to listen a second time .. wow just wow felt this hard today.. midnight was a recking ball to my face .. I’m tired super tired but I still find some way to keep going .

[@cassondrahead3524]

The power the passion the truth ..... when I can’t put it into words .... this here .... puts it into words

[@jamesfv1]

Sobbing. Ive never felt more heard.

[@richards_greatman]

I agree that there are people with unique talents.

[@mirandarichardson166]

Thank you for this, I never know how to put into words life really. Just hearing this is a sign that everything takes time and it will get better. I needed this more then I knew.

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Hello my dear how are you doing

[@friendandi4623]

The Audacity Of You Being Able To Always DELIVER Rudy 👑 I Love You And Your Real Life Poetry

[@treyday2354]

We won't die in this canal Using all the tools I've gained from every experience in life that has been thrown at me I will climb the walls of doubt and see you on the other side my friend. (Run on sentence).

[@vannevers]

"Thank you for not giving up on us." 💥

[@kirabozeridahsarah]

He is brilliant! What a story teller

[@shadijahangard6113]

Rudy Francisco, the only way I can help, is by reminding you that everything is going to be okay. Don’t let your fears consume you, put them on paper and let them go. Tell your heart ‘All is well’ and ‘This too shall pass’ and ‘Time will heal.’ You are the voice of so many of us who can’t put our feelings into words. Please breathe, and with every exhale allow a small piece of your sadness/worry/fears to leave your body, so you can inhale some light and peace. You are respected, and appreciated more than you know! Thank you for trying! 🙏

[@mumbakunda8434]

This poem is describing how I have been feeling for awhile now...Thank you Rudy for reminding me not to give up!

[@acHretuT]

“Crickets have been known to eat their own wings”

[@reeree4755]

He's got me crying first thing in the morning 😔❤️

[@mokgadips]

"I promised myself that I won't be another drowning fish" 🐠I felt that😞

[@jeneepalmer3672]

Thank you, Rudy. You make me wanna be a better poet.

[@hilarypatrick3776]

Rudy!! 😩 Please don't stop!

[@gracefeeley183]

I LOVE THIS MAN SO MUCH

[@zororomutomba9244]

rudy never fails to leave me in awe

[@justicerae5554]

oh rudy... how you pop up as im this close to giving up... you make me question myself in the most painful yet beautiful way. thank you.

[@ButtonPoetry]

💜💜💜

[@DefaultName-dg2gs]

How incredible, how painful and how beautiful all at the same time. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@alissa337]

I don't think I have ever heard a Rudy Fransisco poem I didn't immediately love.

[@barbloft]

I have so much I want to say, but the words are getting stuck on my lips. That poem is heartbreakingly incredible. XO

[@ButtonPoetry]

It really is!

[@Marrison-pf6fp]

Wow to that

[@nrutea]

i keep coming back to this like this is the feet of the water body im drowning in.

[@sharonmuchizazulu3388]

I ignored this video for a week but today was the day I was meant to listen to Rudy one of my favorite poets by the way, after myself of course 😂 I have been a drowning fish for the longest period 🤷🏾‍♀️ and I am glad I am ñot the only one who feels that way because when others share their experiences it makes me stronger ❤️ thanks Rudy

[@angiee.5118]

He is literally my favorite poet no doubt

[@Michael-ee8oc]

Rudy thank you for putting into words what my mind has failed to You have spoken for me.