Rudy Francisco - Complainers

[@edwinamarie]

This poem just changed my life.

[@girlinpigtails9564]

It changed mine, too, Edwina Marie. You're so fortunate to have heard this while you're still so young. Truly, it is life changing -- even at my age.

[@mikeynkoey]

Likewise.

[@chandlerbling1227]

Amen sista.

[@AeroVibess]

yes it did

[@specterhaterew]

That glass half full half empty bit got me. Bravo.

[@KiaFlow]

Yessss!!!

[@RachaelBaker231]

Yeah, thats when i started to sob.

[@RobynBobynn]

specterhaterew same, omg

[@Lisa-mp2lw]

SAME

[@errwalters23]

Hafsa Ahmed 0pi ty tee a 1

[@dollievoid]

"you're still alive ; act like it " hit me hard

[@jomontanee]

Me too. It echos in my soul.

[@helenakut4551]

tyjø .panic same !

[@lanarose7486]

This was a slap in the face that I've been needing for a long time.

[@harouna6968]

@Old Jim She's in prison. Look at her mugshot

[@fredeyo7699]

yeah i have always learned best by. with my own words a kick in my face

[@strvnghystrclnkd]

"Every year 2 million people die of dehydration, so it doesn't matter if the glass is half full or half empty, there's water in the cup, drink that shit and stop complaining" Brilliant ^^

[@andrewscheyltjens1094]

indeed i luvv that one

[@sciecopeland8981]

I used this as my senior quote 😂💕

[@pmbonds7998]

H

[@maisiemiller3486]

@@sciecopeland8981 I don't think I get year book quotes (They are a bit different in England...I'm in my final year of high school) but if we did my quote would either be this or "An eye for an eye and we'd all be blind"

[@bluwater1496]

That's a fact it's best 2 come up wit a solution like an adult instead of being a constant complainer

[@timhayes9568]

To the people who struggle with depression, I don't think the point of his poem is to invalidate your pain. You all have a constant struggle, but a lot of people don't and it is to them I think he is speaking. I really love this poem btw, it makes living a little easier :D

[@matttheriault2662]

+Tim Philo This poem isn't directed to people with depression.

[@timhayes9568]

+Matt Theriault read the comments further down. They will give reason to my comment.

[@Azkamalik1206]

I think it's just for people who complain about things outside their control obviously depression isn't

[@matthewray4673]

Matt Theriault dude, that's what they're saying?

[@IAmJeka]

I suffer from depression and absolutely love this

[@darrenchow3790]

You are allowed to have happy days and bad days, that's a matter of fact and life. What Rudy is trying to convey is how it's all a matter of perspective how we view our lives. I love his use of the adage "half-full vs. half-empty" and how we often say it's one or the other when in fact both have water, so be grateful. He's not invalidating your night-time terrors and your mental illnesses, rather he's giving you a better way of handling it. Every heartbeat of yours is a reminder that you can and will survive. Yes it can always be worse, but it can also be better, it's all in how you view the world.

[@swaggolia44]

Can you explain why this form of poetry is so shit?

[@sarastridstrom2483]

@swaggolia 44 Then why are you here? You willingly came here to listen to it and then willingly spent the time to make a comment but complain it's a waste of your time . Like, damn, how stupid can you get?

[@IHappyChicken]

There's a reason why you're sitting behind a computer screen leaving rude comments and he is a recognized poet. Don't hate accept it.

[@hawkstrike18]

Because your comments were the epitome of politeness and respect. So much irony here. You could just ignore that guy/troll but it seems you're complainers too :s I hope you're not like that usually but... It just feels like some people will never learn, and they'll always only judge others.

[@equalitee]

A+ response

[@--6487]

I have depression, and I don't feel insulted by this poem at all. Rudy is telling me that depression doesn't make me - that on the good days, the days my brain isn't working against me, that I need to take advantage of those days. Depression isn't all I am, so I shouldn't be moping everyday, waiting for the beast to come back. There's water in my cup, so I'm going to drink that shit because I could have it so much worse; I could have no water at all. I am still alive. So I'm going to act like it.

[@girlinpigtails9564]

You are loved, Honey. Don't give up... you're on your way.

[@viviantriana5146]

"depression is not all I am" well said, will remember this every day :) we are bigger and stronger than this

[@devingallant30]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who thought this

[@helenaap2042]

I can relate too hope u get better

[@terriz.2981]

Yes. Agree and relate completely to this

[@fgl8044]

*"When Evan lost his legs, he was speachless. When my cousin was assaulted, she didn't speak for 48 hours. When my uncle was murdered, they had to send a search party to find my father's voice. Most peaple have no idea that TRAGEDY and SILENCE have the exact same address."* Painful yet true. You've earned my respect

[@jasmineevans5686]

"so it doesnt matter if the glass is half full or half empty, theres water in the cup, drink that shit and stop complaining" love

[@abbiecowger3331]

Jasmine Evans this line slapped me so hard I wrote it down

[@kenkekenZZZZ13]

Then the glass is completely empty and now you don’t even have a argument to make some part of your life worth living.

[@kristeemarie2229]

"You are still alive. Act like it."

[@haileymhudson]

I remember seeing this for the first time about 5 years ago on Facebook. I've lost count how many times I've watched it. Practically have it memorized. I still get goosebumps everytime.

[@ButtonPoetry]

Thanks for posting @haileymhudson We love Rudy's work and love hearing about other folks who do too!

[@ambermillar2408]

I suffer with severe depression and anxiety issues and I didn't get the 'you can't have a bad day because someone else is dying' message. I got the message that every day when we can complain about traffic or the weather or our shitty jobs we are lucky enough to not have had to suffer worse. On the days my mental health is so inherently bad I can't get out of bed I listen to this and it gives me hope because I am still alive and I need reminding to be grateful for that one glorious truth.

[@Bookobssesvive]

"Life is a gym membership with a really hard cancellation policy"

[@sayElectronica]

LOVE that line plus others. (+)

[@reneeyoung3320]

That hit me to the point that I wrote it down. ❤❤❤

[@marywilczewski4434]

This sent me such a positive vibe. The whole glass is half full, glass is half empty part. Damn, man. Respect.

[@ayanagatling4895]

"Drink that shit and stop complaining" gave me life

[@larceus24]

I've been diagnosed with Depression but I still find immense meaning in this poem. Life is full of pain, depression, death, general struggles. He's saying that no matter how down and out you are you have to remember that it's not over. Complaining in excess is just an unhealthy behavior (whether you are depressed or not). Complaining makes you focus on the things you have no power over. You dwell and think about how things could be better or could've been better. Whereas not complaining allows your mind to dedicate time and energy into being grateful for whatever it is that you have. Although at times our suffering feels as if it is the worst in the world , there are people who would kill to have your suffering over theirs.

[@Notniacara]

He never said depression wasn't something serious. Most people from my personal experience that suffer from depression are often silent about their feelings and problems. Which is what he's proving by saying that tragedy and silence have the same address. He's not saying those kinds of problems are serious. He's saying people who complain about things that can be changed with a smile or a more positive attitude are the problem.

[@SSDriscool]

I was skeptical of this poem at first, thinking it'd just be "hey complainers, shut up. your problems don't matter because some people have it way worse than you." But it is so much more than that. The line about tragedy and silence sharing the same address left me shook. This man is amazing.

[@lukabrother]

no bruh it’s literally just that what are you hearing that im not ??

[@solar_cpg8833]

@@lukabrotherwhat you’re not hearing is the entire point, which is that if you can complain about it then you can use that same energy to deal with it. It’s meant to teach people who are struggling, how to stand up for themselves instead of giving them some temporary words of comfort. Everybody’s struggle is different but everybody also has the power to overcome it themselves.

[@Laylay62007]

@@solar_cpg8833 Sometimes those words of comfort are needed

[@aryannaelmore9797]

I honestly feel like a whole point of the poem isn't to downgrade your emotions of make them invalid, it's a message to pick yourself up, and try and find the bright side, and to remember things can always get better.

[@randytaylor9045]

My favorite speech ever.. This guy deserves all credit imaginable. Well done.

[@gotcomprehension]

Thank you, Rudy, for continuing your art. For continuing to reaching out to the world. Thank you.

[@randomtrucks]

You are still alive. Act like it. Rudy Franciscos poems and performance never fail to make me cry.

[@AmuseableClementine]

Yes, this is what people need. To reach out for support and be told they and their problems are insignificant. What a genius.

[@AlejandraGarcia-bj5yk]

I can't stop watching him, he's mesmerizing so much emotion is conveyed within a few minutes

[@lauracw_24]

🥺🥺🥺

[@thegamer74717]

Rudy always put so much emotion into his poems to the point that in your head you see the story like a show or a short film.

[@NowNorie]

Absolutely amazing R.I.P. Robin Williams

[@michellewr5961]

simplebeautyxx who is that ?

[@user-to1oc2gr8h]

..you don't know who robin williams is?

[@michellewr5961]

A SomeBody oh 🤫

[@sunzet9018]

He was an amazing actor that commited suicide, he has great movies! :)

[@nonchalantce0720]

70TH LIKER!!! srsly tho R.I.P Robin Williams

[@degrassifacts]

He puts so much emotion in his performances, Rudy Francisco will forever be my favorite poet :')

[@supbernadette]

He is not belittling people that are depressed. He is simply saying that people will complain and let little things ruin there day, like being stuck in traffic or having problems with their boss. But we shouldn't let those little things bring people down and ruin their day! Let the good out weigh the bad because there is so much more good if you chose to see it that way.

[@lucyj5490]

I've watched this so many times, it still gives me chills. "Most people have no idea that tragedy and silence have the exact same address."

[@mztooveryfly]

"Muscle is being created by repeatedly lifting things that are designed to hold us down", one of the best relatable metaphors I've heard by far!

[@dorcaswg5726]

Shout out to myself and friends. I have been realizing this lately that I am simply blessed to be alive

[@zareenp5558]

I watched this for the first time when I was 15 and severely depressed. I find myself coming back to this throughout the years. I’m now 25, and about to start one of the chapters of my life I’ve yearned for. Yet, I find myself complaining about things that I must take care of in order to proceed with the chapter. Issues I can “count on my finger tips.” Rudy is a true poet, and truly will hit home everytime. Thank you for the reminder

[@justincampbell2265]

I complained about having no shoes until i saw a man with no feet. This is just a reminder that there is always someone going through something worse. It doesn't mean your problems don't matter, it's just trying to put things in perspective. Fight on with you all you have. Every heartbeat is a gift.

[@RNSTheStruggleIsReal]

Rudy is just one of the most talented poets I have ever seen

[@dsantamaria713]

Utterly Brilliant! Live, till die...❤️ Live! ❤️

[@gregmcknightjr]

The 🐐 of San Diego Spoken Word.

[@Bread_Pool]

So refreshing to see a poem that tackled this, sad to see that people still continue to choose to feel sorry for themselves and view this poem as negative rather than for what it is, to empower you to feel better

[@hashtagsophiaa]

I think people are getting bummed because even though people have things worse, it.doesn't mean that their emotions and troubles arent valid.

[@Bread_Pool]

Sophia Schachair you misread me.. yes, pain is subjective, but I was saying how people are ignoring his message and choosing to still see the glass half empty and not appreciate the water there. The message I got from this was to see the brighter side of life, to grow and put into priority what you should put your negative energy and emotions into, and what not to.

[@hashtagsophiaa]

Breadpool yeah I see it that way too, but I can kinda see what they mean. either way it's still a good poem :)

[@dayas625]

I've listened to this over a dozen times today. This poem may be my new daily wake up. I love the message it's sending. Things may be bad for you, feeling bad is Okay, but push through and keep fighting.

[@fawn-michelemusser3684]

I listen to this at least once a year since my father died and I still cry, Everytime.

[@iansmith7969]

As soon as he says you are still alive I completely lose my shit. Everytime. When I'm feeling down this is a go too. So inspiring. His poems resonate with me and make me want to do better in life.

[@jomontanee]

After I watched Rudy on The Tonight Show I searched for his work all over. Such a powerful and soul-uplifting work!

[@sayElectronica]

"It doesn't matter if the cup is half full or half empty there's water in that cup [...] Remember, you are still alive. You are still alive." Every time I watch this poem I feel like shedding a tear. (+)

[@Capreeca]

Best Poem to watch on a Monday. Thank you.

[@laneyhopkins2382]

I have chills. Wow. Really puts things in perspective.

[@hopemashaba3413]

"Tell me how blessed are we to have tragedy so small it can fit in the tips of our tongues"

[@isiaharauz8959]

One word for this speech "Amen"

[@xgunna]

This is my favorite poem by Rudy.

[@kc1n618]

I fr cannot listen to this whole Poem without crying

[@evewilliams4788]

7 years ago I discovered this poem. I still think about it till this day

[@Nostalgiababy]

I don't think he is attacking people with depression and mental illness etc. just people who complain for no reason hence why it is called "complainers"

[@liamtaylor1501]

I mean I thought it was obvious in the way he mentions the complaints like how people complain about the snooze button. People with depression and real problems they often don’t complain and are silent. They keep to themselves

[@seharghous3161]

Jiyay

[@xXSabzyKababzyXx]

Ahhhhh you Sir are one fantastic being. YAY FOR INSIGHTFUL POSITIVITY

[@gagecorey7457]

This poem has brought me back from some pretty dark spots of my life..❤

[@makenziecrowther9142]

He will always be my hero.

[@laceyhart795]

"How blessed are we to have tragedies so small that they fit on the tips of our tongue." WOW

[@SierraFord_]

"2 million people die from dehydration a year. So it doesn't matter if the glass is half full or half empty, there's still water in the cup, so drink that crap and stop complaining" This hit me like a ton of bricks i loved this poem so much!

[@amyle1408]

I love his performances. Rudy's the man.

[@rbkbala30]

I love you, Rudy. You make me feel alive.

[@piperachuff3941]

This made me appreciate life for what it is. Thank you Rudy Francisco

[@tburnson30]

I listen to this almost every day, I am so in love with it

[@jessicacaldwell932]

This gives me goosebumps every time.

[@mariahkerry3404]

I listen to this poem almost daily. ‘Most people have no idea that tragedy and silence have the exact same address.’

[@pixelpeach193]

I am a HUGE fan of how Rudy presents his poems.

[@shannonrose520]

This sent chills down my body. One of the most empowering and beautiful poems I’ve ever heard...

[@sonjagal]

"It doesn't matter if the glass is half full or half empty, there's water in the cup," Let's all just drink our water, feel our beating hearts, and try to keep a positive view on life, by living it. Thanks for the awesome poem man!

[@longhornhopeful2012]

Been a fan of his for a long time. Hands down his best work yet!

[@sharlottechamisa]

I always come back to this poem.

[@eddiebrown6114]

The glass half full half empty line is deep. One of those quotes that sticks with you

[@lauracw_24]

Rudy has an implausible charm to him.

[@mlee5558]

October 2020 - this poem has so much resonance right now.

[@samwallington8953]

WOW. Got chills. No words.

[@Rainwang_]

No no no this guy is too good. Too amazing. Too fantastic. There are so many words I can use to describe this guy and they all would fit him. Sigh

[@nicholasmartello4110]

"You are still alive. YOU are still alive. *Act Like it.*" IM FINGRET SNAPPING TILL THEY BREAK

[@MaggieHebrew]

One of the most powerful speeches I've ever heard.

[@azrinazuddin5109]

This poem is not for everyone because Rudy is telling the truth.

[@multiversomental6893]

“You are still alive… act like it” ❤

[@elenaeisenhardt3280]

Beautiful. Made me smile and shrug off todays disappointments. Love it.

[@hboo4435]

can't find a rudy fransisco poem I haven't heard I love his metaphors and they way he talks when he's reciting his poems it's really amazing

[@_christina_xoxo_2303]

Haven't cried this fast in a long time

[@arrccellia9095]

I got chills...

[@mr_d3adw873]

I’m not a very emotional man but I cried the first time I listened to this.. so amazing

[@cayci9879]

people need this one now more than ever

[@jkruse08]

this man saved me with this poem a hundred times after my stroke.

[@lgngrrtt]

These 3 minutes are my definition of perseverance.

[@IHappyChicken]

Here after hearing about the passing of Chadwick Boseman who filmed several movies while battling cancer. I’ve listened to this peom for years but it’s become so real to me today. No longer will I complain.

[@cassandramartin-smith3354]

wow, I needed this so bad going through a dark knight of the soul thankyou so much for sharing xxx

[@willhasley4570]

I had to listen to this for school and I’ve never ever been more touched/happy to be listening to something this great for an assignment

[@phonton56]

For me, when a poem becomes an assignment like "How does the author develop the theme of the poem?"or something like that and then you have to write a 200 or so word essay about it, the poem becomes less meaningful to me because I will always remember it as a boring school assignment.

[@heartsgoing]

I almost forgot how strong I am! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@ButtonPoetry]

WOW. WOW! THANK YOU!

[@jeremydumaw7160]

I just found out my house that I have been renting for the last 3 years is being scheduled for renovation and the homeowner wants me and my family out within 30 days. I have no savings and any place I can find big enough is way out of my price range. I watch this video first thing in the morning, every morning. I have to force myself to stand up straight and know that I CAN build a new life out of the pieces. Thank you Rudy, you are helping me through a very tough time, and dont even know it :)

[@BoMuchokiMotivation]

Best poem I've ever heard in my life Absolutely PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@monicac5678]

i keep coming back to rewatch this one, its gotta be one of my favourites. aaagh so real.

[@gov_plugsa8511]

"how blessed are we to have tragedies so small, it can fit on the tips of our tongues........most people don't know that tragedy and silence have the same address" Hot-damn!!!!

[@elsabaxter8839]

I didn't know if I would like this poem, but I loved it. I get so stressed from little things, and it sort of helps me put it into perspective. Like, at least I'm still alive.

[@shlandamilligan3102]

MY FAVORITE POEM!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! "It doesn't matter if the glass is half empty or half full, there's water in it so drink that shit and stop complaining"! That part gives me life!!!

[@PapasArmy]

Love it! We have too many complainers and not enough heros.

[@ParthGadhviMusic]

I will listen to this every morning.

[@honeydew575]

This poem really tugs at the stings in your heart... because it's true

[@leesmith0101]

I listen to this everyday this is motivation

[@libbyheins7832]

(this is the first time I'm ever commenting yikes) Seeing all the other people with depression disliking this video- the thing I got from this is definitely encouragement. He obviously dislikes people who complain and run their mouths about the small shit. And then he goes on to say that tragedy goes with silence, in essence that those who are silent suffer, while the complainers are just annoyed and bitchy. And the whole thing with the heart beats and "You are still alive" that hit me. Cause I AM still alive. And I don't complain about not wanting to be. So yeah.

[@christopherryle8609]

Assuming all people suffer the same way is ignorant and obviously uneducated to the plights of many who choose not to suffer in silence. Calling them whiners is a dickhead move...Go listen to the wails of an Italian mother at her son's funeral and try to tell her she is just being whiney...there will be 2 funerals that day.

[@originalvambian7962]

"You're alive, act like it." Amen, homie.