NPR Snap Judgment Performance of the Year / Noah St. John, "The Last Mile"

Congratulations. Everybody . . .
Experience more storytelling magic @ www.SnapJudgment.org
Exploding onto the performance scene by grabbing the Youth Speaks Grand Slam Championship, watch as 15-year-old Noah St. John electrifies the Snap Judgment Stage with a stunning performance - winning 2012's "NPR Snap Judgment Performance of the Year."
Original score composed by the amazing Alex Mandel and performed by Alex Mandel and the Snap Judgment Playaz (David Brandt & Tim Frick).
Film direction and editing by Will Urbina.

[@tgrigsby7]

That's it. The next time I tell a story, I want a live band pumping out feel-good music behind me.

[@molliemills7072]

i just realized that he was on the fosters, which is one of my favorite shows. he's a truly beautiful poet. his stories are amazing.

[@imrejk]

My teacher showed this to my drama class half a year ago when we were learning about storytelling. I've watched it so many times since then, and it never fails to make me feel so many different things. And then today I was watching the Fosters and I suddenly see him there and I just woaaaah! I really love this performance.

[@AECSRQ]

I've listened to this story three times now and each time it makes me cry. What a great story for the one-year anniversary of marriage equality in the USA. Go, Noah! So much LOVE.

[@digitalghost1383]

Sometimes life is beautiful. Sometimes life makes me stop wondering if it is all worth it, or what it all even is. Thank you, Noah St. John, you brilliant, beautiful ray of sunshine. You reminded me for a few minutes that we are all made of stars.

[@MarieMinou]

His mammas must be SO PROUD! This was incredible! Bravo,Noah!

[@slcncr]

One of the most beautiful, powerful, lovely Stories i have EVER heard. I absolutely LOVE IT .

[@2ndhandSue]

"This is not a break-up ride; this is a stay-together ride". Best sentence in the whole poem! To be 15 and be able and willing to admit to your greatest fear in front of a crowd of strangers is amazing. He made this presentation come alive; I could almost imagine being a fly on the wall in their house. It looks like it is a few years old already - I wonder what Noah is doing now.

[@thegaythespian]

Noah, if you read this, you brought hope and beauty to my life tonight. As an actor, as a queer man who hopes to someday have a family, and a poet and a storyteller, I salute you and I thank you.

[@RatedR4Rad]

The reason I loved this so much was because he spoke with such ardent passion, something you generally don't see in young, teenage boys. A sad fact, but true. He was very compelling and drew me in at the end of his performance. Well done.

[@FinelPha]

i watched this video with my mom in 2013, so five years ago. this was my first introduction to poetry and the LGBT+ community. now, i’m a singer/songwriter, aspiring author, and a proud member of the community! thanks to noah st. john for helping to shape my life.

[@KristinPedemonti]

The Power of Storytelling! Noah, you possess deep talent, thank you for sharing your eloquence. You took us all right with you in that CR-V. HUG!

[@xflashahh]

the way he says "this is a stay-together-ride" is just weirdly lovely.

[@katejw2984]

What an amazing voice for such a young person! I hope we hear much more from him in the coming years.

[@josevictoriavids]

I heard this story on NPR as I was driving out of work on a Saturday afternoon in September... didn't get to catch the name of it, I kept looking for a "CRV poem" and today... Today I finally found it!!! Me and my family indulge in taking road trips for the heck of it... just driving until we are tired, story telling and singing. This story touched a lot of buttons for me, and I'm sure it will with my wife and kids. Thank you Snap Judgement and Noah!

[@furietticentaurs]

this reminded me of the perks of being a wallflower

[@blueadkinsarguelles]

Anne Lanckriet same

[@msdarla1969]

I like the way he builds up the tension only to have a surprised ending. The climax resolves nicely I thought. It put a smile on my face. What gives this story spice is the way he tells it. Is all in his gesture, his body language; it's the sheer joy when he discovered the "expected"was far from the truth; it's how he conveys the fear he was feeling when his parents were on the brink of breaking up, or so he believed.

[@TheWorldAccordingToV]

this fifteen year old ugh what a talent idk how he wrote something this powerful and meaningful UPDATE: IM AT THE POINT WHERE HES YELLING THE NUMBERS AND THE LIVE BAND IS PLAYING AND IM CRYING I CANNOT BREATHE

[@Emigaren]

He was on The Fosters! He recited this same piece in the show! So that's why it sounded so familiar.

[@Kiki-lx8wz]

AWWWWH oh my i smiled so big at the end i cant believe it it felt like listening to a story from a book and i remembered the perks of being a wallflower

[@Yosoyelsol45]

That's what I was thinking. :)

[@mikennadebruin6628]

Haha, I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@jpmusson]

This was a really good Honda ad.

[@CarolMarsella]

An exquisite slice of life poem, soulfully delivered. A metaphor of the highest order captured and noted by a young man blessed with the wisdom to see it.

[@lydiadommel7463]

I've watched both of his performances 5 times, what a remarkable young man.

[@Jolebro11]

I think they used this poem on the show the foster and you can definitely tell why it's beautiful.

[@michaele.porter900]

I loved this, it brought me to tears!

[@mimi_wandering]

This is an incredible performance. I felt every emotion. At the end I was smiling and on the verge of tears. What a talent! Only 15 years old? I can never have this much talent at story telling if I work the rest of my life. Just, incredible. (Thanks Watsky for sending me here)

[@dankane90]

The power of words & the power of music- a dangerous combination that never ceases to amaze me.

[@lotsofjoy]

I am selling my 18.5 year old Toyota Sienna today. My 3 kids are 20 and almost 18 (twins). We've *all* grown up in that car. SO many wonderful memories. Its new family will be here in 2.5 hours. THIS (which I've probably watched 127 times in the last 10 years...128 as of just now) is my current vibe. Thank you for putting this vehicular family legacy feeling into such strong words. It's still absolute perfection... 10 years... 18 years... Its everything.

[@anosako]

I've watched this everyday for the last week. I cannot get over how powerful and pure this presentation is. Thank you for happy tears and breaking those fears. Well done. The world looks forward with people you in it.

[@jessfrymire]

Noah, you are amazing. Truly a product of an amazing nurturing upbringing. So, so glad there are families like your to produce people like you in this world. We need you

[@wolfcat87]

Day-um, son! He should be a motivational speaker when he grows up! He almost had me crying in 5 minutes. I've never seen a kid his age with such a talent for speech.

[@Yosoyelsol45]

this would make a great Honda commercial. just saying.

[@jugo6987]

Bruh😂

[@andresvazquez442]

+Zach Deal I was literally close to tears after seeing this and then I scroll down and read this... busted out laughing. Thank you, Zach.

[@Yosoyelsol45]

+Andres Vazquez The first time I watched this it was on The Fosters and I cried a bit than we watched it in school a few months later and I was like "don't cry don't cry" but I did. I was kinda embarrassed especially when I noticed no one else was crying.

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

You are freaking AMAZING NOAH!!!!!

[@aarones4378]

I remember being a kid asking my parents what is beautiful. My father told me that it's something that isn't just seen. It's felt, it's heard, it's a presence that when it reaches for you it captivates you. And you can't deny it. This... is beautiful. #TheFostersbroughtmehere

[@corviangel]

This boy's performance is absolutely incredible. His stage presence is electrifying. I listened. I hurt. I laughed a little. I cried a lot. I rejoiced with him. To say this was an excellent example of storytelling is a terrible understatement. I wish this boy all the best, much success in everything he attempts.

[@carissamirra]

Amazing! I went from feeling his pain over an impending divorce to crying and clapping when they were all belting out Lucky!! Absolutely brilliant!

[@9hanniee5]

So proud to say I know Noah personally and that he is just as incredible in person as he is on stage. Love you baby!

[@jesse1989PP]

Thanks Watsy :) Something so humbling about spoken word. 15 year old, what a performance. Love the end with music, words and energy all together.

[@vabtb8736]

Beautiful! Got chills towards the end. Great job, Noah!

[@goobiegoobie]

what an amazing storyteller he is. what a gift.

[@johnathanlevih]

Amazing. Cheers to all those couples who stay together through thick and thin, all because they LOVE each other. Thank you.

[@Bpers2001]

I was completely moved by this young man's story. Wonderful, indeed!!!

[@nightrose131]

This was...simply amazing. There are no words, truly. His presence and the way he spoke were both just incredibly moving.

[@SidneyPort]

Oh, child. You made me cry. And I'm so glad to see such a beautiful young poet making beautiful, young poetry. Thank you.

[@larryocca]

Loved it. What a gifted storyteller. And, what a talented and wonderful young man. Much success to you - you have a bright future.

[@1492dac]

A friend of mine sent me a note to watch this video...I was too busy. This morning, I watched and WISH I had taken a moment to watch yesterday! Thank you!

[@joeyboyd9174]

I just stood up & cheered and cried in my own living room...this kid is magic.

[@lhorne15]

Brought tears to my eyes. Excellent job, young man.

[@TerTheBearWilliams]

This was just... This young man has a presence that will take him SO FAR in life! He will go far in life! The Emotions I felt, the sorrow, the relief, and the the unbridled joy at the end... This is AMAZING!

[@edcenter4]

I listen to this every year during Pride Month and I get goosebumps and cry every time.

[@zin1953]

Noah, to have -- intermittently, to be sure -- watched you grow up over these past years . . . from elementary and middle school, now to high school . . . and to hear you on NPR (without first realizing it was you!) . . . you are an amazing young man, and I know that I join Olivia and Alana in saying how proud of you, and how blown away by you, we all are. (Almost, but not quite I'm sure, as much as your grandparents!)

[@readingrox19]

I've been watching this every day for about a week and each time think of something to say, but it's so amazing that it leaves me speechless and so I don't really know what to say. I think anyone can write a poem. But not everyone can write poetry. Noah is just combusting with art and talent and emotion and it's almost too much for me to take. That ending was just... wow.

[@mikeyirish1967]

The joy that I felt at the end of this video is something I want to be with for a very long time.

[@EmilyNkosi]

Incredible, thank you Noah for sharing! A friend sent this just after my partner, our baby and I were yelled at in public "Who's your daddy?"...right now our baby is 18 months old. I hope he will grow up feeling as confidence and powerful as you do, and I hope you continue to take care of yourself with great care...the world is better with you here.

[@Scottsteaux63]

I love this kid. So talented. And the story made me cry.

[@luciapage-harley8860]

Noah!!! Why didn't I know you were so famous until now? This was an amazing performance.

[@McDoofus78]

Whenever I need a good release, this is the video I go to. Constructing road as we go Burning bridges behind us Adding mileage like graceful aging Driving, in our CRV, towards moonlight. That is some perfect poetry.

[@Lupercus50]

This has just gone into my favourites, and I will definitely be sharing it!

[@CapeCod69]

Excellent. Made me tear up. His mothers must be so proud.

[@cather23]

To state the obvious ... awesome, sheer joyful awesome.

[@samfriedman7328]

yes!!

[@greenfrogct1]

Wow. It brought back memories of being a kid, sitting in my room listening to what was going on when my parents had a fight. I'm 57, but listening to Noah I was 12 again. Pretty freakin' scary when you are a kid, and your folks are your entire world . . . Noah captures the feeling dead on - I was with him all the way . . . and loved those last few miles! Good news . . . my folks stayed together all the way. I hope Noah's moms do too . . . and watch him become the success he's heading for!

[@pegfoster1658]

Such a simple presentation building to incredible tears. Thanks Noah!!!!

[@tetheredthinker]

I don't even know you kid, but I am proud as hell of you right now. Don't ever stop driving.

[@mandagrammy]

A family....this is what it sounds and looks like, in the voice of a son who would make any parent proud, especially his Moms.

[@Kay3005]

this young man is so talented...i can't even imagine how proud his parents must be!

[@krismiller8809]

stupendous!!! what a wonderful young man and what a beautiful performance!!!!

[@jsloany]

I went to a summer arts program with Noah. Although we never had the chance to work together I admire his work and am still amazed by the enormous amount of talent I was able to be in the mist of during the 2013 session of California State Summer School for the Arts. This is one of my favorite Spoken Word pieces, which is saying alot because I am a huge spoken word fan.

[@barbcan57]

That is so beautiful. . .a very moving speech from an awfully well adjusted young man who shared his life with his two mommies. . .such a "feel-good" moment!

[@NewHopeRichieRich]

Cry everytime I watch this. Go Noah.

[@melissathegoddess]

What an amazing story and person. His moms have done an incredible job raising such ajoyful, inspirational and passionate son. This kid is destined for greatness

[@dennisc68]

Simply wonderful. A splendid story teller.

[@mtbootz512]

I'm all teared up too. Beautiful, indeed.

[@AnnaShade]

So So So Much Love in this World! Tears! Amazing!

[@bigheartedloony]

This is amazing. First thing to make me cry in months.

[@saneud15]

That was awesome! Congratulations, Noah. You got my attention for 6 mins!

[@musiccraze7970]

I love him! So inspirational

[@gemmac6852]

Fantastic. I'm speechless

[@ayeshakhan573]

awesomely amazing young man and story

[@ATrivialGirl]

Brilliance at any age is brilliance. Spectacular.

[@ethrelfall]

Gorgeous and moving piece. Exceptionally well performed.

[@Engineergoddess]

This is amazing. What a poignant portrayal of the hope of holding on.

[@christine6885]

Brilliant performance about the moments that matter.

[@ryanabell4765]

it is powerful regardless of the race, gender, ethnicity of the parents or child. It is a family. They love one another.

[@FullexFreeman]

Great story, great story teller, amazing kid. It reduced me to tears (much to my surprise).

[@szalary]

This is the best car ad I've ever seen

[@ajjohnson31]

I came here by a friend's invitation. I, too, cannot come up with anything but superlatives. I foresee that this guy will be able to do pretty much anything he wants in his life, with a gift like his. It makes me think, what have I done lately that was creative? I just love this performance. It's exactly right.

[@vinicius.manhaes.23]

Damn! I'm holding back tears in here! This guy is good at what he's doing.

[@brookeboroughs]

Noah. . .thank you. You're a soulful, talented guy!

[@grandmaRN]

What a great story and delightful young man. Good job moms! We all struggle, we aren't perfect, we worry our children, but hopefully it is remembered as a great ride.

[@TonyKoester]

simply amazing.. what a talented, awesome young man.. and family!

[@N3rdfightermom]

That was... amazing... the story... the delivery... the emotion. WOW!!

[@eddotheshrew]

I had to clean my glasses after this but I LOVE IT!!!!! Congratulations and you keep on driving!!!!

[@bluechance47]

There is something in my eye. This made my day.

[@BEATLES4U4NOW4EVER]

Added to my GREAT NEW YOUNG & PROMISING TALENT playlist! Superb!

[@jahshwa]

This is by FAR the best Honda commercial I have ever witnessed!

[@stevemurphy4595]

I heard this a long time ago. Tonight my family is away and I found myself craving a good cry. Listened again with a box of tissues handy. Thanks, Noah.

[@melvin691]

Thank you for sharing this incredible story!

[@Aelionorable]

What an amazing young man, what a great story. I'm sure we'll see great things from him in the future

[@roxiibstarzz123]

I love you Noah. I always knew you were going places

[@JaySwami]

The incredible live music contributed a lot as well!