Spoken-Word Poet Rudy Francisco Performs His Poem "Rifle"

[@jasmineestes2017]

“The only difference between a garden and a graveyard is what you decide to put in the ground”

[@iSoaring]

Jasmine Estes heard this. Snapped irl. YELLING YESS

[@shantcheetah]

Damn that line is so powerful..

[@redlight5256]

Damn

[@goomba-dp3fb]

Yes that is true

[@luhdubarchive]

Beautiful

[@shevonne9368]

Yayyy he comes a long way! Been listening to him for yrs

[@samosia222]

TRUST!!! so happy to see him come so far

[@megamartymacphee9499]

mimi chase me too! Super proud.

[@staylucky4727]

Ok hipster bitch

[@outlandish5426]

same

[@onkeongeziwe932]

Subscribe on KZbin channel please

[@joelleelaine1284]

IS THIS A POET BEING CREDITED WITH WHAT HE DESERVES ?? thank you, jimmy fallon

[@poeticlovee]

I clicked on this video so fast!!!! I love Rudy!!! My favorite spoken word artist.

[@tyronrusty8070]

ShaMariah Willis same here lol

[@poeticlovee]

ty king 😊

[@raptalkpoetry]

Yeah he nice with it

[@emilylovesyhu]

I’ve been listening to his poetry for a few years, so happy to see him on this platform!

[@JoeHenkel]

Yes!! He's got so much great content!

[@danieljohnson6375]

Any recommendations before I search him more?

[@JoeHenkel]

@@danieljohnson6375 He's got lot's of other great poems! Ya gotta check out Jon Jorgenson and Joseph Solomon too. Do you have some favorite poets?

[@danieljohnson6375]

@@JoeHenkel thank u appreciate it will check those out. Yea my favorite poet is Tupac

[@dmagada2911]

Daniel Johnson check him out at Button Poetry

[@lenkanguyenovaxuanova6471]

One year ago, I got Helium from my friends for my Bday. Today on my Bday, he performs one of my favourite poems of the book. ♥️ ily, Rudy

[@dshobab]

glaze

[@Mo-gw5bq]

OMG I LOVE RUDY! I highly recommend that anyone who doesn't know him goes and watches his "button poetry poems" I promise you'll love it.

[@onkeongeziwe932]

Subscribe on KZbin channel please

[@humanbeing2497]

Rudy BEEN dope. Poetry is getting attention! His poem was well performed. I need his book.

[@raptalkpoetry]

So true, Poetry deserves a bigger platform

[@shraddhapawar]

"A weapon will always be a weapon. But we choose how to fight the war" ❤️

[@keepingitrealwithconnie431]

Yes! our mouths can be weapons too and we choose how we use it! awesome my sister!

[@lauracw_24]

THIS. @@keepingitrealwithconnie431

[@briannalocke4376]

_"a man is not defined by what he can destroy"_

[@HereToFreeYourMind]

This guy is a MONSTER with his words! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@Ashdizzle4]

Omg yes. So happy to see him getting recognition like this. He’s incredible! I have all his books.

[@SincerelyAnastacia]

Yes Rudy! I'm so happy for him, one of the poets that made me fall in love with poetry.

[@YTtunes222]

I cried, I cheered & then threw my shoe at the wall. Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dinishalewis425]

I doubt u did any of that lol... but I loved this poet as well

[@safwanosman6329]

@@dinishalewis425 r/whoosh

[@julst129]

This guy is incredible! Began binging his poems right after this

[@kenthefele113]

“Bad poets use the intangible to describe the tangible, good poets use the tangible to describe the intangible.” Rudy is a good poet

[@ludwembeceni1254]

He is more than a poet. He is a home. You feel safe while listening to him.. Like something you've been longing for for some time

[@sarahdunsworth5851]

Rudy is treasure. Thank you for highlighting poets.

[@leahcole49]

You’re the best, Jimmy. That was epic and so needed in today’s world. Keep doing what you do.

[@Yomsstar]

Wow! The difference between a garden and a grave yard is what you choose to put in the ground. ✍✍💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@leahelliott6504]

- “someday that could be me..” here’s to hope for all those who want to do and be better for themselves but have such a hard time finding how to do it.. change is not linear and we all heal and become who we are meant to be, eventually.

[@SamMorganOfficial]

Amazing! I’m so glad that I saw this. There’s not enough people out there saying things like this.

[@keepingitrealwithconnie431]

Me too!

[@joshftc7392]

Instead of saying "The world needs more people like this" Instead say "I will be more like this person" and you will see a change

[@dannalhobart]

I saw him live at a the Bigfoot Poetry Festival. He is magnetic. A great poet.

[@bumblebeegoesgaming704]

I am so happy to see Rudy getting this kind of attention, he is one of my favorite poets EVER.

[@itsalittleweird]

Bumblebee Goes Gaming IVE BEEN WAITING RIGHT?!

[@bryanbaumer6856]

Wow. There are so many different messages in that poem and he connected them all so beautifully. That was amazing.

[@LifeofDayy]

Gave me chills!!! What a beautiful reminder that we are capable of more than what we are made to believe we can and should do.

[@antorea7996]

I’ve loved this man’s work for a while now. His book was the first poetry book I’ve ever bought and owned, inspired me to start writing on my own, gave me a mold in which I can shape my thoughts and still after dozens more poetry books I’ve read I still answer Helium by Rudy Francisco is my favorite. He deserves this! Love that man! ♥️

[@RaetheSaint]

He’s one of my favorite poets, I’m happy to see him making it into the mainstream

[@michaelkamau2957]

The idea that a poet can stand there and move other's emotions without music or drumbeat is an awesome 👌 concept! Thanks

[@RittingsTN]

I discovered Rudy today... and I feel like today is the beginning of a new chapter. What a powerhouse...

[@solar-monk]

Ground shaking. Thank you for this Rudy. This truly moved me. 🙏

[@sonnyskold]

Oh shit, a spoken word artist made it to fallon? That's awesome, been listening to Spoken word for 10 years now and rudy was one of the first ones I fell in love with and been listening to him ever since, this is just awesome.

[@bridgetrobertson1128]

I just saw him lastnight....amazing....

[@conscienc3vibe]

Home Town hero. I remember watching him perform at Mira Costa college when I was still in high school. I remember watching him perform at the open mic nights on coast hwy across from the regal theater. He was the reason I started writing. Been following him ever since. This is beyond amazing and the piece was beyond powerful. Man. Rudy. Congratulations!

[@sneakychopsticks518]

This guy got me into spoken word poetry

[@OK-sq8fz]

He has come a long long way, i was so happy when i saw this pop up. All love for Rudy

[@JoshuaOtusanya]

This. Was. Beautiful. Just like whoever is reading this comment :) -Josh Otusanya

[@RégentDeMarquis005]

Thanks

[@sonitecribs9671]

www.poetry.com/poem/99190/a-book

[@kingedward510]

You are beautiful too, Josh.

[@Quackers01]

Wait a minute josh what are you doing here

[@Whoeverheardof]

❤❤❤

[@deboranunes8465]

this is one of my favorite poems ever this man is a master of words

[@triamellinia64]

I can't describe how I feel right not after listening to this beautiful, moving poetry. I need to rewatch it, to grasp every message it gun to my careless mind.

[@Jessica-tn2dr]

Been following Rudy for a LONG time. By far my FAV poet. He is just amazing

[@JoeHenkel]

That's incredible! Who else do you listen to?

[@michaelirwin8985]

Rudy you are a BEAST! You once performed in my classroom in Chapel Hill, and this poem will make its way into the forefront of my curriculum starting tomorrow. Yes, men, we can do it! Toughness is vulnerability and honesty and openness and real courage and sensitivity and...

[@TheLoserface45]

He’s a great performer and a great writer! I’m glad poetry is getting some real recognition

[@malcolmosburne7266]

RUDY!!!! Got the book love it so far. Man you are a hero to me. Your words have helped not just me but many I know. Be proud.

[@wdwerker]

Just saw this on a TV rerun and I was hooked in seconds. Reminded me of the 70’s peace movement. Maybe there is hope for this generation.

[@Prettygirlcn5]

That was so good👏🏽🙆🏽‍♀️😯 I loved the way he brought the metaphor back around

[@hoangduchai7356]

This guy is a MONSTER with his words! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@kiraj3734]

I’m tearing up (like I do at the end of all of his poems), favorite poet by far ‼️

[@48sharksOfficial]

that breathe control is inspiring

[@RabidCatGirl]

the fact that no one in the crowd reacted vocally is so upsetting to me. hes ferociously good. beautiful.

[@esmeraldajuniper2149]

Man I love Rudy. I love hearing him read his work.

[@masterkane5340]

Glad to see this man finally getting the recognition he DESERVES. This man changed my life. I'm sure most of you feel the same, or you wouldn't keep coming back here.

[@hoolimooliyt]

This is one of the best bits of poetry I've read/heard in a really long time. Wow! I'm definitly buying his book. So powerful! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@JustAnotherGamertag]

I don’t watch this show so often, and don’t really like slam poetry as opposed to more traditional forms... but I am so happy that a major line tv host had this form of art take the spotlight for a moment.

[@BarbD55]

So glad I found you on Jimmy's show! You are Amazing. Your words are so full of the truth and meaning! Bless you!

[@JoeHenkel]

Yes!!! So good!

[@AintFredoYou]

This man needs to make his poetry books into audiobooks, his passion puts some real fire into them

[@hibeautym]

My fav Rudy Francisco poem!

[@Whoserinfox]

So happy to see Rudy on Fallon. Best I’ve seen him perform this. Well deserved

[@neirasworld]

He so deserves this! Amazing poet, my favourite. Love all of his poems, but my favourite is Horizon ✨💙

[@algrabit1116]

Congratulations on such an awesome opportunity, Rudy. Your work is incredible and I love seeing you go places! You've earned it!

[@kellyzavala256]

Such a treat to see him perform and host at our local poetry slam in SD. He deserves all this success!

[@maddiemeaghan4735]

i love rudy so much he's come so far and his words always help me, so happy to see him on this platform and get the recognition he deserves !!!

[@shantcheetah]

He’s absolutely brilliant man.

[@brookieva1808]

Oh my gosh. I’ve been watching him for so long. I’m so proud of you Rudy!

[@juberthubberly7776]

I'm soooooooo proud and happy for Rudy. Jeez, I love you man

[@thewayforward_nyc]

The garden and graveyard analogy hits harder than the soil we pack to hide the truth of what toxic masculinity creates. Thank you for such a beautiful metaphor that exposes the disease our culture glorifies. “Winning” has become such an accepted positive accomplishment, but through winning we justify violence and at best, we use it as a way to violently accuse another side of being wrong. This is not so different from “defending” ourselves as you highlighted. It all stems from pride and a cancerous ignorance that perpetuates our lives, especially from men who use our ignorance to create divides.

[@lastaplexion2313]

thank you. you have saved me. I will now get an A+ in English :)

[@danieljohnson6375]

This came on tv and I was glued didn't even watch any thing else on the show but this. Gave me a nice perspective while dealing with things. Gave me the same feeling as a good preacher. Does he have many more great poems like this?

[@lleahbobeah]

Big step for the poetry lovers and for Rudy❤

[@lauramagyar8906]

Omg thank you for inviting him to the show! I bought Helium before and I loved every poem of it although I barely understand English :D His voice has already reached Hungary🥰

[@marcelasantos3007]

Ooooohh yeez how far has Rudy come I used to love his poems when I couldn’t even understand them and now seeing him in this show makes me proud haha

[@sebasv419]

I’m so proud of you Rudy. I’ve been a big fan since I was in middle school and for you to get to this point. Wow. Inspiring and motivating, you’re words have touch so many. I hope to one day have half the artist talent that you do with words. God bless you and I wish you an amazing life.

[@slaynuhssofa7693]

Chillssss. I’ve loved him for years!!!

[@nickjames8377]

Everyone's just saying hi and first but here i am just crying because this poem was too hard hitting and relatable

[@hellomisshaley]

full body chills the entire time. WOW. congratulations Rudy! this is so cool!!!

[@JoeHenkel]

So powerful for sure!

[@KiraN-fd5ct]

He is a very comforting speaker👍😊

[@JoeHenkel]

Absolutely! He's got an awesome and powerful flow!

[@loganbelk8304]

People used to ask me who is my celebrity crush and I said this man. Glad the exposure on Jimmy Fallon makes more people know his name.

[@Wigdiana_Kakishi]

This is why i love writing...This is beautiful 💛

[@RunawayPoet89]

I'm so glad Jimmy has him on the show. Rudy is an amazing poet.

[@sumyyahussain7132]

im such a fan of rudy, seeing him on this show made me do a double take. im so so proud of rudy. this is amazing!

[@jejmickey23]

Rudy I love you and your work!!!!! Amazing performance as always!!!!!

[@shaniaa1295]

My favorite poet and my Inspiration. I love him so much😭❤

[@lifenpoetry5107]

That is why this dude is blessed....deep af. Smh

[@roots2gotv]

One of my favorite poets. Been listening to him for years.👏🏽👏🏽✨💛🙂

[@wendydarling5790]

THIS IS AMAZING! So fast there wasn't time to comprehend what I was hearing as tears were suddenly falling out of my face. Like my heart was hearing it ahead of my brain. ❤️

[@thenaturalherbalista9492]

love the words , the delivery though.

[@anayunuenlau]

I love this poem, and Rudy. Both of them inspiring.

[@prudencentombizodwadube2525]

My favourite poet never disappoints. I love the passion 🥰

[@kianas7261]

RUDYYY OMG I AM SO HAPPY FOR HIM OMG I HAVE LOVED HIS POEMS FOR SO LONG

[@meredythwaters4601]

This is my favorite of his work.

[@rachanakishorko4526]

His words has soul .😊🎈

[@bckazee]

He's amazing!!! Please have him back on, and please do more poetry, it's beautiful...

[@sisterimprov]

So beyond thrilled to see Rudy on this show!! Thank you for showcasing poetry!

[@ellakuether617]

So happy Rudy’s on here! Love his work!

[@woadk6715]

my school made us listen to this during lunch, I quite enjoyed it.

[@weezyt5564]

Congratulations, Rudy. You shine, brother. Congratulations.

[@sammyjoe5369]

His words always hits me so hard

[@gcmarrero95]

So awesome grats to Rudy Cheers from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 ✌🏻✌🏻

[@sparkgonedark2153]

This is the reason we need a love button because like just isn't enough!!

[@joanneobrien5198]

Waking up, saw you do this on Fallon. This Lit teacher was transfixed. A+++

[@nataliesanders3829]

Wow ! That was beautiful dude , brilliant 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 , this is a real man

[@spider-fram]

Absolutely Spectacular.

[@mindfullclutter1909]

We are still here! Powerful