Every time I listen to this I find something I never did before. Shotgun shells, tie tacks, cuff links.. his parents were trying to give him his adulthood because he would never experience it. Makes me tear up every time.
Hits me in the gut every time. I always hear something new as well. No matter how many times I hear this, It will always touch the deepest parts of me.
and that weird girl because he wants to bully and get bullied. becuase the closest woman in his life is his sister. and he wont get to poke at girls that he thinks are cute
When I was 9 in 2011 I fell in love with Shane as an artist, for the following few years I listened to his work and again fell in love with the studio readings with orchestral accompaniment and obsessively listened to those during some tumultuous years of my pre-teen years. Now randomly 10-11 years later and I realize that I’ve been without Shane’s poetry for so long, and how much of an impact he had made on me as a young boy. My perception of him has remained unchanged, he is a ridiculously gifted and talented spoken word poet!
Elijah Owls Twice during the poem, Shane states that he doesn't believe in angels. The traditional description of an angel is with wings, covered in feathers. So, when Lewis says that "this is the first one I grew"....he is telling Shane that he is becoming an angel. Beautiful.
That's not the full explanation, he says "i half expected him to say"... so Lewis didn't say that. Shane see's him as an angel because of how incredible he is dealing with his illness when Shane is smoking and taking life for granted
Reddit sent me here! I haven't cried in years, and never have I cried like this for poetry. I wasn't 9 but I had cancer at 21 and made it out - but it's so sad and unfair that every day there are so many who never lived that won't, and here I am worrying about my petty ass selfish problems. Can't wait to watch/hear more from him.
Hands down the best spoken word poetry I have ever heard. Absolutely mind blowing empathy, every word regardless of the tone Shane speaks in carry so much gravitas it's truly humbling. Generally people tend to over use superlatives but that was (by dictionary definition)....exceptional. Thank you so very very much Mr Koyczan.
The worst part about being sick is you get all the Ice cream you want but the worst part about that is that's all they can do for you .... It's like someone has just stabbed a spear through my heart and I'm trying to breath but I can't because i'm filled with tears and chocking up.
Sadak Hassan in other versions he added the worst part about be sick, is you get all the free ice cream in the and the worst part about that, is realizing that there is nothing more that they can do for you, he says ICE CREAM CANT MAKE EVERYTHING OK" 😭😭😭😭
As the father of a boy who could have been Louis I applaud you. In fact, I give you a standing ovation and a hug. You have captured something magnificent in your words. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I listened to "To this day" by him and i honestly never thought he would look like this and that is the beautiful part of life. You build this image in your head by the words that are spoken from them. Obviously beauty comes from the inside. Your face is just your shell.
I don't think anyone else has a way with words quite like he does. He hits a nerve deep down in every single one of his poems. He is a true inspiration.
His words are so beautiful, so inspiring that it moves you to tears and that teaches you to love yourself, to be grateful and to appreciate what has been given to us. I loved his poem "To this day" and i just cant stop listening to him. This is the first day i listened to him and heard of him in class today and i can honestly say that his poems move me to tears. He is such a beautiful person and truly inspiring
Maybe I cried, because I once was a five year old dying in a hospital. My older sister was listening to this. She cried. She actually looks up to her younger sibling. You speak words man Words I couldn't describe for half my life.
I was showed this poem in my English II class and I almost cried, it is a story within a poem, an amazingly sad story, but it shows that a few of us in this world still have bravery, even if its from a 9 year old boy
Shane's speeches and poetry are powerful pieces. There's a story he weaves through a melody with discordant notes that in the end is the truth he gleaned from the moment. I wish he knew the God he speaks about from a distance. That same God gave him a wonderful gift. Shane is blessed with the power of helping reach so many hurting people. I'm one of them. Keep sharing your light.
Incredible...just incredible. Thank you, Shane for being such an amazing speaker and sharing your gift with the world. I wish more people could watch this video and appreciate it for for what it is...beautiful and emotional.
The end, man..... the end hits me like a brick wall everytime. Throughout the whole piece, I'm able to listen and be calm.... but the end comes "see, this is the first one I grew." And every single time I start bawling. It completely and utterly amazes me just how much mere words can change the way you feel in a heartbeat. It's the most amazing and awe inspiring thing ever if you think about it. As humans we are capable of creating beauty on paper and in the air as we speak or sing. But sadly we are getting farther and father away from wanting to be well spoken creatures and now just opt for convenience. Hurts my heart.
made me cry... Like I cried when I read "Visiting Hours". What an amazing poet this guy is. If you haven't yet, run out and buy Visiting Hours. You will see how beautiful his words are. I envy the ability to articulate thoughts in such a beautiful way. Well done Shane Koyczan!
You, Shane Koyczan, are the most inspiring man I have ever heard besides my own father. For every one who did not get the full message in this video, watch it again until you do. And when you do, just sit and think. Why does he mean by the crickets have authritis? It means, that we can't hear the melody of the good times that the crickets chirp. So if we listen harder, and get past the past and live in the now, they just might get cured and we can hear that music once again.
I've just gone searching for all videos related to this guy. And before his mouth even speaks I hit the like button because I know its gonna be moving and great.
Stunning. It's absolutely stunning the way Shane Koyczan can place words together with such emotion that it rips your heart out and makes you think, truly think about what makes us human, and what really matters in life.
I am in awe at how eloquent people can be. I've never been spoken to this way. Nevermind the subject matter, I'm going to go listen to some audio books. How many of you know someone who can speak like this, whether in conversation or a recital? This is amazing.
I think that it's important to realize that dying does not make one inherently more enlightened, and that dying kids are very much like other kids... but this was so beautifully put and I loved it and I cried
I can't remember the day I stumbled across this master of lyrical prose but I'm glad that whatever fates guided me his way took their time to show me. I've watched this clip numerous times and every word drips with painful sincerity,this is cathartic for me
Yes, I notice how many dislike this video. It is sad that there are many people who are in so much that pain there is no room for this heartfelt story in thier world. I am warmed by the number of those who did like it. 100 to 1. There is hope for us and it is 100 to 1.
I have watched this over 20 times today. I want to share a "comment" I got nothin,, But THANK YOU SHANE. for sharing on the outside what u feel on the inside. Peace K.L. STEVES
Tony for you to say that after watching a video displaying this beautiful work of art that this man has spoke I am astonished. You need to take your judgement else wear, open your heart up a little bigger. This guy could be bigger than the room he's standing in and I would still applaud and still love him for he has blessed my ears and mind with an amazing poem about a boy he met in the hospital.
i am a big burly dude. this guy makes me cry - almost every time i listen to him do almost anything he does. i was lucky enough to be introduced to him through Dan Mangan.. and all I can do is thank Mr. Mangan for having the brilliant opportunity to work with this guy - he has the balls to say the things many of us think.. and he makes it pretty. thanks dan, and thanks most of all, to shane.
I would have never seen this video without that challenge. People that will see it as a challenge and never think again of it, wouldn't have liked it anyway. But this is one of the most important videos i've ever seen and people that find it like me, will be forever grateful, no matter how we find it.
".. the worst part about being sick is that you get all the free icecream you ask for. And the worst part about that is realizing theres nothing more they can do for you.." I wasn't even tearing up untill then but that made me just cry. LOVE shane's poetry
I've spoken english my entire life, yet I didn't know words could be put together the way he does.. and even though comprehending it is a mental process, I feel something in my body physically clutching itself every time I hear this. I'm speechless.
I'm watching this off that challenge, but just getting it out there, it gives itself to more people, like me, who are totally in awe in the beauty of this piece. I'm glad this video was on the list, otherwise I never would've seen it.
this goes to show that in the end, appearance doesn't matter. he's an absolutely beautiful human being with a spectacular gift and an equally spectacular heart
i found this video by chance, and sat and wept. i'm moved and encouraged that he is a truly thoughtful person (not to mention talented), when it's easy to look around and think there is no value..im afraid to watch any others, because it's much easier to be indifferent
I'm thanking Alex Gaskarth for showing me this man. I've listened to all his poems over the past two days. I've cried at most of them, especially 'to this day' poem. He has been my soundtrack for the pasted 48 hours. Beauty, is what he is.
This tells you just how amazing some people can be. It doesn't matter how old you are, you can always find inspiration in someone else. Even if they're so much younger than you
Every time I listen to this I find something I never did before. Shotgun shells, tie tacks, cuff links.. his parents were trying to give him his adulthood because he would never experience it. Makes me tear up every time.
Hmm. Good spot
Hits me in the gut every time. I always hear something new as well. No matter how many times I hear this, It will always touch the deepest parts of me.
and that weird girl because he wants to bully and get bullied. becuase the closest woman in his life is his sister. and he wont get to poke at girls that he thinks are cute
When I was 9 in 2011 I fell in love with Shane as an artist, for the following few years I listened to his work and again fell in love with the studio readings with orchestral accompaniment and obsessively listened to those during some tumultuous years of my pre-teen years. Now randomly 10-11 years later and I realize that I’ve been without Shane’s poetry for so long, and how much of an impact he had made on me as a young boy. My perception of him has remained unchanged, he is a ridiculously gifted and talented spoken word poet!
I just burst into tears when he said Lewis handed me a feather, I half expected him to say see this is the first one I grew. That's was beautiful.
I didin't understand this line. Could you explain it?
Elijah Owls Twice during the poem, Shane states that he doesn't believe in angels. The traditional description of an angel is with wings, covered in feathers. So, when Lewis says that "this is the first one I grew"....he is telling Shane that he is becoming an angel.
Beautiful.
willbrasil19 thanks for explaining, i was confused too
fucking go make me a sandwhich bitch
That's not the full explanation, he says "i half expected him to say"... so Lewis didn't say that. Shane see's him as an angel because of how incredible he is dealing with his illness when Shane is smoking and taking life for granted
Reddit sent me here!
I haven't cried in years, and never have I cried like this for poetry. I wasn't 9 but I had cancer at 21 and made it out - but it's so sad and unfair that every day there are so many who never lived that won't, and here I am worrying about my petty ass selfish problems.
Can't wait to watch/hear more from him.
REKTD
Hands down the best spoken word poetry I have ever heard. Absolutely mind blowing empathy, every word regardless of the tone Shane speaks in carry so much gravitas it's truly humbling. Generally people tend to over use superlatives but that was (by dictionary definition)....exceptional. Thank you so very very much Mr Koyczan.
The worst part about being sick is you get all the Ice cream you want but the worst part about that is that's all they can do for you .... It's like someone has just stabbed a spear through my heart and I'm trying to breath but I can't because i'm filled with tears and chocking up.
Sadak Hassan in other versions he added the worst part about be sick, is you get all the free ice cream in the and the worst part about that, is realizing that there is nothing more that they can do for you, he says ICE CREAM CANT MAKE EVERYTHING OK" 😭😭😭😭
As the father of a boy who could have been Louis I applaud you. In fact, I give you a standing ovation and a hug. You have captured something magnificent in your words. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I listened to "To this day" by him and i honestly never thought he would look like this and that is the beautiful part of life. You build this image in your head by the words that are spoken from them. Obviously beauty comes from the inside. Your face is just your shell.
Jessica Winkler u just very politely, called him ugly
In each of his works of art is a certain kind of beauty that goes unrivaled. I am grateful for that.
I don't think anyone else has a way with words quite like he does. He hits a nerve deep down in every single one of his poems. He is a true inspiration.
shane koyczan you've got a gift the whole world needs
I'm a 14 yr old aspiring poet...and have never been moved as much as I have from this man.. There are no words to describe him..wow..
I listen to Shane on repeat over and over.
this makes me cry every time.
the lady wiping tears from her eyes at the end just brings it home. I can't imagine what she knows.
His words are so beautiful, so inspiring that it moves you to tears and that teaches you to love yourself, to be grateful and to appreciate what has been given to us. I loved his poem "To this day" and i just cant stop listening to him. This is the first day i listened to him and heard of him in class today and i can honestly say that his poems move me to tears. He is such a beautiful person and truly inspiring
Maybe I cried, because I once was a five year old dying in a hospital. My older sister was listening to this. She cried. She actually looks up to her younger sibling.
You speak words man
Words I couldn't describe for half my life.
I was showed this poem in my English II class and I almost cried, it is a story within a poem, an amazingly sad story, but it shows that a few of us in this world still have bravery, even if its from a 9 year old boy
As a Cancer Survivor this hits so hard, and I cry every single time I hear that last line. So beautifully powerful.
how can anyone dislike this? im 17 and havent cried in 7 years and this shit makes me want to cry
Goddamn, that last line gets me every. fucking. time.
And the audience even lets out an audible gasp. Like, we've all been gut-punched.
David McDonald do you mind explaining more on what that last line meant I'm sorry
Angels have wings, he gave him a feather. you do the rest.
RIP Lewis. I needed this today. There are not enough words to show how much I love this man and his work
He is an amazing poet! I have no idea how he memorizes all of these and then presents them so well! Every time i watch this i go speechless.
Shane's speeches and poetry are powerful pieces. There's a story he weaves through a melody with discordant notes that in the end is the truth he gleaned from the moment. I wish he knew the God he speaks about from a distance. That same God gave him a wonderful gift. Shane is blessed with the power of helping reach so many hurting people. I'm one of them. Keep sharing your light.
I never tire of seeing this poem performed. Uber love it!
Catatonic Hotaling hope you are still listening to this and still enjoying like you did years ago
The ending gave me goosebumps.
Incredible...just incredible. Thank you, Shane for being such an amazing speaker and sharing your gift with the world. I wish more people could watch this video and appreciate it for for what it is...beautiful and emotional.
This poem is simply amazing!
The end, man..... the end hits me like a brick wall everytime. Throughout the whole piece, I'm able to listen and be calm.... but the end comes "see, this is the first one I grew." And every single time I start bawling. It completely and utterly amazes me just how much mere words can change the way you feel in a heartbeat. It's the most amazing and awe inspiring thing ever if you think about it. As humans we are capable of creating beauty on paper and in the air as we speak or sing. But sadly we are getting farther and father away from wanting to be well spoken creatures and now just opt for convenience. Hurts my heart.
He makes me laugh and cry at the same time..Your a Genius Shane I appreciate you;;;;.
theres so much emotion in his voice it makes me cry like a little baby
That last line... such a beautiful flourish. I'm in tears.
made me cry... Like I cried when I read "Visiting Hours". What an amazing poet this guy is. If you haven't yet, run out and buy Visiting Hours. You will see how beautiful his words are. I envy the ability to articulate thoughts in such a beautiful way. Well done Shane Koyczan!
I cannot describe the beauty of his words... I am a man, and I could not help myself from tearing up.... Absolutely beautiful.
This man is the Wordsmith of the XXI Century. His speech and flow of the words comes out perfectly natural! My new favourite!
You, Shane Koyczan, are the most inspiring man I have ever heard besides my own father. For every one who did not get the full message in this video, watch it again until you do. And when you do, just sit and think. Why does he mean by the crickets have authritis? It means, that we can't hear the melody of the good times that the crickets chirp. So if we listen harder, and get past the past and live in the now, they just might get cured and we can hear that music once again.
Shane has a way of taking simple and complex parts of humanity and weaving them into an eloquent tapestry. Moves me every single time.
I watched them all, cried to most... but came back to this one again because it's the most beautiful.
I've just gone searching for all videos related to this guy. And before his mouth even speaks I hit the like button because I know its gonna be moving and great.
He is the going to be insanely famous literally overnight. You deserve every bit of the fame you're going to get, Shane. Truly a Canadian treasure!
I literally CRIED this man lives every second with more conviction than most people have in their entire lives. Amazing poem!
Stunning. It's absolutely stunning the way Shane Koyczan can place words together with such emotion that it rips your heart out and makes you think, truly think about what makes us human, and what really matters in life.
thank you for that piece.
I am in awe at how eloquent people can be. I've never been spoken to this way. Nevermind the subject matter, I'm going to go listen to some audio books. How many of you know someone who can speak like this, whether in conversation or a recital? This is amazing.
unbelievably breath-taking. the last line set me to tears
Thank you Shane for your beautiful words. They give me strength and bring me to tears more than I care to own up to.
I can't watch this without crying...
I think that it's important to realize that dying does not make one inherently more enlightened, and that dying kids are very much like other kids... but this was so beautifully put and I loved it and I cried
Made me cry AMAZING!!!
this is my far the best spoken poem i have heard. just plain Beautiful.
I can't remember the day I stumbled across this master of lyrical prose but I'm glad that whatever fates guided me his way took their time to show me. I've watched this clip numerous times and every word drips with painful sincerity,this is cathartic for me
This guy is amazing.. Talk about talent!
Yes, I notice how many dislike this video. It is sad that there are many people who are in so much that pain there is no room for this heartfelt story in thier world. I am warmed by the number of those who did like it. 100 to 1. There is hope for us and it is 100 to 1.
Shane, thank you for the good work you do in the world
A second after that last line my eyes burst and I did not expect that. Words when said right they just cut through to your heart. My favorite poet.
I have watched this over 20 times today. I want to share a "comment"
I got nothin,, But THANK YOU SHANE. for sharing on the outside what u feel on the inside. Peace K.L. STEVES
This can make anyone think. A truly beautiful and sombre poem.
Tony for you to say that after watching a video displaying this beautiful work of art that this man has spoke I am astonished. You need to take your judgement else wear, open your heart up a little bigger. This guy could be bigger than the room he's standing in and I would still applaud and still love him for he has blessed my ears and mind with an amazing poem about a boy he met in the hospital.
i am a big burly dude. this guy makes me cry - almost every time i listen to him do almost anything he does. i was lucky enough to be introduced to him through Dan Mangan.. and all I can do is thank Mr. Mangan for having the brilliant opportunity to work with this guy - he has the balls to say the things many of us think.. and he makes it pretty. thanks dan, and thanks most of all, to shane.
he is gifted&raw! This moves me every time as well.
There is something truly humbling about this. Thank you.
What a gift to have you share your gift... thank you
I could listen to this forever...this man words...that child's powerful innocence...
Wrapped in fine wide words, so crafted, so beautifully unfolding the meaning of the meaning of life.
this is my favorite poem of all time.It humbles me,reminds me
this has to be one of the best sets of words that i have ever heard!
His words just float through your mind. Really makes you think. Love it.
I would have never seen this video without that challenge. People that will see it as a challenge and never think again of it, wouldn't have liked it anyway. But this is one of the most important videos i've ever seen and people that find it like me, will be forever grateful, no matter how we find it.
I am weeping now. Beautiful.
Well done.
words pour from your lips like the wind blow thru a field on a spring day. crisp clean and flowing. full of meaning a great inspiration. touched my ❤
".. the worst part about being sick is that you get all the free icecream you ask for. And the worst part about that is realizing theres nothing more they can do for you.."
I wasn't even tearing up untill then but that made me just cry. LOVE shane's poetry
THIS is truly the most touching thing I have experienced in awhile.
I've spoken english my entire life, yet I didn't know words could be put together the way he does.. and even though comprehending it is a mental process, I feel something in my body physically clutching itself every time I hear this.
I'm speechless.
Whoa! This is incredible...brings out so much emotions
I am near speechless in my need to applaud such raw passion.
You sir have a beautiful mind. Thanks for letting us take a glimpse...
This guy's story feels aggressively formulated while the video before this felt from the heart
That is the most moving thing I've experienced in a long time. Thank you so much, Shane Koyczan, you are a master.
O.M.G i cried after this this is so touchin...still crying
Truly amazing. My favourite piece of spoken word poetry.
Mr Shane Koyczan gives me goosebumps and makes me want to cry for every bad thing i've ever done.
MMT
This is the most beautiful and saddest thing i've ever heard. No words have ever broken me down as much as this has. Thank you for sharing
i listened to this album 20 times while driving down the pacific coast highways last summer.
Awsome
just seen him here in Canada a couple of days ago, his work is amazing.
Absolutely brilliant. I've watched it so many times.
2 years later and this still moves me
I'm watching this off that challenge, but just getting it out there, it gives itself to more people, like me, who are totally in awe in the beauty of this piece. I'm glad this video was on the list, otherwise I never would've seen it.
My friend showed me this the other day. im in the process of memorizing it i listen to it so much. hes so powerful
this goes to show that in the end, appearance doesn't matter. he's an absolutely beautiful human being with a spectacular gift and an equally spectacular heart
Thank you for the courage and compassion to create and share this. Thank you 🙏 With much love and solidarity 🦋☮️🧚♀️
i found this video by chance, and sat and wept. i'm moved and encouraged that he is a truly thoughtful person (not to mention talented), when it's easy to look around and think there is no value..im afraid to watch any others, because it's much easier to be indifferent
did this for a project in drama class.....it means sooo much to me, thank-you shane for making such amazing poetry :) it helps soooo much
Awww.... that was amazingly deep and emotional! I loved it!
I'm thanking Alex Gaskarth for showing me this man. I've listened to all his poems over the past two days. I've cried at most of them, especially 'to this day' poem. He has been my soundtrack for the pasted 48 hours. Beauty, is what he is.
Couldn't agree with you more. This poem is beautiful.
This tells you just how amazing some people can be. It doesn't matter how old you are, you can always find inspiration in someone else. Even if they're so much younger than you
This is very eloquently said and I love it. This poetry i can appreciate.
So powerful. I hope one day to meet this man.
stunning and heartfelt.
This is beautiful, something everyone should hear