Does anyone know if this poem is published anywhere? book, magazine, newspaper? Or how I can get ahold of Shane? I'm a speech coach and one of my students would like to interpret this poem for a competition. Thanks.
how are people so ignorant and shallow that they can't manage to look past this incredibly talented man's weight and see how inspiring and awe-striking his poetry is. looks aren't everything, and i'd rather be horribly disfigured and have half the talent this man has than be beautiful and have none.
@haasy2 Shane is comparing the boy to an angel in the last paragraph, and he expected the boy to pull out the feather and say "see this is the first one I grew" meaning a feather from the wings of an angel.
He says he doesn't often believe in angels, but when Lewis gave him the feather, he half expected him to say: "this is the first one I grew" as in Lewis being an angel. In religious portraits, angels are often depicted as having feathers.
I don't quite understand the last line, "see? this is the first one I grew." I tried looking it up and I couldn't find anything. If someone could point me in the right direction, please?
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
I'm 11 and I recited this poem at a competition (A censored version of course) and my teacher gave me an A. She didn't know it.She said the reason I didn't get an A+ is because I called sisters "wierd".That night my mom emailed my mom saying "Your son may be the next Shakespere.
i loved this piece, i still do, but something inside me was let down when i watched robin williams's bench scene from goodwill hunting and him use the exact phrase and vocal tone shane used " the term visiting hours don't apply to them". still love it and i don't feel it downgrades his craft, just a little unsettling, at least for me.
He's amazing I really like him... but most of his audiences are just condescending teenagers. Learn to be humble, you're lucky to be his audience stop bitching about your teachers not understanding you!
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!
@pimpmafuqa I think it's safe to assume that he didn't want his Dad to know he swore..however, I like that you pointed out this other perspective. Either way, the notion remains that the child is concerned about remaining the child, at least for his Dad's peace of mind.
His poetry is beautiful .... but he brings the words alive .... it would be amazing on paper but it is legendary when spoken.... this makes everything so smaller... all my worries and problems .... this dwarfs them... much love to this amazing poet :)
I feel like Shane can just tap into what people feel, and it doesn't matter who you are you'll come out of this poem with a heavier heart and an enlightened mind.
".. 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 <3
Just remember that the motivation of living is for others. All you can do is live for others. If you stop living, think of how sad the lives of those around you would become, just as your life has been saddened. That is the motivation. The world is one ugly piece of shit, but I'm gonna keep polishing this turd til it kills me or I feel better.
for the 8 people who hate this are heartless and cruel. this is inspiring and moving. it can make the world shake and make you feel so many emotions, a miracle that can make you want to change your life in a heart beat. a single word is worth a life time of change.
OK - those who are busy making comments about weight and beards are missing the part about the amazing words that are coming out of his mouth...can't help but think you're sad...try listening...kick that shit out of your heart...and try listening to the words...
you know what, my poetry teacher told me that those who indulge in being over weight and smoking and drinking have focused their senses on only that and not the swelling music around us that is poetry
i showed her this video aswell as Shane's other works
@tehremnantz Your teacher must not know shit about art or poetry. Look at history. Look at the beats. Seriously. Shame on that crap teacher for failing you.
I think in doing that she proved she could not herself, see the poetry around her and was jealous that you could... Wear that 'fail' proudly, she has no business being a teacher!
"The worst part about being sick is that you get all the free ice cream you ask for, and the worst part about that is realizing there's nothing more they can do for you."
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.
@lalaland6868 I think it was the idea of seeing a kid's response to a supposedly taboo word that's turned into art in Shane's work. Or the cameraman could just be a douche.
@astudyofeverything Actually, I'm pretty sure it's Koy-Zan. I've seen him perform more than once, and they've always said it that way, so that's my assumption.
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 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
I normally am the type that can't appreciate poetry but this... this was fantastic. It was so real. I can't believe it is possible to right something like this. Thank you very much for this.
I had an older brother who died of cancer, not only did this remind me of the good times we had, and how he was like my angel, but it also reminded me of his absence, and how there will be no more memories to be made.
Jeez, he got fat.
SlowlyTrolling 1 day ago
My goodness, my heart.
"This is the first one I grew."
writeherarhyme 2 days ago
only 100 thousand views.......while justin bieber has over 600 million!
killerfriend94 2 days ago
this is the first one i grew......holy shit.....
killerfriend94 2 days ago
Whose cutting onions in here?
baker781111 5 days ago
Does anyone know if this poem is published anywhere? book, magazine, newspaper? Or how I can get ahold of Shane? I'm a speech coach and one of my students would like to interpret this poem for a competition. Thanks.
krutberg2 6 days ago
Suddenly, tears.
MoiraESK 3 weeks ago
......not enough miracles to go around.......
tankgrl7 3 weeks ago
stunning and heartfelt.
theapaddict 1 month ago
5:14 - 5:20 Super awkward camera cut
dillybdilly 1 month ago 9
omfg a kid is dying and but hes like so brave guiz srsly we need 2 open r eyes or some shit lol idk
Cruciferian 1 month ago
@Cruciferian stop typing like a fucking retard get educated
Watcharian 3 weeks ago in playlist Shane Koyczan
Man, I cried, I fricking cried, beautiful words...
milliengr 1 month ago 4
how are people so ignorant and shallow that they can't manage to look past this incredibly talented man's weight and see how inspiring and awe-striking his poetry is. looks aren't everything, and i'd rather be horribly disfigured and have half the talent this man has than be beautiful and have none.
serendipity1818 1 month ago 11
This comment has received too many negative votes show
5:15 Really good sex???? hahahahaha this guy can't even find his penis
bradleypeters1993 1 month ago
@bradleypeters1993 Also that awkward moment when it shows a little kid when he talks about sex.
CCR4AU 1 month ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I didn't know they made clothes to fit bears???
bradleypeters1993 1 month ago
eyeball, cheek, chin, t-shirt...
blaine1764 1 month ago
Absolutely brilliant. I've watched it so many times.
Impartial15 2 months ago
I got so many chills at the end
casemanprice 2 months ago
I feel like i have a 10 pound weight on the bottom of my stomach, pulling down the tears.
IL0VEPANCAKES 2 months ago
Can sommeone explain the last line to me?
haasy2 2 months ago
@haasy2 Shane is comparing the boy to an angel in the last paragraph, and he expected the boy to pull out the feather and say "see this is the first one I grew" meaning a feather from the wings of an angel.
IL0VEPANCAKES 2 months ago
@haasy2
first feather that he grew...
he sees the kid as an angel, man.
omochii123 2 months ago
@omochii123 Oh I was looking at it in a whole diffrent way.
haasy2 2 months ago
just CHILLS from the last line
ConnorMcVey 2 months ago
This is going to sound creepy, but I love his voice. Its just nice to listen to. Not to mention he is gifted with words. This is amazing.
leahjillian 3 months ago 4
beautiful words. please come to London
TheMrLangus 3 months ago
i did this for my poetry i.e.
it's so wonderful
<3
is this a true story?
barbie73dollface 3 months ago
that last line gives me goose-bumps every time... and i've watched it countless times...
mymusiclover12345 3 months ago
:,)
ThomasCarle 3 months ago
Too good for words my friend...
SenorNoHands 3 months ago
No weapon on earth can match the power of this man's words.
AirShark95 3 months ago
"Almost as if he's the philosopher inside of the scientist saying it's the gravity that's been getting us down."
I melted. I literally sighed.
HummingbirdAllegory 3 months ago 3
...Dat... Neckbeard...
Jeffdunham186 4 months ago 20
so powerful . . . amazing!
lauraincarlsbad 4 months ago
@Ilikesthepie Yeah but how does one grow a feather or an angel? What did he mean by grow?
YourCuntingDaughter 4 months ago
wow just wow
GodsRevolverMCR 4 months ago
@YourCuntingDaughter
He says he doesn't often believe in angels, but when Lewis gave him the feather, he half expected him to say: "this is the first one I grew" as in Lewis being an angel. In religious portraits, angels are often depicted as having feathers.
alliswrite 4 months ago
I don't quite understand the last line, "see? this is the first one I grew." I tried looking it up and I couldn't find anything. If someone could point me in the right direction, please?
YourCuntingDaughter 4 months ago
i heard shane perform this in melbourne last night. australia is so fucking lucky to have this amazing poet with us for a short time.
StrangeLittlePoet123 4 months ago
Love your video, loads of good content here are awesome,lots of information in them. I learned a great deal of information
marklester820 4 months ago
my whole body tingled.
madachomp 4 months ago 2
I would marry him and have his beautiful talented little babies.
Not kidding
TeardropsAndLullabys 5 months ago 2
DAYUM
FecalFarmer 5 months ago
i love his voice. i love his words. his kneck beard is epic.
rubiituesdays 5 months ago 2
He is So fricken amazing! <3
ksfairytale 5 months ago
Perfection
jillibean7 5 months ago
Im not going to cry, im not going to cry, im not going to ... screw it im gonna cry
whiteasianmen 6 months ago 86
@whiteasianmen (sniff sniff)
Thelordsosuke 2 months ago
powerful.
DennisCowfish 6 months ago 5
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
bloodsling 6 months ago 3
Beautiful.
madiandgypsy411 6 months ago
absolutely amazing poet!
Stop making fun of how he looks people!
ksfairytale 6 months ago
This video reminds me that death is always looming behind us. It's what we decide to do with our lives that define who we are.
spunonarhythm 6 months ago
you can see a alien head in his beard by his right ear!
papoose1223 6 months ago
o man my eyes are leaking :'(
APPLEPIE978 6 months ago
He is in this list, a great artist indeed
hubpages.)com/hub/Best-spoken-word-artists
mudanat 6 months ago 2
That was beautiful. So brutally honest and beautiful.
AngelOmega777 6 months ago 3
I try to explain this man and his writing to my friends and they can never understand..because i cannot find the words to describe him
X0rAiNoRsHiNeX0 6 months ago
Speechless
VivaLaZee 6 months ago
I'm 11 and I recited this poem at a competition (A censored version of course) and my teacher gave me an A. She didn't know it.She said the reason I didn't get an A+ is because I called sisters "wierd".That night my mom emailed my mom saying "Your son may be the next Shakespere.
The world has arthritis.
MrThe117reclaimer 7 months ago
16 people don't understand the meaning of the words he speaks - they are mindless.
xxnatcat6xx 7 months ago
This is absolutely brilliant.
cjmull 7 months ago
About to present this as part of my humanities lit final. Can't wait to make the whole room cry.
PineappleCrusher21 7 months ago
Comment removed
xxnatcat6xx 7 months ago
i loved this piece, i still do, but something inside me was let down when i watched robin williams's bench scene from goodwill hunting and him use the exact phrase and vocal tone shane used " the term visiting hours don't apply to them". still love it and i don't feel it downgrades his craft, just a little unsettling, at least for me.
DeepSimple1987 7 months ago
i cried
TheU2D2 7 months ago
He is in London today and it kills me I cannot afford listen to my new poet hero
waynedewho 7 months ago
@waynedewho whaaat? aww damn, wish I'd known :(
aluverlycupoftea 7 months ago
I've herd a lot of poems, but thus one is BY FAR the best I have ever heard!!!
Shaylover123987 7 months ago
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.
ksfairytale 7 months ago
He's amazing I really like him... but most of his audiences are just condescending teenagers. Learn to be humble, you're lucky to be his audience stop bitching about your teachers not understanding you!
JimmyChiffels 7 months ago
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!
zacaroo100 8 months ago
makes you wonder when the kid says fuck yeah about being scared in the poem, does he want his dad not to know he swore? or that hes scared.
pimpmafuqa 8 months ago 4
@pimpmafuqa I think it's safe to assume that he didn't want his Dad to know he swore..however, I like that you pointed out this other perspective. Either way, the notion remains that the child is concerned about remaining the child, at least for his Dad's peace of mind.
gia303909 7 months ago
@pimpmafuqa I was thinking that as well.
musicalpony 7 months ago in playlist Poetry
@pimpmafuqa
I think that's what makes it so incredible.
<3
HummingbirdAllegory 3 months ago
That's a big neard
iski99 8 months ago
My friend showed me this the other day. im in the process of memorizing it i listen to it so much. hes so powerful <3
x8sexton28x 8 months ago
this is the best poem i have ever heard. a true work of art.
masterpiecetheatreII 8 months ago 2
Holy shit. My heart hurts. So wonderful.
TheOppositeSame 8 months ago 3
Tingles... so deep and full of feeling creates tingles in my spine.
Relicjoey 8 months ago 2
this has to be one of the best sets of words that i have ever heard!
zeppelinbeast 8 months ago 2
His poetry is beautiful .... but he brings the words alive .... it would be amazing on paper but it is legendary when spoken.... this makes everything so smaller... all my worries and problems .... this dwarfs them... much love to this amazing poet :)
bennourse1 8 months ago 3
@tehremnantz sounds like she had a hard time with being proven wrong
dravenscrow 8 months ago
Go easy on the similes.
Vecnoran 8 months ago
5:14
ihateslideshows 8 months ago
5:15 LMFAO right after he said that it showed a little girl watching in the auduence
ihateslideshows 8 months ago
That last line. THAT LAST LINE.
ScarlettSarcasm 8 months ago 19
@ScarlettSarcasm Tears.
mavriksfan11 3 months ago
Ahh..this made my heart hurt. So good.
annabana 8 months ago
Amazing..
kandyeyes17 8 months ago
15 people don't have a heart.
RashaRassi 8 months ago 3
I feel like Shane can just tap into what people feel, and it doesn't matter who you are you'll come out of this poem with a heavier heart and an enlightened mind.
orangutangjt 8 months ago
suggestions of more like this?
zestytoaster 8 months ago
@zestytoaster
daniel beaty - knock knock. its just as moving
beecher78 8 months ago
".. 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 <3
TheCrazyAwesome2 8 months ago
Who could dislike this........
nymlovesmusik 8 months ago
this is beautiful.
smyliegirl 9 months ago
wow!...........
chuy14nba 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
fatass
ScrotalRecall 9 months ago
Amazing talent.
yellowchucks7 9 months ago
lose the neck beard dude
3InchesOfBlood153 9 months ago
Who could dislike this =/
Beautiful
jakeyFTW 9 months ago 2
@jakeyFTW My thoughts exactly!
fepgpower 9 months ago
Comment removed
peoplearefollowers 9 months ago
Amazing words, but just one question. Why did the cameraman pan to the little girl when he made the sex joke?
buddhakelly 9 months ago 7
@buddhakelly EXACTLY what I was thinking lmao. GREAT poem tho, absolutely loved it.
mfl728 9 months ago
i half expected him to say, "see? this is the first one i grew..."
my heart=broken
dolly15rox 9 months ago 27
Speechless.
duffeknol 9 months ago
Hope.
windcriesmaryyy3 9 months ago
This brings you through a total range of emotions. An incredibly moving piece. Sasha
barncat1177 9 months ago
Just remember that the motivation of living is for others. All you can do is live for others. If you stop living, think of how sad the lives of those around you would become, just as your life has been saddened. That is the motivation. The world is one ugly piece of shit, but I'm gonna keep polishing this turd til it kills me or I feel better.
jdubya181 9 months ago
i love you SO MUCH!!!!!
gurljesse 9 months ago
holy.. im speechless.. so many goosebumps..
soccer497 9 months ago 2
OMG!
rebefree 9 months ago
that was so great.
TNTeagan 9 months ago
Saddest thing is that it takes something like this to make people realise just how valuable life is.
aryabluebird1 9 months ago 2
They should hand out tissues when he performs.
StephanieRoze 9 months ago
amazing. ive listened to this so many times and i still get chills everytime.
"what's your night worth without a story to tell"
klnicol2 9 months ago
I am amazed. and that's all I can say.
Sarahwithinreason 9 months ago
absolutely incredible
armidylano44 9 months ago
and the first, you grew, shane.
KaiyaCade 9 months ago
The very last line gets me...
steveking875 10 months ago
@steveking875 I know what you mean, the whole poem I was holding it in and then at the last line I cried like a baby. He's really good.
orangutangjt 10 months ago
for the 8 people who hate this are heartless and cruel. this is inspiring and moving. it can make the world shake and make you feel so many emotions, a miracle that can make you want to change your life in a heart beat. a single word is worth a life time of change.
mizzbutterflie 10 months ago 6
@mizzbutterflie I just figure they disliked it because it didn't do the live performance justice.
jessicahalighmari 9 months ago 2
wow.... shook to the core
chrismoore941 10 months ago
How could anyone dislike this.
ArticChameleon 10 months ago
His neckbeard scares me enough not to watch; but to listen.
Bipolaric 10 months ago
i actually cried at the last line this is beautiful
ryuzaki238 10 months ago
OK - those who are busy making comments about weight and beards are missing the part about the amazing words that are coming out of his mouth...can't help but think you're sad...try listening...kick that shit out of your heart...and try listening to the words...
strowerful 10 months ago 2
My Fav Speech Ever Truly Emotional Beautiful
thebrawlnbrothers 11 months ago
you know what, my poetry teacher told me that those who indulge in being over weight and smoking and drinking have focused their senses on only that and not the swelling music around us that is poetry
i showed her this video aswell as Shane's other works
she failed me, and i couldnt care less
tehremnantz 11 months ago 133
@tehremnantz Your teacher must not know shit about art or poetry. Look at history. Look at the beats. Seriously. Shame on that crap teacher for failing you.
thecatalystpoet 10 months ago
@tehremnantz She's the one who failed, darlin'.
grannyoh 8 months ago
@tehremnantz
best...comment...ever...
MrHowToDoIt 7 months ago
@tehremnantz
I think in doing that she proved she could not herself, see the poetry around her and was jealous that you could... Wear that 'fail' proudly, she has no business being a teacher!
2klime 6 months ago
@tehremnantz Oh man... think of all the great poets that were either 'over weight' , smokers or alcoholics. She seriously missed something there.
aC1dxN1gHtM4rEs 6 months ago
@tehremnantz Your teacher has her own personal issues...as you must suspect.
babaluboo123 6 months ago
It's so sad... But we take life for granted.
viviansytsui 11 months ago
His words.....They make me ignore his neckbeard.
jadlerhalofan 11 months ago 248
@jadlerhalofan What neckbeard?
sharigan35 9 months ago
"The worst part about being sick is that you get all the free ice cream you ask for, and the worst part about that is realizing there's nothing more they can do for you."
Most. Powerful. Line. Ever.
This honestly made me cry.
TheSpandexCollection 11 months ago 6
"see this is the first feather i grew" such a powerful line..
missmishi08 11 months ago 3
I love Shane, but I really wish he'd lose the weight, I want him to still be around when I'm introducing my kids to poetry
strayebyrd 11 months ago
I just feel in love with poetic distribution.
iPotato1234 11 months ago
I think this just changed my life...
ijoshification 1 year ago 6
8 people disliked this? 8 people are fucking soulless, ignorant, sad-excuses of human beings.
LilBenderBean 1 year ago
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.
MoonlitEpiphany 1 year ago 6
NECK BEARD
bobslayerr7 1 year ago
speachless
wctvideo 1 year ago
This poem is amazing. Brilliantly moving, really. but why do they cut to the kid when he says "sex"? Like what was the point of that.
lalaland6868 1 year ago
@lalaland6868 I think it was the idea of seeing a kid's response to a supposedly taboo word that's turned into art in Shane's work. Or the cameraman could just be a douche.
John234pwns 10 months ago
Just like that feather Louis grew, my goosebumps did, too....wow. Just. Epic..
BarnsM 1 year ago
amazing
Ponytazz 1 year ago
Amazing....I can't believe this video dosen't have more views
flakerb 1 year ago
how is his last name pronounced?
manx1324 1 year ago
@manx1324 Koy-t-san I believe.
astudyofeverything 1 year ago
@astudyofeverything Actually, I'm pretty sure it's Koy-Zan. I've seen him perform more than once, and they've always said it that way, so that's my assumption.
blooplefacethewise 1 year ago
@manx1324 Don't listen to these people, I preform and win championships with this poem. Its Koy-ZAN
itrytobeme 1 year ago
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.
tohellwithpurplepeop 1 year ago 5
this is fucking amazing
colloredbrothers 1 year ago
holy shit
j1train 1 year ago
I saw him,going to see due date with my best friend,he was standing outside the theater and i almost screamed like a litte girl,and hugged him.
Robot300 1 year ago 2
I am weeping now. Beautiful.
akmediascope 1 year ago 4
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
referralsonly 1 year ago
I normally am the type that can't appreciate poetry but this... this was fantastic. It was so real. I can't believe it is possible to right something like this. Thank you very much for this.
TaintedBlood1101 1 year ago
AMAZING!
thorazine666 1 year ago
Very nice!
ErichoTTA 1 year ago
This right here is why I don't write poetry. I could not dream of writing anything as beautiful as this... Just wow.
diva9371 1 year ago
2:20 - 225 makes me wana cry this guy is the best and as i can see 5 people missed the like button
soupthatsux 1 year ago
I cant believe how moved I was when I watched this. If it hadn't been for me watching this in my english class, I probably would've cried
OldSkool669 1 year ago
5 people dont believe in crickets can get arthritis
lilGambi 1 year ago
LOL at 5:16. That little boy (girl?) must have been confused
dafhgadsrhadjtb 1 year ago
I literally cried while watching this.
Its beautiful in so many ways,
and depressing for all the same reasons.
I had an older brother who died of cancer, not only did this remind me of the good times we had, and how he was like my angel, but it also reminded me of his absence, and how there will be no more memories to be made.
PurpleFail 1 year ago 2
always wipe away a tear my the end
soupthatsux 1 year ago
has anyone transcribed this?
FallenOfNesingwary 1 year ago
@FallenOfNesingwary
google search 'the crickets have arthritis text' and its the first result.
andr3wgamer 1 year ago