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I'll Fly Away
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Poetry (2021)In his stunningly intimate, highly anticipated follow up to Helium, Rudy Fransico has created a collection of poems that savor the day-to-day. Treating it as worship, turning it into an opportunity to plant new seeds of growth. Language so often fails us, but Fransico has found his way around this as he creates his own words for the things our language cannot give name to. "Felenter (Noun) Definition: Someone who finds joy in things that people believe to be mundane." I'll Fly Away Uses fascinating metaphors to convey common emotional states. These poems are an act of remembrance, and an act of believing that you dear reader, are a celebration waiting for the lights to come up.
124 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2020
95 people are currently reading
4893 people want to read
About the author
Rudy Francisco
12 books1,030 followersRudy Francisco was born and raised in San Diego, California. At the age of 21, Rudy completed his B.A in Psychology and decided to continue his education by pursuing a MA in Organizational Leadership. As an artist, Rudy Francisco combines activism and poetry to enlighten the minds of those who witness his performance. Rudy eloquently absorbs the experiences of those around him, synthesizes them and converts their stories into poetry. Furthermore, Rudy has made conscious efforts to cultivate young poets and expose the youth to the genre of Spoken Word Poetry through workshops and performances at schools and community centers. Rudy has also received admiration from institutions of higher education. He has conducted guest lectures and performances at numerous colleges and universities around the nation.
In addition to his contributions to education, Rudy Francisco is also the co-host of the largest poetry venue in San Diego and has featured at countless venues and won the hearts of many with the honesty and conviction held in his words. Ultimately, Rudy's goal is to continue to assist others in harnessing their creativity while cultivating his own. Rudy Francisco is the 2009 National Underground Poetry Slam Champion, the 2010 San Diego Grand Slam Champion, the 2010 San Francisco Grand Slam Champion and the 2010 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion.
In addition to his contributions to education, Rudy Francisco is also the co-host of the largest poetry venue in San Diego and has featured at countless venues and won the hearts of many with the honesty and conviction held in his words. Ultimately, Rudy's goal is to continue to assist others in harnessing their creativity while cultivating his own. Rudy Francisco is the 2009 National Underground Poetry Slam Champion, the 2010 San Diego Grand Slam Champion, the 2010 San Francisco Grand Slam Champion and the 2010 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
September 13, 2025
Whenever I need a little boost, I know who to turn to. He's never let me down 😊
***
Most of what I know
I’ve learned from falling,
from placing the brighter side
of my hands against the earth
and pressing until vertical.
The ground has taught me
more about flight
than the sky ever could.
***
I want the kind of happiness
that you can smell in my clothes,
and a smile so big, you can still
see it when I’m walking
in the opposite direction.
I want to laugh so loud,
my demons pack their belongings
and decide to move.
So these days, I try to take
the most mundane things,
like waking up or doing laundry,
and challenge myself
to carve a small celebration
into every single one.
***
…
To be honest,
I don’t know what kind of tux I’ll be wearing.
I have no clue what my wedding will look like,
but, I imagine,
the woman who pins my last name to hers
will butterfly down the aisle like a 5-foot-promise.
I imagine,
her smile will be so large that you’ll see it on Google Maps
and know exactly where our wedding is being held.
The woman that I plan to marry
will have champagne in her walk,
and I will get drunk on her footsteps.
When the pastor asks
if I take this woman to be my wife,
I will say “Yes” before they finish the sentence.
I’ll apologize later for being impolite,
but I will also explain
that our first kiss happened 6 years ago,
and I’ve been practicing my “Yes,”
for the past 2,165 days.
When people ask me about my wedding,
I never really know what to say.
But when they ask me about my future wife—
I always tell them:
“Her eyes are the only Christmas lights
that deserve to be seen all year long.”
I tell them,
“If my alarm clock sounded like her voice,
my snooze button would collect dust.”
I tell them,
“If she came in a bottle,
I would drink her until my vision is blurry
and my friends take away my keys.
If she was a book,
I would memorize her table of contents;
I would read her cover to cover.”
Hoping to find typos,
just so we can both have a few things to work on.
Because, aren’t we all unfinished?
***
Most of what I know
I’ve learned from falling,
from placing the brighter side
of my hands against the earth
and pressing until vertical.
The ground has taught me
more about flight
than the sky ever could.
***
I want the kind of happiness
that you can smell in my clothes,
and a smile so big, you can still
see it when I’m walking
in the opposite direction.
I want to laugh so loud,
my demons pack their belongings
and decide to move.
So these days, I try to take
the most mundane things,
like waking up or doing laundry,
and challenge myself
to carve a small celebration
into every single one.
***
…
To be honest,
I don’t know what kind of tux I’ll be wearing.
I have no clue what my wedding will look like,
but, I imagine,
the woman who pins my last name to hers
will butterfly down the aisle like a 5-foot-promise.
I imagine,
her smile will be so large that you’ll see it on Google Maps
and know exactly where our wedding is being held.
The woman that I plan to marry
will have champagne in her walk,
and I will get drunk on her footsteps.
When the pastor asks
if I take this woman to be my wife,
I will say “Yes” before they finish the sentence.
I’ll apologize later for being impolite,
but I will also explain
that our first kiss happened 6 years ago,
and I’ve been practicing my “Yes,”
for the past 2,165 days.
When people ask me about my wedding,
I never really know what to say.
But when they ask me about my future wife—
I always tell them:
“Her eyes are the only Christmas lights
that deserve to be seen all year long.”
I tell them,
“If my alarm clock sounded like her voice,
my snooze button would collect dust.”
I tell them,
“If she came in a bottle,
I would drink her until my vision is blurry
and my friends take away my keys.
If she was a book,
I would memorize her table of contents;
I would read her cover to cover.”
Hoping to find typos,
just so we can both have a few things to work on.
Because, aren’t we all unfinished?
December 10, 2020
My parents
were in a long distance
relationship for over 30 years,
and they lived in the same house.
I learned you can
be right next to someone but
also 1,000 miles away from
them without asking geography
its opinion.
Often, the space between 2 people
can be measured by the number
of the times they look at each other
and feel nothing.
Rudy Francisco is easily my favorite modern poet. His poems always touch something inside my soul. Always make me emotional. I don't know how he does it, but he does it.
Helium is one of my favorite modern poetry books. I loved this too, but not as much.
were in a long distance
relationship for over 30 years,
and they lived in the same house.
I learned you can
be right next to someone but
also 1,000 miles away from
them without asking geography
its opinion.
Often, the space between 2 people
can be measured by the number
of the times they look at each other
and feel nothing.
Rudy Francisco is easily my favorite modern poet. His poems always touch something inside my soul. Always make me emotional. I don't know how he does it, but he does it.
Helium is one of my favorite modern poetry books. I loved this too, but not as much.
December 31, 2020
I re-read it today because it is nice to remember how your favorite things taste on your tongue.
Where a world is hidden, but people refuse to see.
Rudy is one of my favorite poets, maybe in the top two. He's a man of a word that has so much beauty and honesty, you refuse to look away.
Today, I refuse to look away. I hope you won't look away, I hope you stare at those words as hard as you can like you will never break the eye contact.
I hope we all keep the lessons closer to our hearts and minds, for this is a magic trick I accept falling to.
I reread so many poems because of how impressing they were. I swallowed them and tried to make them familiar to my tongue, for I want to tell people a small history written by Rudy.
I have always used some of his poems as examples in my class discussions and whenever students clap, I wonder if it's for me or for his words. I hope it's for his words and I hope they will clap more soon because I will pass his message.
Where a world is hidden, but people refuse to see.
Rudy is one of my favorite poets, maybe in the top two. He's a man of a word that has so much beauty and honesty, you refuse to look away.
Today, I refuse to look away. I hope you won't look away, I hope you stare at those words as hard as you can like you will never break the eye contact.
I hope we all keep the lessons closer to our hearts and minds, for this is a magic trick I accept falling to.
I reread so many poems because of how impressing they were. I swallowed them and tried to make them familiar to my tongue, for I want to tell people a small history written by Rudy.
I have always used some of his poems as examples in my class discussions and whenever students clap, I wonder if it's for me or for his words. I hope it's for his words and I hope they will clap more soon because I will pass his message.
January 24, 2021
I enjoyed Helium more but this was creative and original in its own right and very enjoyable to read!
November 18, 2020
We don't say "I love you" very often, but we do say "Have you eaten today?"
Content Warnings: Discussions of Gun Violence & Depression
Wow. This book had it all and then some.
This poetry collection flows through multiple sections that each start with a list of words that don't exist in English, but that should. If that doesn't reflect just how unique this book is, I am not sure what will. Covering everything from mental health to fatherhood this book was captivating and kept you wanting more after every poem.
This was one of the best poetry collection's I have ever read, and I cannot wait to go and consume every single thing Rudy Francisco has ever written. Please please please go and check out this collection, I promise you won't regret it.
Content Warnings: Discussions of Gun Violence & Depression
Wow. This book had it all and then some.
This poetry collection flows through multiple sections that each start with a list of words that don't exist in English, but that should. If that doesn't reflect just how unique this book is, I am not sure what will. Covering everything from mental health to fatherhood this book was captivating and kept you wanting more after every poem.
This was one of the best poetry collection's I have ever read, and I cannot wait to go and consume every single thing Rudy Francisco has ever written. Please please please go and check out this collection, I promise you won't regret it.
January 31, 2021
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Rudy Francisco is kind of poet who writes simple words yet can touch his reader's lives. That's proven when I've read Helium last year and became one of my favorite poetry collections. I'll Fly Away gives a similar tone as it explores mental health and more topics. I noticed this is more cryptic which makes the poems confusing and less enjoyable. You're the one who'll decipher his message. It's not bad but definitely not the best collection.
Rudy Francisco is kind of poet who writes simple words yet can touch his reader's lives. That's proven when I've read Helium last year and became one of my favorite poetry collections. I'll Fly Away gives a similar tone as it explores mental health and more topics. I noticed this is more cryptic which makes the poems confusing and less enjoyable. You're the one who'll decipher his message. It's not bad but definitely not the best collection.
January 4, 2021
3.5 Stars
If you like spoken word poetry, then you’ll enjoy this. A lot of short poems that I wish were longer, but on a whole I enjoyed it.
If you like spoken word poetry, then you’ll enjoy this. A lot of short poems that I wish were longer, but on a whole I enjoyed it.
February 2, 2021
"English is the shiniest hammer I own, but it’s also
the only thing in my toolbox.
I use it all the time, but there is so much it cannot do."
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m a huge fan of Button Poetry. And I am especially a huge fan of Rudy Francisco. His writing is gorgeous, flowing seemingly effortlessly from one clever metaphor to the next, but never sacrificing emotional intimacy at the cost of linguistic virtuoso. This is raw, powerful, beautiful poetry that you can practically hear the performance of in your head.
What is particularly interesting about this collection is that it is entirely premised on the idea that language is so often inadequate to convey what we mean. There are so many phenomena that we don’t have words for in English, but should. Rudy comes up with new names for dozens of these terms and uses them to provide a structural and thematic framework for the book, filling in the gaps when there simply is not an elegant way to express a thought. And given the wide range of topics covered in this book–including mental illness, family, love, racial injustice, and more–there are a lot of useful words.
Fans of Rudy’s previous work–specifically his well-known “Honest Poem”–will appreciate the self-reference here in his new poem, the equally-wonderful “The poem where I lie about everything.” Other standout titles in this collection include “Climate Change” (spoiler: it’s not actually about pollution), “Drowning Fish,” and the many “erasure-poems” he crafts out of everything from song lyrics to NRA statements.
I seriously cannot recommend this book enough. If you’re anything like me, you’ll get to the last page and immediately want to go back to the start and read it all over again.
For a longer version of this review, with lots of quotes from my favorite lines, check out my BLOG!
Thank you to Button Poetry for providing me with an eARC of this book via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
April 13, 2021
“Have you ever noticed
how much water
hates to argue?
How it molds itself into
the shape of the pour,
makes a home where it lands,
but also never gives up its identity.
As if to say, ‘Sure, I’ll stay
but only if I can be myself.’
I think there is a lesson here.”
how much water
hates to argue?
How it molds itself into
the shape of the pour,
makes a home where it lands,
but also never gives up its identity.
As if to say, ‘Sure, I’ll stay
but only if I can be myself.’
I think there is a lesson here.”
June 17, 2023
I expected better writing from Rudy. I've read Helium by him and as per my experience, that was better. The poems became darker and revolved around more important topics with time, and I liked those better. It was a mixture of boring, cliche, and good poems.
November 24, 2021
"Speak because your voice is currency, and their comfort isn't worth your silence."
This book involves topics such as social issues regarding the rights of black people, couple issues, love and being confined in one's own domain. I usually don't read much poetry, so I'm not a proper judge, but to me the poems felt eloquent. I genuinely liked the writing. It comprises of words given in the middle which don't exist, but probably should, and all of them made me think that they should actually exist. The way it's been divided into different parts was fun to read, and as I haven't read many poetry books, it was definitely new.
October 13, 2020
I'll Fly Away by Rudy Francisco is a stunning and fresh collection of poems that challenge the very concept of language, and its inadequacy in conveying our shared experiences in an ever changing world. I will be circling back to read Helium, Mr Francisco's prequel to this brilliant collection.
This is poetry that is to be savoured, one delicious word at a time. Creating words that do not currently exist in the English language, but should as a reflection of societal norms, is a concept that certainly provides some food for thought. This is a timely and relevant read, and one that I would return to again and again.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Button Poetry, and Rudy Francisco for the opportunity to read this ARC.
This is poetry that is to be savoured, one delicious word at a time. Creating words that do not currently exist in the English language, but should as a reflection of societal norms, is a concept that certainly provides some food for thought. This is a timely and relevant read, and one that I would return to again and again.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Button Poetry, and Rudy Francisco for the opportunity to read this ARC.
December 31, 2020
Some of the words in this poem are beautiful. This poem would also make a great gift. Rudy is not an amazing poet but his poems do make you think and remember. They dont stay with you after you have read them, you dont want to print out copies but you do smile, and you do like some lines so much that you want to share them with the world.
Some poems ricochet off me, others make me feel like they are written about me. The poems are about sad days but bouncing off those days. They are about kindness and hope.
Maybe a man would enjoy these poems more.
A lot of the poems are about racism that Black people survive, i could not identify with it but I am sure its well written and will stir something in people who have been in these situations. The thoughts and ideas behind his poems are good and different.
We don’t say “I love you” very often, but we do say “Have you eaten today?”
I loved the writing style in this book, words that should exist and their definitions, i wish all these words existed. This book also dabbles in a lot of topics. This maybe Rudy’s best work.
Some poems ricochet off me, others make me feel like they are written about me. The poems are about sad days but bouncing off those days. They are about kindness and hope.
Maybe a man would enjoy these poems more.
A lot of the poems are about racism that Black people survive, i could not identify with it but I am sure its well written and will stir something in people who have been in these situations. The thoughts and ideas behind his poems are good and different.
We don’t say “I love you” very often, but we do say “Have you eaten today?”
I loved the writing style in this book, words that should exist and their definitions, i wish all these words existed. This book also dabbles in a lot of topics. This maybe Rudy’s best work.
November 21, 2021
Absolutely absolutely beautiful.
I have no other words to describe this except that it's beautiful.
What a collection ❤
The poems are spectacular and the writing is so amazing I was left speechless.
Some lines were just so perfectly written I had to stop reading to just appreciate it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE POETRY.
Prepare to have your mind blown.
I have no other words to describe this except that it's beautiful.
What a collection ❤
The poems are spectacular and the writing is so amazing I was left speechless.
Some lines were just so perfectly written I had to stop reading to just appreciate it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE POETRY.
Prepare to have your mind blown.
July 9, 2022
Click
There are 2 things I know
about people and guns:
they both feel strange
when you hold them
for the 1st time,
and something always clicks
when they are empty.
———————————————
Perhaps I told you
I was leaving
because it was
the only way you
would notice my absence
woah this poetry collection was super unique and powerful and beautifully written I very much enjoyed reading it
There are 2 things I know
about people and guns:
they both feel strange
when you hold them
for the 1st time,
and something always clicks
when they are empty.
———————————————
Perhaps I told you
I was leaving
because it was
the only way you
would notice my absence
woah this poetry collection was super unique and powerful and beautifully written I very much enjoyed reading it
April 15, 2021
Is it ever not love when it comes to Rudy Francisco? The answer is so obviously no. Francisco is my absolute favorite poetry slam artist. Reading his poems are great too, especially if you know his usual rhythm and follow the lines. I cannot stress this enough- I love this collection.
However, this book is structured a little differently than Helium was, and at first I wasn't completely on board with it, but by the end I was a part of the crew. Ahoy! If you don't want to know the way it's structured this would be a good time to skip ahead. This collection of poetry introduces us to "words that do not currently exist in the English language, but should". Every section starts out with a new list of these words and every so many pages we are individually introduced to these words. It's set up just like a page from the dictionary; the word / noun, verb, adjective / how to pronounce it / definition. Then we get a poem on the following page that directly relates to the word we were just introduced to. It's an interesting technique. Definitely creative.
Ah, So you've skipped ahead huh? Well, it should come as no surprise that real issues were discussed in this collection. 2020 was the year that blew up, in so many ways and Francisco is here with a few cultural pieces to examine. We get into Miranda rights, climate change, police brutality, politics, and black strength+. None of it comes off as too much of one thing though, they all fit together and flow really well.
I think my favorite poems were the longer ones. I love Francisco's longer poems. Examples from this collection include: The poem where I lie about everything, Drowning Fish, Ode to the block button, A lot like you, It is the year 2036*, and Climate Change. But, don't be fooled, his short poems aren't to be ignore either. Some of his short poems pack such a punch that your momentarily rendered immobile. Like, I watched the viral video of the police officer. Damn. Good damn, but damn.
*You're probably wondering what about this poem. It is the year 2036 is wonderful. It made me smile and the Democratic Presidential Nominee made me laugh out loud; I knew what was coming. It was too perfect not to. But, I also knew as I was reading this laughable poem that Francisco was going to find a way to morph it at the end and make it something deeper. Something important, and he delivered like only Rudy Francisco would and it deserves a standing ovation. 👏🏻👏🏻
Go search for his videos, indulge yourself and then order one of his books. I highly doubt you'll regret it.
However, this book is structured a little differently than Helium was, and at first I wasn't completely on board with it, but by the end I was a part of the crew. Ahoy! If you don't want to know the way it's structured this would be a good time to skip ahead. This collection of poetry introduces us to "words that do not currently exist in the English language, but should". Every section starts out with a new list of these words and every so many pages we are individually introduced to these words. It's set up just like a page from the dictionary; the word / noun, verb, adjective / how to pronounce it / definition. Then we get a poem on the following page that directly relates to the word we were just introduced to. It's an interesting technique. Definitely creative.
Ah, So you've skipped ahead huh? Well, it should come as no surprise that real issues were discussed in this collection. 2020 was the year that blew up, in so many ways and Francisco is here with a few cultural pieces to examine. We get into Miranda rights, climate change, police brutality, politics, and black strength+. None of it comes off as too much of one thing though, they all fit together and flow really well.
I think my favorite poems were the longer ones. I love Francisco's longer poems. Examples from this collection include: The poem where I lie about everything, Drowning Fish, Ode to the block button, A lot like you, It is the year 2036*, and Climate Change. But, don't be fooled, his short poems aren't to be ignore either. Some of his short poems pack such a punch that your momentarily rendered immobile. Like, I watched the viral video of the police officer. Damn. Good damn, but damn.
*You're probably wondering what about this poem. It is the year 2036 is wonderful. It made me smile and the Democratic Presidential Nominee made me laugh out loud; I knew what was coming. It was too perfect not to. But, I also knew as I was reading this laughable poem that Francisco was going to find a way to morph it at the end and make it something deeper. Something important, and he delivered like only Rudy Francisco would and it deserves a standing ovation. 👏🏻👏🏻
Go search for his videos, indulge yourself and then order one of his books. I highly doubt you'll regret it.
February 24, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
December 29, 2020
Soooo I’d been waiting on this now for a hot minute, and it didn’t disappoint. I love Rudy Fransisco’s work. It is so honest and raw. I loved how he created new words for things that don’t have a name in English- when he said “English is the shiniest hammer I own, but it’s also the only thing in my toolbox.” 😱 🤷🏽♀️ there’s just something about his way with words 💜
December 14, 2020
I. LOVED. THIS.
I don’t want to spoil the concept since it was so creative, but if you like poetry at all, you need to read this! I love how deep these poems are about love, parenting, race, and self-worth.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t want to spoil the concept since it was so creative, but if you like poetry at all, you need to read this! I love how deep these poems are about love, parenting, race, and self-worth.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2024
“Sometimes I’m the mess
Sometimes I’m the broom—
on my hardest days,
I have to be both.”
Sometimes I’m the broom—
on my hardest days,
I have to be both.”
December 20, 2020
Let me start off by saying this is the best poetry collection I’ve read all year, hands down. That’s saying something seeing how back in August I read a poetry collection for each day of the month as a reading challenge. Francisco is a master wordsmith. His pieces are thought provoking, engaging, and deeply honest.
I enjoyed the “dictionary” theme that was featured throughout the collection. Francisco is vastly talented at his craft. This is a collection I will return to on multiple occasions!!!
I would recommend this collection to fans of his first collection, Helium.
I enjoyed the “dictionary” theme that was featured throughout the collection. Francisco is vastly talented at his craft. This is a collection I will return to on multiple occasions!!!
I would recommend this collection to fans of his first collection, Helium.
February 11, 2021
When I read poetry like this, it makes me wonder how I went through high school thinking that I hated poetry. (I know why; it's because most teachers had me reading the "classics" that didn't typically cover topics or emotions that I could relate to or understand).
I absolutely loved Helium, and I somehow loved I'll Fly Away even more. There were poems in this book that I had to read twice. There were others that I went back to the day after reading so I could read them another 2-3 times. So much of Francisco's poetry just hits you like a truck, and I found myself tearing up multiple times because of the honesty and raw emotion in his words.
I also really loved the style he used for this book: each section beginning with words that don't exist in the English language but should, and the way every poem after those words followed a similar theme.
The highlights for me were "The poem where I lie about everything" (which I believe was a throw back to his "My Honest Poem" from Helium), "The Peace Lily," and "Climate Change."
I recommend this book of poetry to anyone, even if you don't think you're a fan of poetry yet. Francisco also performs many of his poems on Youtube, and I can't wait until these new works start showing up there.
I absolutely loved Helium, and I somehow loved I'll Fly Away even more. There were poems in this book that I had to read twice. There were others that I went back to the day after reading so I could read them another 2-3 times. So much of Francisco's poetry just hits you like a truck, and I found myself tearing up multiple times because of the honesty and raw emotion in his words.
I also really loved the style he used for this book: each section beginning with words that don't exist in the English language but should, and the way every poem after those words followed a similar theme.
The highlights for me were "The poem where I lie about everything" (which I believe was a throw back to his "My Honest Poem" from Helium), "The Peace Lily," and "Climate Change."
I recommend this book of poetry to anyone, even if you don't think you're a fan of poetry yet. Francisco also performs many of his poems on Youtube, and I can't wait until these new works start showing up there.
January 10, 2021
I read this almost immediately after finishing Helium, which I quite enjoyed and I was intrigued to read more of Rudy Francisco's work. Certain poems in I'll Fly Away carry the same poignancy, the same cutting humor as Helium. There were a handful of poems in I'll Fly Away that made me feel...exposed, naked, in many ways. I also thought the framing of many of these poems with words that don't exist, but should was clever and well executed. The words paired quite well with the poems that followed them. Despite this, there were a good handful of poems that also just felt like Instagram poetry.
Where Francisco really lost me was with the Erasure poems within I'll Fly Away. Some of these, admittedly, worked incredibly well and were downright searing social commentary (e.g., Miranda Rights, NRA Statement.) However, I thought many of the ones taken from famous songs walked a very, very thin line of Fair Use. I would have rather Francisco applied the technique to more statements from politicians or press releases, as with the aforementioned poems. Blanking out words from pop songs and then publishing them (even though the original artists were credited) is lazy at best.
Where Francisco really lost me was with the Erasure poems within I'll Fly Away. Some of these, admittedly, worked incredibly well and were downright searing social commentary (e.g., Miranda Rights, NRA Statement.) However, I thought many of the ones taken from famous songs walked a very, very thin line of Fair Use. I would have rather Francisco applied the technique to more statements from politicians or press releases, as with the aforementioned poems. Blanking out words from pop songs and then publishing them (even though the original artists were credited) is lazy at best.
September 10, 2021
"If she was a book, I would memorize her table of contents; I would read her cover to cover. Hoping to find typos, just so we can both have a few things to work on. Because, aren't we all unfinished?"
I love Rudy Francisco's poems, because they are direct until you reach a turn of phrase that catches you off guard. It makes you pause and turn the metaphor over in your mind. He has a talent for picking them out, and it amazes me every time. This collection covers very personal themes such as parental separation, depression, and falling in love as well as broader societal/human rights themes and issues such as racism, gun violence, and Black fatherhood. Francisco addresses the reality that oftentimes we don't have the right words to express our situations and emotions. So, he creates his own vocabulary, and the result is a stunning collection of poems.
I love Rudy Francisco's poems, because they are direct until you reach a turn of phrase that catches you off guard. It makes you pause and turn the metaphor over in your mind. He has a talent for picking them out, and it amazes me every time. This collection covers very personal themes such as parental separation, depression, and falling in love as well as broader societal/human rights themes and issues such as racism, gun violence, and Black fatherhood. Francisco addresses the reality that oftentimes we don't have the right words to express our situations and emotions. So, he creates his own vocabulary, and the result is a stunning collection of poems.
April 18, 2024
I was never really one for poetry but I think as I get older or grows on me. “I’ll fly away” was a quick escape. Beautiful.
“Most of what I know is falling,
From placing the brighter side
Of my hands against the earth
And pressing until vertical.
The ground has taught me
more about flight
Than the sky ever could.”
“Months from now,
I hope you stumble
across the picture
And you are ambushed
By your own radiance.”
And perhaps my favorite:
“And the morning shows up again,
Like it always does—
A reminder that each day
Comes with free refills.”
I enjoyed most of it. Part three while I’m certain we deeply important to the author went wildly political. I felt as if the charm of his writing dipped off, only to be picked up in the fourth part by mentions of family, mentions of his precious daughter
“Most of what I know is falling,
From placing the brighter side
Of my hands against the earth
And pressing until vertical.
The ground has taught me
more about flight
Than the sky ever could.”
“Months from now,
I hope you stumble
across the picture
And you are ambushed
By your own radiance.”
And perhaps my favorite:
“And the morning shows up again,
Like it always does—
A reminder that each day
Comes with free refills.”
I enjoyed most of it. Part three while I’m certain we deeply important to the author went wildly political. I felt as if the charm of his writing dipped off, only to be picked up in the fourth part by mentions of family, mentions of his precious daughter
January 7, 2021
I enjoyed Francisco’s last book, Helium, so was expecting to enjoy this one as well. I appreciated that the author experimented more with poetic form here. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the experiments very successful. Some, like the made-up words and definitions that frame sections, seemed a bit ham-handed and didn’t really add anything. Others, like his erasure poems, felt like things done far better elsewhere (Tracy K. Smith's Wade in the Water: Poems, for example). Francisco’s strength is his very personal, confessional, straightforward poems—I’m hoping he focuses more on those in his future volumes.
March 3, 2021
I first read Helium back in 2020, and it was exceptional, so naturally me expectations were incredibly high. Usually it's a struggle for me to get into poetry, as it's not really my thing, but Francisco's works are the exception. This wasn't my favorite, but there was still so much emotion and power behind the words. I would definitely recommend checking this author out if you want short - but incredibly meaningful - reads.
April 3, 2021
I’ll Fly Away is Rudy telling the readers about the limited lexicons in our everyday’s language. He shares various words that do not exist in English language currently, but they should. And through the palette of these nonexistent words, he paints a big picture of how language fails us or we fail to voice out so often cause there’s no word to express.
Nolexi (noun)
no-lex-i - \ n-lek-si \
Definition of nolexi: 1: a word or phrase that does not exist or has no direct translation in a particular language
The book is made up of four chapters and an introductory chapter where a few assorted poems on different topics are featured. The first chapter depicts introspection brilliantly where mental health issues and self love are splendidly presented. In the second part, Rudy shares about love and being in love in such poise. The third chapter discusses and expresses the politics of race as well as the violence and bigotry encountered by the Black People in America. The last chapter wraps with topic on family. Sublimely prosed, the poet delivers his love on the parents, siblings, women in his family and his child—the joy and excitement on his fatherhood.
One of the things I like about Rudy is how he turned simple words into a subtle and delicate patterns of stanzas. Yet each one of his poems gives the readers titanium like strength and warmhearted hug. In this book, I’ll Fly Away, Rudy delivers his best as usual. From his fascinating narratives, he talks about multiple issues like race, gender, mental wellness, etc while highlighting on human nature—to embrace one’s vulnerability but at the same time he tries to be encouraging, too. After all, the commonness of us, human, is our emotional states.
Rudy is one of the most recognizable names in slang poetry and spoken word poets. I was first introduced to his poems via Button Poetry and I was mesmerized by his spoken word poetry performances. So I bought his first book, helium, and loved it immensely which I shared it in last December. As I enjoyed Helium very much, when the announcement of his second anthology of poem will be released soon, I preordered it right away. A signed copy, actually. xD
Nolexi (noun)
no-lex-i - \ n-lek-si \
Definition of nolexi: 1: a word or phrase that does not exist or has no direct translation in a particular language
The book is made up of four chapters and an introductory chapter where a few assorted poems on different topics are featured. The first chapter depicts introspection brilliantly where mental health issues and self love are splendidly presented. In the second part, Rudy shares about love and being in love in such poise. The third chapter discusses and expresses the politics of race as well as the violence and bigotry encountered by the Black People in America. The last chapter wraps with topic on family. Sublimely prosed, the poet delivers his love on the parents, siblings, women in his family and his child—the joy and excitement on his fatherhood.
One of the things I like about Rudy is how he turned simple words into a subtle and delicate patterns of stanzas. Yet each one of his poems gives the readers titanium like strength and warmhearted hug. In this book, I’ll Fly Away, Rudy delivers his best as usual. From his fascinating narratives, he talks about multiple issues like race, gender, mental wellness, etc while highlighting on human nature—to embrace one’s vulnerability but at the same time he tries to be encouraging, too. After all, the commonness of us, human, is our emotional states.
Rudy is one of the most recognizable names in slang poetry and spoken word poets. I was first introduced to his poems via Button Poetry and I was mesmerized by his spoken word poetry performances. So I bought his first book, helium, and loved it immensely which I shared it in last December. As I enjoyed Helium very much, when the announcement of his second anthology of poem will be released soon, I preordered it right away. A signed copy, actually. xD
October 1, 2022
My search continues for a poetry collection that speaks to me- one that I enjoy reading and doesn’t feel like a slog. This particular collection was a very quick read and I found some of the poems interesting but none of them made me feel anything beyond “meh”. I have one other collection by this author and I have higher hopes for that one just based on the theme of the book.
It’s quite possible that poetry is just not for me but I feel like I shouldn’t give up quite yet. I’ve really only tried a couple poets so far so as of now I’ll keep looking.
It’s quite possible that poetry is just not for me but I feel like I shouldn’t give up quite yet. I’ve really only tried a couple poets so far so as of now I’ll keep looking.
January 13, 2024
I’ve been a Rudy Francisco fan since about 2010 when my oral interpretation coaches said that I should look up poetry performances on YouTube to help me with my own. Finding Francisco’s performance of “Scars (To the New Boyfriend)” changed my life forever, as both a poet and a lover of poetry. (Which sounds dramatic, but it’s absolutely true.)
It’s easy for me to say that I will probably love just about anything this man puts out and he tops my list as my favorite l“modern poet.” What I love the most about him and his craft, though,is how his poetry is written in a way that anyone of any educational level can both empathize and easily understand. And after taking a structured class in which I was told was “good poetry“ looks like is actually difficult to find. Lots of poets consider themselves to be god’s gift to humanity for being touched by “the Muse,” and I think it’s Francisco’s most endearing trait as a poet that he doesn’t write this way.
Something that also really stood out to me was how this collection was so different yet still tied back to previous collections that have been published. It felt so genuine to the 2010 poet I fell in love with yet had all the hallmarks of the maturity that comes with time, age, and practice.
I’m really glad this collection was my first book of 2024. I know it’s something that I will re-read for years to come and pass along to anyone who asks to borrow it.
It’s easy for me to say that I will probably love just about anything this man puts out and he tops my list as my favorite l“modern poet.” What I love the most about him and his craft, though,is how his poetry is written in a way that anyone of any educational level can both empathize and easily understand. And after taking a structured class in which I was told was “good poetry“ looks like is actually difficult to find. Lots of poets consider themselves to be god’s gift to humanity for being touched by “the Muse,” and I think it’s Francisco’s most endearing trait as a poet that he doesn’t write this way.
Something that also really stood out to me was how this collection was so different yet still tied back to previous collections that have been published. It felt so genuine to the 2010 poet I fell in love with yet had all the hallmarks of the maturity that comes with time, age, and practice.
I’m really glad this collection was my first book of 2024. I know it’s something that I will re-read for years to come and pass along to anyone who asks to borrow it.
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