Complainers By Rudy Francisco (Grade 7-9)

Rudy Francisco is an established Black American poet. He has been published and presented on several notable platforms, such as Button Poetry and Write About Now Poetry. He was also the first spoken word poet to perform on The Tonight Show hosted by Jimmy Fallon. Rudy's work is characterized by a conversational yet incendiary poetic stylem which is equally matched in his verbal performances. He has written on subjects varying from racism, love, religion, and much more. His works include two full-length poetry collections, Helium and I'll Fly Away. "Complainers" is a piece characterized by a sense of tough love - in it, Rudy encourages the audience to savour and champio what they have, as tragedy can strike at any moment. In the end, he leaves us with an important message: "Remember, you are still here."