Solli Raphael, 12, becomes youngest winner of Australian Poetry Slam

Poet Solli Raphael from Coffs Harbour in New South Wales delivers an encore performance at the Australian Poetry Slam national final to a full house at the Sydney Opera House, becoming the competition's youngest winner yet

The Guardian YouTube network:

[VinoVenitas]

"We breathe in, we breathe out." So simple, but when this kid said it, it felt as if he changed my reality. This was amazing, I will breathe out yesterdays air ... FREAKING amazing.

[solliraphael]

WOW! Thank you!!! It was an absolutely amazing opportunity to be involved with such an inspirational group of people! Best night ever!!

[ashleysimpsfictionalchars]

Eminem been real quiet since this dropped

[bazbee]

Here we are a year later and stunned by 13 year-old Solli's self-penned poem and delivery at today's Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony. 4 minutes long, dramatic and unhesitating - just amazing! I'm sure it'll be on Youtube soon.

[melaniewebb]

This is my online homework. Like if it is yours to

[united]

This kid is going to be a poet, he’s AMAZING, our kids of tomorrow will see this kid as Shakespeare

[simsarethebest]

"Riiiise up" my boy listened to Hamilton

[edgaralvarez]

a 12 year old to have that mind set is insane. keep it up dude be that change and inspiration for old and young. I'm 35 lol.

[lulutrevena]

Fabulous message, WAKE UP it is time to change our ways

[lalitabertschinger]

6 years later and we look at this in school in Year 9 ... well done

[newman]

My teacher showed me this in English and I came home and rewatched this 0.5 times!

[Brain-washed]

speechless
myself after watching this
and the other "poets" that attended to have this be the winner of anything

[emiliagonzales]

I love the way he speaks and his rhymes. My teacher showed me this in language and I came home and rewatched this soooo many times!

[amywas]

He is a 12 year old kid. He deserves love and support and plenty of respect for performing so confidently in front of a crowd. I hope I will be forgiven for not kneeling before him or behind him - what was all that about? unless you are part of the performance, perhaps you should vacate the stage. I found it kind of creepy. Anyway, Solli, if you are reading this, the world needs it's poets and I wish you all the best.

[funforkidsforever]

Incredible performance. The delivery is outstanding and the words are beautiful.

[porsharobinson]

I watched this in class today and its amazing!

[maxmooney]

Just found this and showed it to my students in Bangkok in hopes of starting a poetry/slam club next school year. Great job and congrats!!

[drcjtonkin]

After watching this 5 times I still have no idea what this kid is tryna say

[tinagibson]

I will be sharing this with everyone I can - Solli - you are an inspiration. Heartfelt gratitude to you and your talent, courage and passion.

[slzzszn]

🤓🤓this is absolutely amazing i cant flipping hold myself in while listening to this🤓🤓