Eric S. – “Virginity, Lost”

Performing at SlamMN!

“I am no closer to making love…
or not dry-heaving at the term ‘making love’.”

Don’t miss this great poem from Eric S., performing at SlamMN! in Minneapolis.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Dave Harris – “Why We Dance”


Performing at CAMP Bar in Saint Paul.

“It has taken me so long to say that I am proud to be black, to say it like it means something.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Dave Harris, performing at the former Soap Boxing Poetry Slam, now Button Poetry Live.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Alyesha Wise – “Cannibal”


Performing at Art Share LA.

“You’ve been borrowing me for so long that I forgot to demand myself back.”

Don’t miss this great poem from Alyesha Wise, performing at Art Share LA.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Arvind Nandakumar – “Mother Loves Me” (CUPSI 2016)


Performing at CUPSI 2016.

“Mother says I’m not sick. Mother says sick is bad. Mother says sick people go to sleep.”
Don’t miss this stunning poem from Arvind Nandakumar, performing for UC Berkeley at the 2016 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational. Subscribe to us on YouTube to stay up to date on all these amazing performances.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Sara Brickman – “Feminist Dudes” (WOWPS 2016)

Performing at the 2016 Women of the World Poetry Slam.

“Feminist dude has a lot to say about the plight of women, until you get him drunk, and then he has a lot to say about boobs.”
Don’t miss this brilliant poem from Sara Brickman, performing as a sacrificial poem before a bout at the 2016 Women of the World Poetry Slam.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts (on sale for the start of summer!) in both female and unisex cuts, and books by many of your favorite Button artists.

Best of Button Week 69


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“My mother tells me that death is a slow journey back, that if not done carefully we will wander the Earth cursing those still living.”
Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Kevin Yang & Gabrielle Smith. Congratulations poets!
While you’re here on our site, make sure to check out our books and merchandise in the Button Store, including books by Aziza Barnes, Danez Smith, Neil Hilborn and our JUST-RELEASED book from Jacqui Germain!

Father’s Day Poems


“I have been teaching her love all of her life, and all that I ask is that you continue the lesson.”

Jesse Parent’s “To the Boys Who May One Day Date My Daughter” is one of the most-viewed poems on our channel, with over 3,000,000 views to date. Check out a few other great poems by or for dads below to celebrate Father’s Day!

G. Yamazawa – “The Bridge”
“My father is a chef. He’ll add extra syllables to his sentences like seasoning, something that tastes better in his mouth.”

William Evans – “Sickle”
“I stopped punishing my daughter for saying no in hopes that she never feels there’s a time she can’t say it.”

Phil Kaye – “Surplus”
“My grandfather was not a strong man, but he knew what it meant to build.”

Tui Scanlan – “Legacy”
“Anger will make you strong, but love will make you powerful.”

Safia Elhillo – “Alien Suite” (CUPSI 2016)


Performing at the 2016 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational
“Did our mothers invent loneliness, or did it make them our mothers?”
Don’t miss this unbelievable new poem from Safia Elhillo. The performance is a seamless medley of 14 of Safia’s poems, and comprised her feature set at the 2016 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational finals. This is the longest video we’ve ever featured on Button, and it’s well worth a full watchthrough.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts (on sale for the start of summer!) in both female and unisex cuts, and books by many of your favorite Button artists.