Chris Lilley – “10 Lessons from Jail”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“You are still here. Every day above ground is a good day. You are not a casket, you are not a hashtag funeral, you are not an autopsy.”

Don’t miss this spectacular poem from Chris Lilley, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. Join our mailing list and get notified for our next submission period!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax, our newest release from Olivia Gatwood & more.

Donte Collins – “What the dead know by heart”

Performing at his book release in Minneapolis.

“I haven’t enough room to both rage and weep. I go to cry and each tear turns to steam.”

Don’t miss this spectacular poem from Donte Collins, performing at his book release in Minneapolis.

Check out Donte’s forthcoming book, Autopsy.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax, our newest release from Olivia Gatwood & more.

Meta Sarmiento – “Watch Your Mouth”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“How could I make a class feel like home, if a kid doesn’t know what home’s supposed to feel like in the first place?”

Don’t miss this awesome poem from Meta Sarmiento, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. Join our mailing list and get notified for our next submission period!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax, our newest release from Olivia Gatwood & more.

Aaron Coleman – “Manmade Shelter Beneath Rupturing Sky”

Performing at his book release in Minneapolis.

“Boys burn down and aim to take the town with them.”

Don’t miss this spectacular poem from Aaron Coleman, performing at his book release in Minneapolis. Check out Aaron’s incredible book, St. Trigger, Winner of the 2015 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax, our newest release from Olivia Gatwood & more.

Talicha Johnson – “How Best to Say Body”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“I try to come up with more poetic sounding ways to say I feel too big.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem from Talicha Johnson, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. Join our mailing list and get notified for our next submission period!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax, our newest release from Olivia Gatwood & more.

Carrie Rudzinski – “Sober Girl”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“That’s what you are and always have been: silent. You do not know what taught you to be this shameful, quiet cavern.”

Don’t miss this beautiful poem from Carrie Rudzinski, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. Join our mailing list and get notified for our next contest!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax, our newest release from Olivia Gatwood & more.

Eleni Cay – “Intertwined”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“We are who we are because of, and in spite of, others.”

Don’t miss this beautiful poem from Eleni Cay, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. Join our mailing list and get notified for our next contest!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax, our newest release from Olivia Gatwood & more.

Noel Quiñones – “8 Confessions of My Tongue”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“I’ve worn so many of my family member’s stories that I confuse my childhood for theirs.”

Don’t miss this marvelous poem from Noel Quiñones, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. Come to Minneapolis, MN, June 2-3 for the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival, hosted by Button Poetry! Tickets are now available!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax, our newest release from Olivia Gatwood & more.

Kary Rios – “I Live Out of Opportunities (Vivo De Oportunidades)”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“I killed time. At least what was left of him.”

Don’t miss this powerful poem from Kary Rios, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. Join our mailing list and get notified for our next contest!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax, our newest release from Olivia Gatwood & more.

Omar Holmon – “A Case Study In Black Girl Magic”

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“I’m sorry became my mantra.”

Don’t miss this remarkable poem from Omar Holmon, featuring at the Button Poetry Live. If you’re in the Twin Cities, don’t miss the next Button Poetry Live show, first Monday of every month in downtown Saint Paul.



While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Mahogany L. Browne, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Sabrina Benaim, Jacqui Germain, Aaron Coleman & more.