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.

Deshara Suggs-Joe – “I Am Not a Grasshopper, You Are Not My Master”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“Teach me how to hang in a body not meant for walking, talking.”

Don’t miss this magnificent poem from Deshara Suggs-Joe, 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.

Deborah Armstrong – “Black Lives Matter”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“Because they fear you, they prefer you broken.”

Don’t miss this powerful poem from Deborah Armstrong, 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.

Rudy Francisco – “Things I Strongly Believe” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“I believe masculinity is a wet fish most men are trying to hold onto.”

Don’t miss this excellent new poem from Rudy Francisco, featuring at the Button Poetry Live Grand Opening. Pre-order your copy of Rudy’s forthcoming book, Helium, out Fall 2017 through Button Poetry.

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 our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Mahogany L. Browne, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Sabrina Benaim, Jacqui Germain, Aaron Coleman & more.

Talia Young – “Cancer Suite

Performing at Honey in Minneapolis.

“Cancer comes to take a leaf from the garden each night.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem from Talia Young, performing at Honey in Minneapolis.

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.