As a boy, my father once trained a crow to return nightly to the porch. I tried to train my memory the same way.”

Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist. Today’s additions: Ollie Schminkey, Rudy Francisco, Makinsey Jones, Zach Goldberg, Clint Smith, Meaghan Ford, and Usman Hameedi! Congrats Poets!

Come back each week to see our newest and most popular videos.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, or check out our newest release from Ollie Schminkey!

Performed at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN

“In the early days of our love, time was all we could afford to spend and we were so rich.”

Don’t miss this poem from Usman Hameedi, performing at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN

Get Usman’s book, Staying Right Here.

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Performed at The Town Hall in NY, during Black History Month 2024

“To be Black means to be apart of a community with people that not only look like you, but people who have similar interests as you.”

Don’t miss this poem from Makinsey Jones, performing at The Town Hall in NY, during Black History Month 2024

Shop Button Poetry.

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Performed at IWPS 2015 in Washington, D.C.

“Mouth stay steady, ready to pop off at anything that pop off my tongue.”

Don’t miss this poem from Porsha Olayiwola, performing at IWPS 2015 in Washington, D.C.

Get Porsha’s book, i shimmer sometimes, too.

Performed at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN

“I’ve never been one to bite tongues or turn cheeks, but like you, I’ve learned to say I was wrong.”

Don’t miss this poem from Ty Chapman, performing at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN

Get Ty’s book, Tartarus.

Performed at IWPS 2015 in Washington, D.C.

“What is the word for taking bathroom breaks at your retail job to cry?”

Don’t miss this poem from Melissa Lozada Oliva, performing at IWPS 2015 in Washington, D.C.

Get Melissa’s book, peluda.

Performed at NorthBeast Regional 2023 Prelims

“Understands that my queerness remains as fluid as switching jerseys on different gamedays.”

Don’t miss this poem from Kai Wallin & Logan Lopez, performing at NorthBeast Regional 2023 Prelims

Shop Button Poetry.

Performed at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN in 2023.

“It is in this moment that I can’t help but believe that we were all cut from the same pumpkin.”

Don’t miss this poem from Kevin Yang, performing at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN in 2023.

Shop Button Poetry.

Performed at the Button Studio in Minneapolis, MN in 2023.

“a bed, an urn for our sleep. a memory, an urn for that last breath.”

Don’t miss this poem from Ollie Schminkey, performing at the Button Studio in Minneapolis, MN in 2023.

Get Ollie’s book, Where I Dry the Flowers.

“Love had terrible rhythm on the dance floor, but made sure we never missed a slow song.”

Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist. Today’s additions: Gabby Elvessie, Ollie Schminkey, Ebony Stewart, Schockie G., Nick Courmon, Jasmine Parks, Darian Dauchan, Jazzonfire, Angela Kong, Mario Reyes, Maria Michelle, Porshe Veu, and Meghann Plunkett! Congrats Poets!

Come back each week to see our newest and most popular videos.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, or check out our newest release from Ollie Schminkey!