A Statement From Button Poetry

After much deliberation and internal conversations, Button Poetry has made the decision to suspend the publication of Jared Paul’s Songs From The Bottom Of A Mineshaft. While we do understand that many people were anticipating the release of the book, we felt uncomfortable standing by this product.

In our work and everyday lives, we strive to honor the morals we set in place as a company around uplifting marginalized voices, making space for stories of both pain and healing, and honoring and protecting survivors of trauma. We look to take accountability and rectify any harm we have caused. While we will be separating ourselves from the publication of Jared’s book, we hope to continue to take steps in the right direction as a company and a platform for vital and necessary work. We hope you’ll continue believing in this vision.

– Hanif Abdurraqib, Managing Editor, Button Poetry

If you have any questions, please feel free to direct them to Hanif at hanif@buttonpoetry.com.


Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“I thought the earthquake was two years ago, but I’m still feeling the aftershocks.”

Don’t miss this remarkable poem from Nora Cooper, performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.



While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!


Featuring at Honey in Minneapolis.

“They would have found dandelion seeds had they done the autopsy. They would have found a field burning lavender had they cut her open”

Don’t miss this marvelous poem from Donte Collins, featuring at his book release party at Honey in Minneapolis. Get your copy of Donte’s book, AUTOPSY.


Get Donte’s Book Here
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While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!


Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“What do you want from me, advice? Don’t lie on your resume. Kissing fixes nothing, but it’s something my body wants. Listen to your body.”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Talia Young, performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.



While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!


Featuring at Icehouse in Minneapolis.

“When they buried me, they put these coins over my eyes, and I used them as bus fare to get back to Earth, just so I can look for you.”

Don’t miss this beautiful poem from Rudy Francisco, featuring at his book release party at Icehouse in Minneapolis. Get your copy of Rudy’s book, HELIUM.


Get Rudy’s Book Here
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While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!

“This is how we have learned to love. Texting each other pictures of our bodies. When we share a bed, we only know how to touch ourselves.”

Congratulations to Gage Wallace on topping 250,000 views on this amazing poem. Watch more videos from Gage here!



And while you’re here, make sure to check out our other books and merch as well, including our awesome t-shirts and poster and books by Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, Donte Collins, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Rudy Francisco, Guante, Rachel Wiley, and our newest release from Neil Hilborn!


Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“Sometimes freedom isn’t coming out, as much as it’s finding doors with white flags waving me in.”

Don’t miss this magnificent poem from Andy Karol, performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.



While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!


Featuring at Button Poetry Live.

“Who wants to stay in a building where the residents pretend to not see the fire bursting from its windows?”

Don’t miss this extraordinary poem from William Evans, featuring at Button Poetry Live. Make sure to grab a copy of William’s book, STILL CAN’T DO MY DAUGHTER’S HAIR.


Get William’s Book Here
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While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!

“Remember: when they look right through you, you’re still there.”

Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Guante, EJ Schoenborn, & Sabrina Benaim! Congrats poets!



While you’re here on our site, make sure to check out our books and merchandise in the Button Store, including books by Danez Smith, Olivia Gatwood, Neil Hilborn, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Rudy Francisco, Stevie Edwards, Claire Schwartz, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!


Featuring at Button Poetry Live.

“Sound is waves that shape love, and pain, and somewhere, in the deep down outside air, is the shape of my name.”

Don’t miss this breathtaking poem from Sam Rush, featuring at Button Poetry Live.



While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!