Davon Clark – “Petrichor”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“I never got the chance to reply to her last letter. I always thought next month was an option until her funeral was next week.”

Don’t miss this beautiful poem from Davon Clark, 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.

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.

Best of Button Week 118

“After being dumped on New Year’s Day, which is two weeks before my birthday, I’m in my room processing this and pouting. The key word here is pouting.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Omar Holmon & Carrie Rudzinski. 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 new book from Olivia Gatwood!

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.

Best of Button Week 117

“I believe a good song can turn any room into a church.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Rudy Francisco & Neil Hilborn. Congratulations poets!

Check out Rudy’s forthcoming book, Helium.

While you’re here on our site, make sure to check out all our books and merchandise in the Button Store, including books by Aziza Barnes, Danez Smith, Neil Hilborn and our new book from Olivia Gatwood!

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.