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.

Best of Button Week 116

“The love I want is a basketball; a heavy thumping in the chest.”



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

Check out Sabrina’s incredible forthcoming book, Depression & Other Magic Tricks.

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!

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.

Dave McAlinden – “If I Was Your God” (250K Views!)

“See, if I was a therapist, you probably wouldn’t want to go to me. But I would listen. Like a best friend on Adderall.”

Congratulations to Dave on topping 250,000 views on this incredible poem.

Come to Minneapolis, MN, June 2-3 for the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival, hosted by Button Poetry! Tickets are now available!



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 Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, and Aaron Coleman!