Khary Jackson – “Slay” (Button Live)

Featuring at Button Poetry Live.

“Who say I gotta dress carefully, so maybe I won’t get shot,
get profiled, get rejected for a job?”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Khary Jackson, performing at 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 Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Ashley Gowens – “Poison” (Southern Fried)

Performing at Southern Fried 2016.

“How do you cry for help when the same people
that surround you tell you that you’re their inspiration?”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Ashley Gowens, performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Greensboro, NC. Support Button on Patreon so we can continue to broadcast these amazing poets!
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Danez Smith – “Dear White America” (250K Views!)

“I count my brothers, and in the morning when some do not
survive to be counted, I count the holes they leave.”

Congratulations to Button author Danez Smith on topping 250,000 views on this powerful poem. Check out this poem and more from Danez in his book, black movie.



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 new books by Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, and Aaron Coleman!

Neil Hilborn – “Traffic, Lightning, Gutter”

Performing at YouTube Space LA.

“Let me tell you what it’s like to ride a bicycle in a hurricane.”

Don’t miss this gorgeous poem from Neil Hilborn, available along with many of his others in his book, Our Numbered Days.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Best of Button Week 92

“Love is something I know best by watching
it wash down the drain.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Anna Binkovitz, Riley Zahn & Will Giles!
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 Aaron Coleman!

Suzi Q. Smith – “Mustangs” (Great Plains 2016)

Performing at Great Plains 2016.

“I was 13 the first time a man-boy tried to tell me he loved me; he was 20.”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Suzi Q. Smith, featuring at the 2016 Great Plains Poetry Pile-Up in Lincoln, NE. Support Button on Patreon so we can continue to broadcast these amazing poets!
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Asia Samson – “90s Love” (Button Live)

Featuring at Button Poetry Live.

“I wanna love you like the 90s.”

Don’t miss this fun poem from Asia Samson, featuring at 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 Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Olivia Gatwood – “Directives” (100K Views!)

“It is easy to hurt someone who looks just like you,
especially when you hate yourself.”

Congratulations to forthcoming Button author Olivia Gatwood on topping 100,000 views on this powerful poem. Check out more of Olivia’s work here and here.



And while you’re here, make sure to check out our books and merch as well, including our awesome t-shirts and poster and new books by Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, and Aaron Coleman!

Alida Cardós Whaley – “Fireflies & Fireworks” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“Today I do not celebrate.
I do not parade for continued colonization and death,
for white power and expansion.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem from Rachel Wiley, featuring at Button Poetry Live, April 2016. 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 Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Mahogany L. Browne – “Pizzly” (Button Live)

Featuring at Button Poetry Live.

“Like we don’t know how it feel to have
a heart melt like glaciers.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Mahogany L. Browne, featuring at Button Poetry Live. Check out her powerful book here.

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 all our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.