Matthew Cuban Hernandez – “Challenger”

Performing at Art Share LA

“I tell them they’re worth so much more than a thousand words,
that they are an ocean of confessions, begging for an out.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Matthew Cuban Hernandez, performing at Art Share LA. Support Button on Patreon so we can continue to broadcast these amazing poets!

And while you’re here, head over to the Button Store to check out books and more by many of your favorite Button artists, including Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Mahogany L. Browne, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood and more!

Rudy Francisco – “Adrenaline Rush” (100K Views!)

“It must be nice to feel so safe you have to invent
new ways to put yourself in danger.”

Congratulations to Rudy on topping 100,000 views on this brilliant poem. Check out more from Rudy here and here, and keep an eye out for his book, Helium, coming out later this year!



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!

Edwin Maldonado Jr. & Scot Free – “Jackie Robinson”

Performing at Southern Fried 2016.

“Apparently, serving your country doesn’t get you
served in your country.”

Don’t miss this powerful poem from Edwin Maldonado Jr. & Scot Free, 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.

Ashley August – “Octoniggas: First Draft”

Performing at Rustbelt 2016.

“And y’all can’t see why I’m like this? I’m older
than my account balance, y’all.”

Don’t miss this great poem from Ashley August, performing at the 2016 Rustbelt Regional Poetry Slam in Columbus, Ohio. 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.

Kevin Kantor & Sienna Burnett – “Phases” (250K Views!)

“If anyone tells you that you love wrong…tell them you’re sorry that
they’d rather live in darkness than learn to love your light.”

Congratulations to Kevin and Sienna on topping 250,000 views on this great poem. Check out more from them here and 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 new books by Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, and Aaron Coleman!

Dua Saleh – “Pins and Needles” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“People who blink more than twice when explaining their identity
to their loved ones often lead lonely lives.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem by Dua Saleh, performing at Button Poetry Live, November 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 all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax & more.

Best of Button Week 99

“The truth hurts less when it is not parading
around in front of us.”



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 & Amanda Pressman. 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 Aaron Coleman!

Blythe Baird – “Relapse”

Performing in Minneapolis.

“I’ve considered myself to be recovered from my eating disorder for
three years, but I still write about it in present tense.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem by Blythe Baird, performing in Minneapolis. 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 books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax & more.

Guante – “Small Talk” (100K Views!)

“I am pulling myself from the magician’s hat night
after night and I have the scars to prove it.”

Congratulations to Guante on topping 100,000 views on this impressive poem. Check out more of Guante’s work in his book, A LOVE SONG, A DEATH RATTLE, A BATTLE CRY.



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!