Cam Awkward-Rich – “Vagina Monologue” (AWP 2016)

Performing at AWP 2016.

“And just because we know how the story goes
doesn’t mean I won’t say the words.”

Don’t miss this beautiful poem from Button author Cam Awkward-Rich (whose book is available here), performing during the Button Poetry/YesYes Books showcase at the 2016 Association of Writers and Writing Programs conference. Subscribe to us on YouTube to stay up to date on all these amazing performances.
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.

Kai Davis – “Dear Chief Keef” (100K Views!)

“How can you even enjoy the tender caress of a young maiden when you can’t even brush against her without your ashy nipples igniting a fire in her baby hairs?”

Congratulations to Kai Davis on topping 100,000 views on this hilarious poem! Check out another great video featuring Kai 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 and Hanif Abdurraqib!

iCon – “In My Skin” (WOWPS 2016)

Performing at WOWPS 2016.

“Forget about walking a mile in my shoes, your ass wouldn’t last one step outside the front door in my skin.”

Don’t miss this great poem from iCon, performing at the 2016 Women of the World Poetry Slam, where she placed 4th overall. Subscribe to us on YouTube to stay up to date on all these amazing performances.
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.

Greg Harries – “Beasts” (Button Poetry Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“I feel its snarl down my throat, recite the list of rules I use to keep the beast at bay.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Greg Harries, performing at Button Poetry Live, May 2016. Subscribe to us on YouTube to stay up to date on all these amazing performances.
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.

Button Round-Up 8

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This last week has been full of high highs and low lows throughout the world. Hopefully these links can help you find comfort in tragedy or excitement for the future. Regardless, the poetry is still beautiful and awesome! Enjoy!

Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships Announcement
Let’s start this week by celebrating the success of young poets! On September 1st, the five winners of these two fellowships will be announced and awarded $25,800 each to pursue the study and writing of poetry. Among the finalists is Button author Sam Sax!

Voicemail Poems Summer 2016
Founded by jamie j. mortara in April, 2012, Voicemail Poems collects and shares poetry in a unique and lovely way. They set up a phone number (1-910-703-POEM) that anyone can call and record a poem over voicemail. Maybe you can be featured in their next compilation!

“It Doesn’t Feel Like A Time To Write” by Danez Smith
Though we have shared this piece in a previous Link Round-Up, considering the tragedies of the past week, we thought this poem needed to be shared again. Thank you Danez for this beautiful piece, and may Alton Sterling and Philando Castile rest in power.

“Houna Baghdad” by Jehan Bseiso
A few days ago ISIS bombed a busy street in Baghdad, Iraq, killing over 160 people. Days later, The Guardian released a map detailing every death by car bomb in Baghdad since 2003. Jehan Bseiso’s poem “Houna Baghdad” is a chilling piece both capturing the essence of such a tragedy and reminding readers that this is not a new phenomena, that things must change.

“Chicago’s Streetwise Poets are Breaking the Cycle of Violence and Pain in their Neighborhoods” by Demetrius Amparan
Demetrius Amparan is the Director of Publications and Communications at Young Chicago Authors, and organization that aids Chicago youths to find their voices through poetry. Work like Demetrius’ is a timely reminder that the next generations are still writing and finding ways to express and empower themselves and others. Check out Demetrius’ essay and learn more about Young Chicago Authors!

“Black Life on Film: Ice Cube and 25 Years of Boyz N The Hood” by Hanif Abdurraqib
Button author Hanif Abdurraqib wrote another essay for MTV this week covering his experience growing up with Ice Cube and Boyz N The Hood. Though neither the piece nor the film in question have a necessarily happy ending, there is still a sense of comfort knowing that there is still hope in loyalty and community, hope that has not vanished over the past quarter century.

Thanks for taking time out of your day to peruse poetry related things! It’s readers like you that make works like these possible. Check back with us next week for even more poetry related things from all around the internet!

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Spencer Brownstein is a poet, student, and Button staffer living in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He loves beanies, dogs, and a nice cigarette after dinner.

Casandra Faith – “The Lady at the VA Asks if I’ve Ever Considered Suicide”

Performing at WOWPS 2016.

“I’m not here because I want to die. I’m here hoping to remember what it’s like to be held without exploding.”

Don’t miss this vital poem from Casandra Faith, performing at the 2016 Women of the World Poetry Slam. Subscribe to us on YouTube to stay up to date on all these amazing performances.
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.

Hanif Abdurraqib – “Ode to Prince, Ending in a Jukebox on Fire in Ohio”

Featuring at Button Poetry Live, May 2016.

“I have given everything I have over to a juke, in hopes it would cough up one of your songs the way it was meant to be heard.”

Don’t miss this incredible tribute from Button author Hanif Abdurraqib (whose debut book is available here!), featuring at Button Poetry Live. Make sure to subscribe to us on YouTube to stay up to date on all these amazing performances.
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.

Jasmine Combs, Nayo Jones & Nick Stanovick – “Ghosts” (CUPSI 2016)

Performing at CUPSI 2016.

“Today, loneliness lives on the other side of the fence.”

Don’t miss this powerful poem from the Temple University team, performing on finals stage at the 2016 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational, where they placed first. Subscribe to us on YouTube to stay up to date on all these amazing performances.
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.