Best of Button Week 134

“I text myself, ‘I knew you would need me.’”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Olivia Gatwood, Andrea Gibson, Sam Sax, & Melissa Lozada-Oliva. 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, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, and our newest release from Melissa Lozada-Oliva.

Tariq Luthun – “SEED” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“I do not know what to throw away when nothing belongs to me.”

Don’t miss this extraordinary poem from Tariq Luthun, performing at Button Poetry Live.

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, Jacqui Germain, Aaron Coleman, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, & our newest release from Melissa Lozada-Oliva.

Alyesha Wise – “To This Black Woman Body, Part I” (100K Views!)

“Tell them that if this here ain’t black and woman enough well, my black and woman enough body just don’t want you.”

Congratulations to Alyesha on topping 100,000 views on this beautiful poem. Check out more videos from Alyesha 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 books by Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, and our newest release from Melissa Lozada-Oliva!

Siaara Freeman – “Hexes For My Exes (after Rachel Wiley)”

2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“I wish you girls who claim they can’t cook, and they can cook, they just don’t wanna cook for your punk ass.”

Don’t miss this dynamic poem from Siaara Freeman, performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

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, Jacqui Germain, Aaron Coleman, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, our newest release from Melissa Lozada-Oliva & more.

Amaya Blankenship – “My Walk Home” (Get Lit)

Performing at the 2017 Get Lit Classic Slam.

“In the dark, light only casts shadows and it’s easy to be a target when lurking hands can hide.”

Don’t miss this dynamic poem from Amaya Blankenship, performing during the finals of the 2017 Get Lit Words Ignite Classic Slam, the largest youth poetry tournament in Southern California. Order Get Lit Rising today at simonandschuster.com, and join the #LiteraryRiot at getlit.org.

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, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, our newest release from Melissa Lozada-Oliva & more.

Olivia Fantini – “On Standardized Testing” (100K Views!)

“I ask the ESL specialist what resources are available for a student who spent 4th and 5th grade in a refugee camp. She tells me her boss will reach out to the family. He never does.”

Congratulations to Olivia on topping 100,000 views on this important poem. Check out more videos from the 2015 National Poetry Slam 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 books by Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, and our newest release from Melissa Lozada-Oliva!

Levi Antoine – “Resilient: Letters to My Rapist”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“This is not a poem, it is an open letter to my body to remind it that I am its owner.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem by Levi Antoine, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video 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, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, our newest release from Melissa Lozada-Oliva & more.

Olivia Gatwood – “Ode to My Period Underwear”

Performing at her Book Release Party.

“once you were brand new bought in the name of some boy who I wished to see me unmarked and clean as his mother’s kitchen counter”

Don’t miss this marvelous poem from Olivia Gatwood, performing at her book release in St. Paul, MN.

Get your hands on a copy of Olivia’s best-selling book, New American Best Friend, now available through the Button Store!

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, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Aaron Coleman, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, our newest release from Melissa Lozada-Oliva & more.

T. Miller – “The Difference Between a Girlfriend and a Woman” (250K Views!)

“A girlfriend will come over to you house and help clean up your kitchen. A woman will come into your life and help clean up your credit.”

Congratulations to T. Miller on topping 250,000 views on this phenomenal poem. Check out more videos from T. Miller 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 books by Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, and our newest release from Melissa Lozada-Oliva!

Edwin Bodney – “Good Morning” (100K Views!)

“Your neck is a whistling firework singing to the light of me. I am only amplifying sound.”

Congratulations to Edwin on topping 100,000 views on this beautiful poem. Check out more videos from Edwin 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 books by Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, and our newest release from Melissa Lozada-Oliva!