Amir Safi – “Ode to DJ Khaled”

Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“We never saw anyone who looked like us and didn’t try to hide where they were from.”

Don’t miss this sensational poem by Amir Safi, performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival. Want to have your video featured on Button Poetry? Video submissions are open NOW, August 1st – September 15th!

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, Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, our newest release from Donte Collins & more.

Paul Tran – “Dry Clean”

Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“Every war you start has its price, America, and my mother, she’s gonna make you pay.”

Don’t miss this tremendous poem by Paul Tran, performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival. Want to have your video featured on Button Poetry? Video submissions open TODAY, August 1st!

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, Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, our newest release from Donte Collins & more.

Bianca Phipps – “The Heartbreaker Poem” (500K Views!)

“Your father teaches you how to be the first one to walk away. Leave, before they realize you were not worth staying for.”

Congratulations to Bianca on topping 500,000 views on this wonderful poem. Watch more from Bianca 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, and Aaron Coleman!

Best of Button Week 123

“I wish there was something of yours left that I could put my ear to, and hear the familiar of your voice stumbling for my name.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Omar Holmon, Ed Carlyon, & Talicha Johnson. 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
Donte Collins!

Glenis Redmond – “The Tao of the Black Plastic Comb” (Motionpoems)

A poetry film by Motionpoems.

“Bless how I learned to pocket the hurt in my heart–bless this act of survival.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem by Glenis Redmond, filmed by Motionpoems. 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.

Trey Amos – “Short Story Long”


2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.
“Do you ever give second thought to breathing?”
Don’t miss this great poem from Trey Amos, 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.

Juan Camillo Garza – “5000 Michael Jordans”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“The doorbell rings, the mailman is at the front and he’s carrying every love letter that every stranger has ever written for you.”

Don’t miss this brilliant poem from Juan Camillo Garza, 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.

Sabrina Benaim – “On Platonic Love Being a Real Thing”

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“I think about each relationship sitting at the table, how we trust each other with our whole bodies, how that’s love; now, isn’t that love?”

Don’t miss this magnificent new poem from Sabrina Benaim, featuring at Button Poetry Live, January 2017. Pre-order your copy of Sabrina’s forthcoming book, Depression & Other Magic Tricks, out Fall 2017 with Button!

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 & more.

Poet Jen Harris – “For All Parents”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“Now that your child has come out to you, free to choose to live anyway they feel right to, you’re not allowed to resign.”

Don’t miss this fabulous poem from Poet Jen Harris, 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.

Donte Collins – “Death Ain’t Nothin’ But a Song”

Performing at his book release in Minneapolis.

“My mother now wears the world: Dresses herself with the tall grass, blushes her cheeks with red clay, she laughs and a forest fire awakens, she laughs and every mountain bows to her sharp thunder, she laughs and every cicada begins to sing.”

Don’t miss this spectacular poem from Donte Collins, performing at his book release in Minneapolis.

Check out Donte’s book, Autopsy.

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.