Theron Jenkins – “Pennies”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“I know being a firefighter don’t make me safe, and how ironic is that? Knowing that I will either die in a fire or in the line of fire.”

Don’t miss this remarkable poem from Theron Jenkins, Runner-Up in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. 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 all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain & more.

Rudy Francisco – “To The Body” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“Dear Brain, you’re a good listener, but you give horrible relationship advice.”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Rudy Francisco, performing at the Button Poetry Live Grand Opening, October 2015. 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.

Keep an eye out for Rudy’s book Helium, forthcoming on the Button Poetry press! Pre-order your copy here.

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.

Crystal Valentine – “And the News Reporter Says Jesus Is White” (250K Views!)

“How can you say Jesus was a white man when he died the blackest way possible? With his hands up, with his mother watching.”

Congratulations to Crystal on topping 250,000 views on this incredible poem. Check out more from Crystal 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!

Ebo Barton – “Value” (Video Contest Runner-Up)

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“This body has always felt like an old motel with no keeper, and a room that I would gladly leave if I could.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem from Ebo Barton, Runner-Up in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. 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 all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax & more.

Pamela J. Peters – “My Once Life” (Contest Winner!)

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“I once lived when our language was beautiful; spoken everyday, and never misunderstood.”

Don’t miss this stunning poem from Pamela J. Peters, Winner of the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. 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 all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax & more.

Khonsay: Poem of Many Tongues – “Threat”


“Threat” from, Khonsay: Poem of Many Tongues
“Our destiny is not to have an unfortunate end.”
Don’t miss this incredible poem from Khonsay: Poem of Many Tongues. 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 all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax & more.

Duck Washington – “In Sickness”


Performing at the Erotic Slam
“I have seen you at your most horrific, a nightmarish concoction of ailments and vapor rub, and I couldn’t be more smitten.”
Don’t miss this incredible poem from Duck Washington, performing at the Erotic Slam. 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 all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain, Sam Sax & more.

Bernard Ferguson – “3 Poems on Resistance”

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“The sharpest blade I have is where I place my body.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Bernard Ferguson, featuring at Button Poetry Live, March 2017. 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.

Eric Sirota – “No Guns Inside”

Performing at Great Plains 2016.

“My daily life is the cleanest argument for gun control.”

Don’t miss this great poem from Eric Sirota, performing 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.

Rachel Wiley – “Paper Babies” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“They don’t make Hallmark cards for your first pregnancy scare.”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Rachel Wiley, performing at Button Poetry Live, July 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.