Hakeem Furious – “Cartoons and Cereal (Reprise)”


Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“You can charm your way into a woman’s heart so much, you can make it stop beating.”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Hakeem Furious, 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 Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!

Davon Clark – “Bustelo”


Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“The only water my people are supposed to know are the Atlantic and firehoses.”

Don’t miss this marvelous poem from Davon Clark, 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 Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!

Kamau Walker – “A Temple Worth Praying To”


Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“My prayers felt more like habitual recitation rather than genuine conversation, I could never tell if God was listening or if my words were just reflecting off empty corridors.”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Kamau Walker, 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 Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!

Neil Hilborn – “A Place Where Someone Loves You”


Featuring at Icehouse in MPLS.

“‘Goodbye’ isn’t a strong enough word, but ‘fuck off forever’ isn’t always what I mean.”

Don’t miss this remarkable poem from Neil Hilborn, featuring at his book release party at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN.

Check out Neil’s newest book, THE FUTURE, now available!



While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!

Porsha Olayiwola – “Unnamed” (Button Live)


Featuring at Button Poetry Live.

“People wonder about Black names: why the names aren’t shorter, why the runaway syllables aren’t easier to catch, why our names chime like music when they traverse between lobes.”

Don’t miss this magnificent poem from Porsha Olayiwola, featuring at Button Poetry Live.

Stay tuned for Porsha’s forthcoming book from Button Poetry, coming Fall 2018!



While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!

Miss K – “How to Be Black in America” (Button Live)


Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“Be more respectful than you have to be. Anything defensive from you is resistance. And you will be detained, in a box, be it metal or wooden.”

Don’t miss this tremendous poem from Miss K, 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, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!

Best of Button Week 163

“When the boy says he loves my body, but does not say he loves me, I let him.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Bianca Phipps, Dave Harris, & Guante. Congrats poets!

While you’re here on our site, make sure to check out our books and merchandise in the Button Store, including books by Danez Smith, Olivia Gatwood, Neil Hilborn, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Rudy Francisco, Stevie Edwards, Claire Schwartz, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!

Julian Randall – “6 Biracial Metaphors”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“Sometimes being biracial is to have two half-filled glasses and die of thirst anyway.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem by Julian Randall, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest!

Stay tuned for more information about our 2018 Video Contest!

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, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, Rudy Francisco, Stevie Edwards, Claire Schwartz, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!

Rudy Francisco – “If I Was a Love Poet”


Featuring at Icehouse in Minneapolis.

“I loved you the same way that I learned how to ride a bike. Scared, but reckless. With no training wheels or elbow pads so my scars can tell the story of how I fell for you.”

Don’t miss this remarkable poem from Rudy Francisco, featuring at his book release party at Icehouse in Minneapolis.

Check out Rudy’s phenomenal book, HELIUM, now available!



While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Guante, Rachel Wiley, & our newest release from Neil Hilborn!