In-Depth Look: Ariana Brown – “Ode to Thrift Stores”

In-Depth Look: Ariana Brown – “Ode to Thrift Stores”

Appreciating poetry is often about patience: sitting with a poem, meditating on it, and re-reading it multiple times. With spoken word, we don’t always get a chance to do that. This series is about taking that chance, and diving a little deeper into some of the new poems going up on Button.

What can you create when the only thing in front of you is your hands?

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Write-up by Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre

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My favorite extended metaphors also function on a literal level. I hear this poem as a profound exploration of how wisdom is handed down through generations, how class identity is shaped through family relationships, how necessity is the mother of invention (with “mother” being intentional phrasing)– of course. But I also hear it as a literal ode to thrift stores; the imagery is so specific, the sense of place so well-defined. The fact that the poem works so well on both levels is stunning; the thrift store is not just the tool used to get to the “deep stuff” in the poem; it’s inextricably linked to it.

That fusion of form and content, aside from just being gorgeous on a poetic level, generates an emotional energy that brings the audience into the poem, that gives the poem weight. Related to that, I’d also just point out how powerful the opening and closing lines of the poem are; both are quotes, both could be seen as “small” interpersonal interactions, and both do so much work for the poem.

Find more from Ariana Brown here!

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While you’re here on our site, make sure to check out our books and merchandise in the Button Store, including Guante’s own book, as well as titles by Danez Smith, Neil Hilborn, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, and our newest release from Rudy Francisco!

Sabrina Benaim – “The Loneliest Sweet Potato” (100K Views!)

“I’m good at making people feel good because I have had a lot of practice on myself. Practice on myself because I feel sad a lot.”

Congratulations to Sabrina Benaim on topping 100,000 views on this impeccable poem. Check out more videos from Sabrina here and here!

Make sure to check out Sabrina’s debut book, DEPRESSION & OTHER MAGIC TRICKS, now available!

Send us your poems! The 2017 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest is now open for submissions. November 15th – January 5th, 2017. Check out the full information and guidelines for the contest 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, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, and our newest release from Rudy Francisco!

Samantha Healy – “Witch Hunt” (Get Lit)

Performing at the 2017 Get Lit Classic Slam.

“He likes girls with mothers that don’t love them. Mothers like whiplash, throw you across your bedroom, cradle you in the wreckage, teach you nothing of stability. Mothers that singe your eyebrows with every laugh.”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Samantha Healy, performing during the semifinals 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.

Want to get your book published on Button? The 2017 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest is now open for submissions. November 15th – January 5th, 2017-2018. Check out the full information and guidelines for the contest 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, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, our newest release from Rudy Francisco & more.

Isha Camara – “Sidewalks and Catcalls” (Button Live)


Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“If I’m a work of art, think how expensive this skin is.”

Don’t miss this phenomenal poem from Isha Camara, performing at Button Poetry Live.

Send us your poems! The 2017 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest is now open for submissions. November 15th – January 5th, 2017-2018. Check out the full information and guidelines for the contest here!

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, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans & our newest release from Rudy Francisco and more.

Kevin Burke – “Day Two” (100K Views!)

“There is a difference between picking a fight and picking your fights.”

Congratulations to Kevin Burke on topping 100,000 views on this impeccable poem. Check out more videos from Kevin here!

Send us your poems! The 2017 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest is now open for submissions. November 15th – January 5th, 2017. Check out the full information and guidelines for the contest 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, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, and our newest release from Rudy Francisco!

Melissa Lozada-Oliva – “My Hair Stays on Your Pillow Like a Question Mark”


Performing at her book release in Minneapolis.

“Imagine being as gross as you fear?? Imagine the things that shed from you turning into something that survives the apocalypse??”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Melissa Lozada-Oliva, featuring at her book release party at Icehouse in Minneapolis.

Make sure to check out Melissa’s new book, PELUDA, now available!

Send us your poems! The 2017 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest is now open for submissions. November 15th – January 5th, 2017-2018. Check out the full information and guidelines for the contest here!

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, Jacqui Germain, Aaron Coleman, Donte Collins, William Evans, our newest release from Rudy Francisco, and more!

Best of Button Week 142

“To anyone who has ever wanted to die: I have been told sometimes the most healing thing we can do is remind ourselves over and over and over, other people feel this way too.”




Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Andrea Gibson, Sabrina Benaim, and Mila Cuda!

Want to get your book published on Button? The 2017 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest is now open for submissions. November 15th – January 5th, 2017-2018. Check out the full information and guidelines for the contest here!

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, our newest release from Rudy Francisco and more!

Suzi Q Smith – “I Don’t Know How to Love in English”


Performing at Great Plains 2016

“I do not know where love comes from, only know that it resides in me.”

Don’t miss this sensational poem from Suzi Q Smith, performing at the 2016 Great Plains Poetry Pile-Up in Lincoln, NE.

Want to get your book published on Button? The 2017 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest is now open for submissions. November 15th – January 5th, 2017-2018. Check out the full information and guidelines for the contest here!

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

Rob Mitchell – “Cash Rules Everything Around Me”


Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“The dollar was the difference between darkness and a deadlier thing.”

Don’t miss this sensational poem from Rob Mitchell, performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

Want to get your book published on Button? The 2017 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest is now open for submissions. November 15th – January 5th, 2017-2018. Check out the full information and guidelines for the contest here!

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

Emi Mahmoud – “Why I Haven’t Told You Yet” (100K Views!)

“He once said I’m cute when I’m angry. Well, I’m about to look phenomenal.”

Congratulations to Emi Mahmoud on topping 100,000 views on this incredible poem. Check out more videos from Emi here and here.

Send us your poems! The 2017 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest is now open for submissions. November 15th – January 5th, 2017. Check out the full information and guidelines for the contest 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, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, and our newest release from Rudy Francisco!