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.

Best of Button Week 122

“How do you raise a Black child? From the dead. With pallbearers who are half as young as their faces suggest and twice the oxen they should be.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Cortney Lamar Charleston, Meghann Plunkett & Alysia Harris. 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!

Justin Lamb – “Hermit”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“I want you to be happy. I also want me to be happy. And you falling in love with a hermit feels like a fair compromise.”

Don’t miss this great poem from Justin Lamb, 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.

Safia Elhillo – “Application for the Position of Abdelhalim Hafez’s Girl” (Motionpoems)

A poetry film by Motionpoems.

“I go quiet for days. I turn the color of mirrors. I turn the color of smoke.”

Don’t miss this marvelous poem by Safia Elhillo, 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.

Ed Carlyon – “It’s OK”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“My armpit hair is uneven and I feel like something is wrong with my nipples but I don’t know what.”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Ed Carlyon, 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.

Khary Jackson – “Past Lives of Darling Nikki” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“Fuck these guys, we’re perfect as we are.”

Don’t miss this remarkable poem from Khary Jackson, performing at Button Poetry Live. 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, or watch LIVE from our YouTube Channel.



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, Sabrina Benaim, Jacqui Germain, Aaron Coleman & more.

Marshall Gillson – “Black Boy Climbs into the Gorilla Cage to Ask for Advice”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“They mistake our wailing for anger, but it is pain.”

Don’t miss this spectacular poem from Marshall Gillson, 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.