Shasparay Lighteard – “In This Shade” (Southern Fried)

Performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam.

“I have spent so much energy trying to be invisible.”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Shasparay Lighteard, performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Greensboro, NC.
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.

Ollie Schminkey – “Pubic Hair” (CUPSI 2016)

Performing at CUPSI 2016.

“The doctor named me woman before
I ever really even existed.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Ollie Schminkey, performing at the 2016 College Unions Poetry Slam Invtiational in Austin, TX.
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.

Best of Button Week 80

“You choose to mistake her weight for weakness,
and she chooses not to kill you.”

Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Beck Cooper & Paul Tran. 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 JUST-RELEASED book from Hanif Abdurraqib!

Jay Ward – “How to Train Your Dog” (Southern Fried)

Performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam.

“There is, after all, some reason that melanin
seeks after bullets the way it does.”

Don’t miss this stunning poem from Amanda Pressman, performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Greensboro, NC.
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.

Mahogany L. Browne – “Redbone Shames the Devil” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“You can’t tell me that ain’t love.”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Mahogany L. Browne, performing at Button Poetry Live. You can get Mahogany’s book here.

The next Button Poetry Live show livestreams tonight, September 5th! Check it out here.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out the rest of 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.

Amanda Pressman – “Spring Rolls” (Southern Fried)

Performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam.

“I like my lies the way my mother used to make them.”

Don’t miss this stunning poem from Amanda Pressman, performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Greensboro, NC.
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.

Roscoe Burnems – “Metaphysics For White Privilege” (Southern Fried)

Performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam.

“Just because you didn’t create it doesn’t mean
you don’t benefit from it.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Roscoe Burnems, our first video from the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam.
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.

Eric S. – “Virginity, Lost”

Performing at SlamMN!

“I am no closer to making love…
or not dry-heaving at the term ‘making love’.”

Don’t miss this great poem from Eric S., performing at SlamMN! in Minneapolis.
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.