Joseph Capehart – “I Write About the Black Boy” (Button Live)


Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“I write about the Black boy, because aren’t you still asking about his father? Don’t you still wanna know if he stole those cigarettes? Don’t you sleep better with a reason? Aren’t you still sleeping? Aren’t you still sleeping?”

Don’t miss this powerful poem from Joseph Capehart, 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!

Neil Hilborn – “You Can’t Be Depressed”


Performing at Honey in Minneapolis.
“My last birthday, I was surrounded by people who loved me, and the loudest thought in my head was still, ‘They wouldn’t even be sad if you died.’”

Don’t miss this incredible new poem from Neil Hilborn, performing at Honey in Minneapolis.

Get your hands on Neil’s newest book, THE FUTURE, NOW AVAILABLE!

Best of Button Week 158

“Stained glass is sometimes just light born in a better neighborhood and I can smell the gunpowder you swallowed every time I startle a flock of birds that will never fly again.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: William Evans & Donte Collins. 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!

Jared Singer – “How to Make Love Stay (after Tom Robbins)” (Button Live)


Featuring at Button Poetry Live.

“Pretend that the whole world is the music video of your love. Finish every sentence by taking off your sunglasses, especially when you aren’t wearing any.”

Don’t miss this beautiful poem from Jared Singer, featuring 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, Stevie Edwards, Claire Schwartz, Guante, & our newest release from Rachel Wiley!

Native Child – “Precipice”


Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“It is said that 1 in 3 women will experience violence in their lifetime. I have two daughters, both who have inherited my eyes.”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Native Child, 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 Neil Hilborn, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Stevie Edwards, Claire Schwartz, Guante, & our newest release from Rachel Wiley!

Anna Binkovitz – “Thirteen” (Button Live)


Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“I took an online quiz to find out whether or not you abused me.”

Don’t miss this remarkable poem from Anna Binkovitz, 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, Stevie Edwards, Claire Schwartz, Guante, & our newest release from Rachel Wiley!

Javon Johnson – “Pretzeled Bodies” (Button Live)


Featuring at Button Poetry Live.

“I never thanked you for being my lighthouse.”

Don’t miss this wonderful poem from Javon Johnson, featuring 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, Stevie Edwards, Claire Schwartz, Guante, & our newest release from Rachel Wiley!

Neil Hilborn – “Move-In Day”


Performing at Honey in Minneapolis.
“I don’t know how we thought all our stuff could fit into this tiny apartment when we first picked it out, back before I said anything about my doubts, my doubts, they feel so stupid now, now that we’ve learned how to say to each other more than ‘I’m afraid.’”

Don’t miss this beautiful new poem from Neil Hilborn, performing at Honey in Minneapolis.

Get your hands on Neil’s forthcoming book, THE FUTURE, coming April 2018, preorder now for a signed copy!



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, Rudy Francisco, Stevie Edwards, Claire Schwartz, Guante, & our newest release from Rachel Wiley!

Omar Holmon – “A Case Study In Black Girl Magic” (100K Views!)

“I’m sorry became my mantra.”

Congratulations to Omar Holmon on topping 100,000 views on this phenomenal poem. Check out more videos from Omar 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 books by Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, Donte Collins, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Rudy Francisco, Guante, and our newest release from Rachel Wiley!

Joan Leslie – “More Black Girl than Magic”

2017 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“How you do it, girl? How you wake up with a smile on as big as the sun when you were up crying all night before?”

Don’t miss this powerful poem by Joan Leslie, runner-up in the 2017 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, & our newest release from Rachel Wiley!