Olivia Gatwood – Directives

Performed at Rustbelt 2015

“”It is easy to hurt someone who looks just like you, especially when you hate yourself.””

Don’t miss this poem from Olivia Gatwood, performing at Rustbelt 2015

Get Olivia’s book, New American Best Friend.

Olivia Gatwood – “When I Say That We Are All Teen Girls” (500K Views!)

“When I say that we are all teen girls, what I mean is that when my grandmother called to ask why I didn’t respond to her letter, all I heard was, ‘Why didn’t you text me back? Why don’t you love me?’”

Congratulations to Olivia Gatwood for topping 500,000 views on this fantastic poem! Watch more from Olivia here and here.

Get Olivia’s phenomenal book, New American Best Friend.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Sabrina Benaim, Neil Hilborn, Hanif Abdurraqib, Michael Lee, L.E. Bowman, Raych Jackson, and our newest release from Topaz Winters!

Olivia Gatwood – “Liberty”

Performing at Camp Bar.

“She did not know that when the boys lined up in four straight rows to sing the anthem, they were singing it for her.”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Olivia Gatwood, performing at Camp Bar in St.Paul.

Olivia’s book, NEW AMERICAN BEST FRIEND, is now available!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Sabrina Benaim, Neil Hilborn, Andrea Gibson, Blythe Baird, Desireé Dallagiacomo, & our newest release from Dave Harris!

Best of 2018 #5: Olivia Gatwood – “When I Say That We Are All Teen Girls”

Best of 2018 #5: Olivia Gatwood – “When I Say That We Are All Teen Girls”

“When I say that we are all teen girls, what I mean is that when my grandmother called to ask why I didn’t respond to her letter, all I heard was, ‘Why didn’t you text me back? Why don’t you love me?’”

Heading into the new year, we’ll be counting down the top-viewed videos on Button from 2018! Coming in fifth on the list, “When I Say That We Are All Teen Girls” by Olivia Gatwood. Congratulations Olivia!

Note: This countdown list only covers a small fraction of the brilliant artists who let us share their work on our channel this year, and is by no means a definitive list of the “best” poems, simply the ones that got the most views. Take some time and check out more from the past year on our channel.


Get Olivia’s Book Here
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And while you’re here, make sure to check out our other books and merch as well, including our awesome t-shirts and posters, and books by Rudy Francisco, Rachel Wiley, Neil Hilborn, Phil Kaye, and our newest release from Andrea Gibson!

Olivia Gatwood – “Ode to My Lover’s Left Hand”


Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“What is the sky if not my body? A home for your open and boastful wing.”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Olivia Gatwood, performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

Check out Olivia’s incredible book, NEW AMERICAN BEST FRIEND, Goodreads finalist for Best Poetry Books of 2017.



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!

Best of Button Week 155

“Sooner or later you will realize that you are praying to your own shadow, that you are standing in front of mirrors and are worshipping your own reflection.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Rudy Francisco, Olivia Gatwood, Rachel McKibbens, & Sienna Burnett. 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 Danez Smith, Olivia Gatwood, Neil Hilborn, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Rudy Francisco, Stevie Edwards, Claire Schwartz, & our newest release from Guante!

Olivia Gatwood – “The Scholar”


Performing at her book release in St. Paul.

“The last time we made love you asked me if I was scared. I think you wanted me to say yes.”

Don’t miss this stellar poem from Olivia Gatwood, performing at her book release in St. Paul, MN.

Check out Olivia’s book, New American Best Friend, 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, Jacqui Germain, Aaron Coleman, Donte Collins, Sabrina Benaim, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, Stevie Edwards, Claire Schwartz, & our newest release from Guante!