Matthew Cuban Hernandez – “Challenger”

Performing at Art Share LA

“I tell them they’re worth so much more than a thousand words,
that they are an ocean of confessions, begging for an out.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Matthew Cuban Hernandez, performing at Art Share LA. Support Button on Patreon so we can continue to broadcast these amazing poets!

And while you’re here, head over to the Button Store to check out books and more by many of your favorite Button artists, including Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Mahogany L. Browne, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood and more!

Ashley August – “Octoniggas: First Draft”

Performing at Rustbelt 2016.

“And y’all can’t see why I’m like this? I’m older
than my account balance, y’all.”

Don’t miss this great poem from Ashley August, performing at the 2016 Rustbelt Regional Poetry Slam in Columbus, Ohio. Support Button on Patreon so we can continue to broadcast these amazing poets!
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 99

“The truth hurts less when it is not parading
around in front of us.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Sabrina Benaim & Amanda Pressman. 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 Aaron Coleman!

Will Giles – “Choir” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“This is how I think song can be sharpened into a knife.
Misery and memory just minor chords in the same chorus.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem by Will Giles, performing at Button Poetry Live, September 2016. 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.

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 & more.

Classroom-Friendly Poems

Click here for the full playlist.

With the new school year starting up, we’ve added a bunch of new videos to our Classroom-Friendly poems playlist! We always love hearing from teachers who use our videos, so we compiled this resource to make it easier to find great poems for the classroom.
NOTE: Some poems in this list may not be appropriate for all grade levels. The list is primarily geared toward high schoolers, but many of the poems included would be appropriate for the middle grades as well.

If you’re looking for further classroom poetry resources, check out our books, available in the Button store!
Please share this with the teachers and educators in your life! And if you’ve personally used Button videos in the classroom, please tell us about it in the comments below!

Alex Dang & Dante Douglas – “The Shotgun Cabinet” (CUPSI 2016)

Performing at the 2016 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational.

“Choke a running faucet, and you come out with clean hands.”
Don’t miss this excellent poem from Alex Dang and Dante Douglas, performing as part of the “Best of the Rest” during finals at the 2016 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational. Subscribe to us on YouTube to stay up to date on all these amazing performances.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts (on sale for the start of summer!) in both female and unisex cuts, and books by many of your favorite Button artists.

Best of Button Week 51

Anis 21 Thoughts Website

“It is always easiest to turn our hearts by affecting our eyes.”

Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the hottest recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Anis Mojgani & Kayla Q. Congratulations poets!

Make sure to check out our books and merchandise in the Button Store!

Poets Danez Smith, Nikkita Oliver & Jamila Woods Perform w/ Macklemore on Late Show

Danez Late Show Website

Last night, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert brought out Macklemore to perform a rendition of ‘White Privilege II’ featuring spoken word from Button poet Danez Smith and Seattle-based poet Nikkita Oliver. The song also features vocals from poet Jamila Woods. Check out the incredible performance below!

Check out Danez Smith’s brilliant book here, as well as his full poem, ‘Dear White America’.