Best of Button Week 111

“Dear Brain, you’re a good listener, but you give horrible relationship advice.”



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 & Rhiannon McGavin. Congratulations poets! Make sure to check out Rudy’s forthcoming debut book.

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 Olivia Gatwood!

Joseph Capehart – “For My Mom” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“My mom never taught me how to sing well, per se, but she taught me how to enjoy it.”

Don’t miss this wonderful poem from Joseph Capehart, performing at Button Poetry Live, January 2017. 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.

Come to Minneapolis, MN, June 2-3 for the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival, hosted by Button Poetry! Tickets are now available!

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.

Olivia Gatwood – “Ode to the Women on Long Island” (100K Views!)

“When they call you a bitch, say thank you, thank you very much.”

Congratulations to Olivia on topping 100,000 views on this phenomenal poem. Check out this poem and more from Olivia’s best-selling new poetry book, New American Best Friend.



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, and Aaron Coleman!

Ben Wenzl – “Mental Illness: The Musical!” (100K Views!)

“The role of college will be played by me sleeping, also the role of work will be played by me sleeping.”

Congratulations to Ben on topping 100,000 views on this fantastic poem. Check out more from Ben 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, and Aaron Coleman!

Dave Harris – “Shade, or How I Respond to White People Who Are Tired of Talking About Race”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“The greatest miracle is convincing me my existence is progress.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem from Dave Harris, Runner-Up in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. 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 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.

Kai Carlson-Wee – “Cry of the Loon”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“We are given a few years to laugh at the danger; to break ourselves down in the service of joy.”

Don’t miss this awesome poem from Kai Carlson-Wee, Runner-Up in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. 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 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.

Fatima Camara – “Headlines” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“Every headline becomes a careful process of erasure.”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Fatima Camara, performing at Button Poetry Live, March 2017. 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, our newest release from Olivia Gatwood & more.

Theron Jenkins – “Pennies”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“I know being a firefighter don’t make me safe, and how ironic is that? Knowing that I will either die in a fire or in the line of fire.”

Don’t miss this remarkable poem from Theron Jenkins, Runner-Up in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. 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 all our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Danez Smith, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jacqui Germain & more.

Sabrina Benaim – “Explaining My Depression to My Mother” (5M Views!)

“My depression is a shapeshifter. One day it’s as small as a firefly
in the palm of a bear; the next, it’s the bear.”

Congratulations to Sabrina on topping FIVE MILLION VIEWS on this incredible poem. Keep an eye out for Sabrina’s debut book, Depression & Other Magic Tricks, forthcoming on the Button press. Pre-order your copy here

Check out more videos from Sabrina 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 new books by Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, and Aaron Coleman!