Mila Cuda – “From Van Gogh’s Severed Ear” (Get Lit)

Performing at the Get Lit Classic Slam.

“The mind of a tortured artist is one we worship
for its struggle and judge for its suffering.”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Mila Cuda, performing during the finals of the Get Lit Words Ignite Classic Slam, the largest youth poetry tournament in Southern California. Order Get Lit Rising today at simonandschuster.com, and join the #LiteraryRiot at getlit.org.
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.

Neil Hilborn – “Moving Day” (100K Views!)

“A sparrow flew just over my feet, its wings
beating against its own body, a sound not unlike applause.”

Congratulations to Neil on topping 100,000 on this gorgeous poem. You can get this poem and more in his best-selling book, Our Numbered Days.



And while you’re here, make sure to check out our books and merch as well, including our awesome t-shirts and poster and new books by Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, and Aaron Coleman!

Joseph Capehart – “Bad Ideas” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“How many times have I opened my mouth
only to hear someone else’s voice?”

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

Ashley Lumpkin – “Eucharist: How to Make Your Mother Let You Save Her Life”

Performing at Southern Fried 2016.

“Don’t ever forget you wear my face.
Side by side we look like sisters.”

Don’t miss this great poem from Ashley Lumpkin, performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Greensboro, NC. 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.

Jeanann Verlee – “Hereditary” (WOWPS 2016)

Performing at WOWPS 2016.

“One time I said, ‘Mom, calm down,’ and she slapped me
so hard I forgot her name.”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Jeanann Verlee, performing at the 2016 Women of the World Poetry Slam in Brooklyn, NY.
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 87

“Both of my parents died of overdoses. I paid for their funerals
with drug money. There goes that irony 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: Amin Drew Law & FreeQuency!
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!

Donte Collins – “Grief Puppet” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live

“Don’t tell your Uber driver you’re going to an orgy.”

Don’t miss this stunning poem from Donte Collins, performing at Button Poetry Live, July 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 Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Anthony McPherson – “When the Obamas Leave Us”

Performing at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe.

“If you were 8 years old today, you would not know
a world without a black president.”

Don’t miss this powerful poem from Anthony McPherson, performing at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Check out more from Anthony here and here.
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.