Rudy Francisco – “When People Ask How I’m Doing”


Performing at his book release in Minneapolis.

“When people ask me how I’m doing, I want to say, getting out of bed has become a magic trick. I am probably the worst magician I know.”

Don’t miss this remarkable poem from Rudy Francisco, featuring at his book release party at Icehouse in Minneapolis.

Happy Publication Day, Rudy! Check out Rudy’s debut book, HELIUM, now available!

Send us your poems! The 2017 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest is now open for submissions. November 15th – January 5th, 2017-2018. Check out the full information and guidelines for the contest here!

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, Jacqui Germain, Aaron Coleman, Donte Collins, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, William Evans, and more.

Rudy Francisco – “My Honest Poem” (250K Views!)

“My hobbies include editing my life story, hiding behind metaphors, and trying to convince my shadow that I’m someone worth following.”

Congratulations to Rudy on topping 250,000 views on this incredible poem. Watch more from Rudy here and here.

Don’t miss Rudy’s forthcoming book on the Button Poetry press! Pre-order your copy of Helium today!



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!

Best of Button Week 117

“I believe a good song can turn any room into a church.”



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 & Neil Hilborn. Congratulations poets!

Check out Rudy’s forthcoming book, Helium.

While you’re here on our site, make sure to check out all our books and merchandise in the Button Store, including books by Aziza Barnes, Danez Smith, Neil Hilborn and our new book from Olivia Gatwood!

Rudy Francisco – “Things I Strongly Believe” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“I believe masculinity is a wet fish most men are trying to hold onto.”

Don’t miss this excellent new poem from Rudy Francisco, featuring at the Button Poetry Live Grand Opening. Pre-order your copy of Rudy’s forthcoming book, Helium, out Fall 2017 through Button Poetry.

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 our books and merch, including books by Neil Hilborn, Mahogany L. Browne, Olivia Gatwood, Hanif Abdurraqib, Sabrina Benaim, Jacqui Germain, Aaron Coleman & more.

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!

Rudy Francisco – “To The Body” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

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

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Rudy Francisco, performing at the Button Poetry Live Grand Opening, October 2015. 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.

Keep an eye out for Rudy’s book Helium, forthcoming on the Button Poetry press! Pre-order your copy here.

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.

Rudy Francisco – “Adrenaline Rush” (100K Views!)

“It must be nice to feel so safe you have to invent
new ways to put yourself in danger.”

Congratulations to Rudy on topping 100,000 views on this brilliant poem. Check out more from Rudy here and here, and keep an eye out for his book, Helium, coming out later this year!



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, and Aaron Coleman!

Rudy Francisco – “My Honest Poem” (100K Views!)

“My hobbies include editing my life story, hiding behind metaphors, and trying to convince my shadow I’m someone worth following.”

Congratulations to Rudy Francisco on topping 100,000 views on his poem! You can check out this performance with an exclusive intro on our Button Poetry Live EP I, and watch more videos of Rudy here and here.
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 and Hanif Abdurraqib!

Best of Button Week 41

Rudy Best of Button

“My hobbies include editing my life story, hiding behind metaphors, and trying to convince my shadow that I’m someone worth following.”

Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button Playlist, featuring the hottest recent videos on the Button YouTube channel. Updated every week! Today’s additions: Rudy Francisco, Khamal Iwuanyanwu, Tonya Ingram & Bobby Crawford. Congratulations poets!