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.

Best of Button Week 110

“Sunlight falls on the curves of your skin with no complaints and does not wish to change your shadow. I wish people were like sunlight too.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Diksha Bijlani & Pamela J. Peters. 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 Olivia Gatwood!

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!

Theresa Davis – “Copse” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“They cut me down in my prime; they took away my roots.”

Don’t miss this powerful poem from Theresa Davis, performing at Button Poetry Live, November 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.

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.

Best of Button Week 109

“I’m afraid to say his name because the quicker I say his name, the quicker I’ll empty myself of his memories.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: T. Miller & Franny Choi. 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 Olivia Gatwood!

Rhiannon McGavin – “Chick Lit”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“My teacher said he didn’t know of any female writers good enough to study.”

Don’t miss this awesome poem from Rhiannon McGavin, 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 & more.