Ephraim Nehemiah – “Teaching My Son How to Say No”

Performed at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam

“I will teach my son how to say ‘no.’ Even if I’m still learning how to say it myself.”

Don’t miss this powerful poem from Ephraim Nehemiah, performing at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam in Baltimore, MD.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Sabrina Benaim, Neil Hilborn, Michael Lee, Blythe Baird, Raych Jackson, and our newest releases from Patrick Roche & Andrea Gibson!

Kaleigh O’Keefe – “The Doctor Says My Uterus is Heart-Shaped”

Filmed by SlamFind

“My want is shaped like a question mark, always. My brain is the shape of my mother and father’s hands. My hands are shaped like tectonic plates.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Kaleigh O’Keefe, filmed by SlamFind.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Sabrina Benaim, Neil Hilborn, Michael Lee, Blythe Baird, Raych Jackson, and our newest releases from Patrick Roche & Andrea Gibson!

King Yaw – “Ancestral Ghosts”

Performed at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam

“I’ve been told I can’t talk about the Black experience in America. Been told I can’t talk about it in the classroom in front of my college students in my poems because I sound less like Malcolm X and more like Nelson Mandela.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem from King Yaw, performing at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam in Baltimore, MD.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Rachel Wiley, Neil Hilborn, Javon Johnson, Michael Lee, Azura Tyabji & Jackson Neal, Omar Holmon, and our newest release from Andrea Gibson!

E. Candelario – “Power Concedes”

Performed at the Striver’s Row

“Power concedes nothing without demand, and if you don’t keep your rights by your fist, they just might fall out your hands.”

Don’t miss this stunning poem from E. Candelario, performing at the Striver’s Row

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Rachel Wiley, Neil Hilborn, Javon Johnson, Michael Lee, Azura Tyabji & Jackson Neal, Omar Holmon, and our newest release from Andrea Gibson!

Omar Holmon & A.R. – “Open Letter to Black People in Horror Movies” (250K Views!)

“Every day in my life is a horror flick.”

Congratulations to Omar Holmon & A.R. for topping 250,000 views on this powerful poem! Watch more from Omar Holmon & A.R. here and here.

Grab your copy of Omar’s incredible book, WE WERE ALL SOMEONE ELSE YESTERDAY, now available to order!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Sabrina Benaim, Neil Hilborn, Dave Harris, Michael Lee, Blythe Baird, Raych Jackson, and our newest release from Andrea Gibson!

Ollie Schminkey – “Reese’s Penis Butter Cups”

Performing at Icehouse

“I guess that I’m always saying the wrong thing. I try to say ‘thank you for loving me,’ but instead I say ‘I’m sorry I’m so hard to love.’”

Don’t miss this great poem from Ollie Schminkey, performing at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN

Ollie’s incredible book, DEAD DAD JOKES, is now available!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Rachel Wiley, Neil Hilborn, Javon Johnson, Michael Lee, Blythe Baird, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, and our newest release from Andrea Gibson!

Best of Button Week 351

“I know most people try hard to do good and find out too late they should have tried softer.”

Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s addition: Andrea Gibson! Congrats Poet!

Check out the 2021 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest! Open November 15, 2021 – January 10, 2022. More info and full guidelines here!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Guante, Dave Harris, Neil Hilborn, Rachel Wiley, William Evans, Blythe Baird, Ollie Schminkey, and our newest release from Andrea Gibson!