Paul Tran – “Dry Clean”

Performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival.

“Every war you start has its price, America, and my mother, she’s gonna make you pay.”

Don’t miss this tremendous poem by Paul Tran, performing at the 2017 Rustbelt Poetry Festival. Want to have your video featured on Button Poetry? Video submissions open TODAY, August 1st!

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, Jacqui Germain, Hanif Abdurraqib, Olivia Gatwood, our newest release from Donte Collins & more.

Bianca Phipps – “The Heartbreaker Poem” (500K Views!)

“Your father teaches you how to be the first one to walk away. Leave, before they realize you were not worth staying for.”

Congratulations to Bianca on topping 500,000 views on this wonderful poem. Watch more from Bianca 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!

Best of Button Week 123

“I wish there was something of yours left that I could put my ear to, and hear the familiar of your voice stumbling for my name.”



Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Omar Holmon, Ed Carlyon, & Talicha Johnson. 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
Donte Collins!

Trey Amos – “Short Story Long”


2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.
“Do you ever give second thought to breathing?”
Don’t miss this great poem from Trey Amos, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. Join our mailing list and get notified for our next submission period!
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.

Elizabeth Acevedo – “An Open Letter to the Protesters Outside the Planned Parenthood” (100K Views!)

“You don’t know my god. You and mine ain’t on speaking terms.”

Congratulations to Elizabeth on topping 100,000 views on this fantastic poem. Watch more from Elizabeth 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!

Juan Camillo Garza – “5000 Michael Jordans”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“The doorbell rings, the mailman is at the front and he’s carrying every love letter that every stranger has ever written for you.”

Don’t miss this brilliant poem from Juan Camillo Garza, featured contestant in the 2016 Button Poetry Video Contest. Join our mailing list and get notified for our next submission period!

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.

Safia Elhillo – “Application for the Position of Abdelhalim Hafez’s Girl” (Motionpoems)

A poetry film by Motionpoems.

“I go quiet for days. I turn the color of mirrors. I turn the color of smoke.”

Don’t miss this marvelous poem by Safia Elhillo, filmed by Motionpoems. Join our mailing list and get notified for our next submission period!

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.

Khary Jackson – “Past Lives of Darling Nikki” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“Fuck these guys, we’re perfect as we are.”

Don’t miss this remarkable poem from Khary Jackson, 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, or watch LIVE from our YouTube Channel.



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.