Joseph Capehart – “For My Mom” (Button Live)

Performing at Button Poetry Live.

“My mom never taught me how to sing well, per se, but she taught me how to enjoy it.”

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Crystal Valentine – “And the News Reporter Says Jesus Is White” (250K Views!)

“How can you say Jesus was a white man when he died the blackest way possible? With his hands up, with his mother watching.”

Congratulations to Crystal on topping 250,000 views on this incredible poem. Check out more from Crystal 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, and Aaron Coleman!

Mohamed Hassan – “Secrets of the Sea (for Alan Kurdi)”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“If a toddler drowns in an ocean and no one is around to photograph it, do we still care?”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Mohamed Hassan, 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.

Diana Khong – “Blood Orange”

2016 Button Poetry Video Contest.

“My grandmother has no teeth, but still she smiles.”

Don’t miss this amazing poem from Diana Khong, 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.

Khonsay: Poem of Many Tongues – “Threat”


“Threat” from, Khonsay: Poem of Many Tongues
“Our destiny is not to have an unfortunate end.”
Don’t miss this incredible poem from Khonsay: Poem of Many Tongues. 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.

Duck Washington – “In Sickness”


Performing at the Erotic Slam
“I have seen you at your most horrific, a nightmarish concoction of ailments and vapor rub, and I couldn’t be more smitten.”
Don’t miss this incredible poem from Duck Washington, performing at the Erotic Slam. 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.