Grades 11–12
PoetryWritingWaves like mountains
Waves that make me feel so weak
So peaceful yet so strong
How can I overcome you?
From the distance I see you
From afar I think of you
When I’m in front of you, I see you
I feel you
I hear you
All the memories come back to me
As your cold waves hit me
Those summer nights come back to me
Those tears come back to me
My tears are part of you now
So warm when they run down my face
Yet so cold when they touch my feet
I’m afraid how deep you are
Will you let me float with you
Will I be able to enter your life again?
Ondas
Olas como montañas
Olas que me hacen sentir tan débil
Tan pacífico pero tan fuerte
¿Cómo puedo superarte?
Desde la distancia te veo
Desde lejos pienso en ti
Cuando estoy frente a ti, te veo
te siento
te escucho
Todos los recuerdos vuelven a mi
Mientras tus olas frías me golpean
Esas noches de verano vuelven a mí
Esas lagrimas vuelven a mi
Mis lágrimas son parte de ti ahora
Tan cálido cuando corren por mi cara
Sin embargo, tan frío cuando tocan mis pies
Tengo miedo de lo profundo que eres
¿Me dejarás flortar contigo?
¿Podré volver a entrar en tu vida?
***
This piece was originally published in Dreams, Screams and Everything in Between by 826NYC
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Helen, Grade 12, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis offers words of support to healthcare workers across the country, including her own mom.
by Isaiah, 826 New Orleans
This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Corazón, 826 New Orleans
In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston
A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
by Kailyn Espinosa, 826NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Terry Velasquez, Grade 12, The Bronx, NY
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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