Grade 8
PoetryWritingArielle is an inspiring artist and a lover of reading and writing. She wishes her poem will inspire people to look beyond first appearances and acknowledge what’s hiding behind the smile. Arielle hopes that her writing can help people relate to others and bring confidence to those who can relate to this poem on a deeper level.
When people come to see me, they photograph the sparkling waters and white sand beaches.
They choose to remember the looming palm trees and beautiful sunrises.
In their eyes, I am a place of serene beauty and calm.
But what about the things they don’t see?
What hides beneath the endless waters.
They know it’s there, they choose to ignore it all.
They fear darkness and uncertainty.
They fear the creatures they can’t understand and the riptides that will pull them in.
They choose ignorance rather than acknowledge the storms that rage overhead.
Hiding behind their walls as the clouds roll in, and those who live below the waters begin to stir.
The people cower in fear of its fury.
For they know, when the darkness settles, there is no stopping the storm of pain and anger that is to come.
And when the dark passes.
The waters calm once again and laps back at the land.
Trying to clean up the broken pieces its anger created.
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by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
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A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Shayne Williams
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by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by David, 826CHI
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Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
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A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
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An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by William, 826LA
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A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
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A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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A poem about wanting more from life.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
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A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
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Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Cayden, 826DC
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by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
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This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
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A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
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A poem about spring!
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
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A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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A sports poem about the losing blues.
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A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
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