Grades 11–12
PoetryWriting
My name is Michaiah Anderson. I was born October 24,2002 in Dallas, Texas. I am the oldest child out of my sister and I. I love to play video games, and work on cars. In 2021, I plan on going to a 4-year university and getting my degree in Business/Accounting.
I come from a nice suit and black “shining” shoes. Beating me at bowling, every time we play. And a mom says “Be thankful for what you got, because there is someone who wants to be in your shoes.”
I come from a weird dancing machine, “The Cosby Show”, and “A Different World.” Sunday dinners of meat loaf, cabbage, potatoes, rolls, and Peach Cobbler. And a mom who demands to be respectful to everyone you see no matter who they are.
I come from a weekly trip to Rockwall in a silver Chrysler 200, named “Silver”, and satellite radio. Playing Lalah Hathaway, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Gospel. A mom who says “Thank God I had you and your sister. And Thank God I’m married to a wonderful Husband.” Meaning she thanks God for all he has blessed her with so far.
I come from a momma who taught me how to pray for everyone and everything, not be too cocky but have pride in who I am, and how to love everyone no matter how much you dislike them. A momma who says “I love you so much, and I wouldn’t want anyone else but you and your sister.” Meaning she loves me a lot.
I come from a caring mom. A sacrificing mom. A giving, laughing, playing-with-kids mom. A hard working mom. A loving mom. A wilding mom. A dancing mom. A woman who says “Michaiah get yo tail up, or imma get that belt!”
I come from a praying mom. A “If you don’t love yourself, no one else will,” praising mom.
An interesting mom. A teaching mom. A respecting mom. A fighting for what she wants mom, so that she can have everything she wants and needs.
Thank you mom for raising me into who I am currently. I know you have many more things to teach me, but you’ve done an excellent job so far. I love you so much mom. You and dad are my inspiration and role models…. I think of you as purple because it’s the highest Medal of Honor. Because of you deserve all the honor every second of your life.
by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
Whether students write to process, to remember, to imagine, or to heal, this collection of prompts asks students to recognize…
<i>Faceless: Untold Side Effects of Culture, Race, & COVID-19</i> is a collection of student writing that spans genre, space and time before, during and after the coronavirus pandemic. Supported by The 826 Dallas Project as part of their first-ever Young Authors Book Project, students from two Ethnic Studies courses at Trinidad Garza Early College High School in Dallas, Texas wrote honest and searing works that weigh the longstanding sins of American racism with the new realities of virtual learning and social distancing.
by Abner L., 17, 826DC
Abner explores the meaning of his name through color, joy, strength, and heritage, connecting it to culture, family, and faith.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
Isabella V.M., Grade 11, 826NYC
A poet imagines their mother growing up and falls in love with a past and present version of their mother.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Manuel C., 17, 826DC
Manuel sees his name as joyful and strong, linked to faith, fun, and his favorite characters, with two names that reflect who he is at home and at school.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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 Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
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 Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Jarmani M., Age 18, 826 Boston
Jarmani reflects on the pain of being rejected from his top high school, but through that challenge, he finds motivation. He grows more focused, disciplined, and driven to succeed in all areas.
by Janeth GM, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
This touching poem honors the author’s personal superhero: her mother.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
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 Fabian Gonzalez Rubio, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A baby Jesus doll comes to life in this whimsical story!
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.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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 Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Alisson Romero, Grade 11, 826LA
The author of this poignant piece expresses her love and gratitude for her hardworking and supportive parents.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
In this powerful letter to the United States Congress, this student stands up for representation of young people in government.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
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 Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 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 Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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 Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
Trinity L., Grade 11, 826 New Orleans
A poet explores the warmth and safety they feel with their love.
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