Grades 11–12
Narrative, PoetryWriting
El era un werito, bien clarito
He was.
He was so light skinned
They called him Blanca Nieves
Pero his eyes were dark, and his hair was darker
He was smart and hard-working
He went as far as he could get educated
For him, that was half way through tenth grade
Su mamá got sick
So he had to work
She always cried cause of the pain
More when she hurt for her brilliant mijo to have dropped out
She begged him to go back to school
Pero él no pudo
They could barely afford her treatments with him working
Imagine if he hadn’t?
Everyday he’d come back with dirt-covered skin
Over time he ended up with dirt-coloured skin
Y luego un día, ya no era el Werito
Luego un día, lo llamaron el Prieto
And that’s how it was
And that’s who he was
And that’s who he became
And that’s not what he truly was
His mamá got sicker
She got thinner
She begged God to take the pain away
And then one day, she must have begged hard enough because the pain
went away
El Prieto cursed God
He screamed at the sky until his lungs couldn’t scream anymore
He hated the world
For not being able to help her
She didn’t even get to say goodbye
He didn’t even get to say goodbye
She didn’t get to tell him how she wished he’d be the first to finish school
And he didn’t get to make her proud, not even for a second
Because he took late, late classes
And studied during all his lunch breaks out in the fields
He did it for his mamá
He finally did it, he finished school.
With no help from anybody
While he was stealing the job of a Gringo because they want to work in
fields,
right?
He did it with no money
He did it without cheating
He did it because he was smart
He was hard-working
He did it for his ma
Because she was smart, and brilliant, and hard-working, and a great
mother
She just didn’t get to make it
So he did
And he hated the world, for not making her proud
Pero she was
Because when she prayed for God to take away the pain
She prayed extra hard for her son to receive the good news
Because she knew
She always knew, she always knew he would make it.
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…
Faceless: Untold Side Effects of Culture, Race, & COVID-19 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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
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 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 Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 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.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants 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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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 Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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.”
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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