Grade 9
PoetryWritingAthena was born and raised in the Philippines. She enjoys crafting ribbon roses and watching documentaries. She wants to study and become a nurse practitioner.
I am stitched from the quiet moments,
the ones no one notices
but that matter anyway.
I wield a torch of kindness,
wear hope like armor,
and when everything falls apart,
I keep weaving.
Fear tries to pull at my seams,
but I tighten them with grit,
turn the pain into power,
the doubt into fire.
I am small but fierce,
invisible but relentless,
and every stitch, every heartbeat
is proof that I can’t be broken.
This piece was originally published in No Ordinary Dreamer by 826 National.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
Lyric M., Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes how the bright sun and a calming tree bring her peace.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
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.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
Yashawa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Gabby Hamelton, Grade 9, Hamilton, IL
This author learns to find community, empowerment, and joy at school.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Calvin, 826michigan
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?
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
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