Grade 10
PoetryWritingJazlin Lopez finds a passion in writing. It helps with her anxiety to write out her feelings on paper, as it guides and navigates her to inspire those around her.
In the quiet hush of morning light, I trace the lines upon my skin,
a map of battles fought in silence, and wounds held within.
My body whispers stories of aches and fears I cannot see,
yet every shadowed doubt I hold, reminds me of your bravery.
Grandma, you found the hidden storm, a secret swelling deep inside,
and faced it with a steady grace. No fear could make you run and hide.
You wore the scars like medals brightly high, each one a testament to fight,
in your eyes no one saw the spark that turned the darkness into light.
When pain and worry cloud my days, I think of how you carried on,
your laughter ringing through the halls, your home a melody at dawn.
You showed me strength is not just might, but gentle hands and open hearts.
The courage to keep moving forward even when the healing starts.
So as I walk this path unknown, with trembling steps and heavy breaths,
I carry you within my soul.
Your love, courage, and loving strength for you
are more than a memory but
the hero in my story too.
This piece was originally published in No Ordinary Dreamer by 826 National.
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by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Jonas K., 826 National
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Ava Diaz, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
A guiding light for all those who wander...
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Xiaoqing Cai, Grade 10, Greenbelt, MD
This dystopian sci-fi story reflects the issues and fears of today.
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 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 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 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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
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.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
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 Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
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Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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