Grade 11
PoetryWritingAugustus Griffith Jr. is a devout writer from Parkland, FL. When he isn’t busy creating short films, he hones his craft by writing everything from short stories to sonnets. He has a unique passion for telling conventional stories through unconventional means, and he has been featured in many student publications, along with two books from Penguin Random House and one of his own.
These walls opened me up before they constricted
But they now obscure the sky, leaving me conflicted
I used to think they were whole
These walls don’t stretch, they shatter
I need to let them go
These walls don’t just bleed, they splatter
These walls betray all the homes they contain
These walls decay, leaving dust and bones
They lie like false hope they propagate
They incarcerate all they used to liberate
With the growth they claim to facilitate
They don’t repent, they constrict and discriminate
These walls contain water
I should’ve swam farther
But I’m drowning
My ID says that I don’t rest
I cut my foot, I bumped my head
I jumped the books, I’ll hop a fence
I hate these walls, they killed my friends
I hate you with the passion that ruined my life
Troubling thoughts bubble inside
These walls are frail and I hope they fall
As we plead for our lives it all slows to a crawl
How many more have to die within these walls?
by Ola Faleti, 826CHI, with an introduction by Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of the U.S.
The pen is mightier than the sword. In this lesson, students learn there's no better evidence of this than the…
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
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 Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
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 Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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 Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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