Grade 12
PoetryWritingWhen you pack your suitcase, zip it up and go to another city
Will you remember me? Will you glance at our favorite book
on your shelf
and smile? Will you wait for the bus
feel the snow flakes on your cheeks, and think of when you
waited there with me?
Will you hear that song again and laugh out loud
at an inside joke from years ago?
Will you pack the memories with you?
Sometimes I think of the future and I wonder
what’s ahead. Will you sit on your bed with your phone in
your hand
telling me about your new life a thousand miles away?
Are you out of sight but still remembered? A sad smile on my
lips
when I wear the socks you gave me last Christmas.
Are you something unexpected, like the future so often is?
Hidden in the midst of meetings and faces and hours to come
Unforeseen by the clearest crystal ball.
Will you pack the memories with you?
Sometimes I think about everything ahead, and I know
there are some things I’ll always take with me. I’ll pack your
sunglasses
in my suitcase and pretend they’re mine. I’ll pack the
memories
in my journal, and never leave them behind. I’ll put your song
on my playlist, and know all the lines. I’ll pack up the times
we had
and the memories will be part of me forever.
Will you pack the memories with you?
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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 Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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 Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 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 Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
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.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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