Grades 11–12
PoetryWritingTalk Properly she says
I was about 4
And fresh out of GT
I didn’t understand why the
White lady with
The funny voice
Was talking about my speech
Speak Properly she says
But
I wanted to fit in with everyone
And speak English
I wanted so badly to go home
To the palm trees
To the sun
To run barefoot
I didn’t want to be the person they turned to in class
When Caribbean people were briefly mentioned
But I always
Remembered to talk Properly
Even when the lady at the supermarket
Tried to accuse me of stealing
How badly I wanted to stop
Talking in this stupid white gibberish proper shit
How badly I wanted cuss her out
And tell her about herself
But I didn’t
I always remembered to speak Properly
From Radiant Beings: Poetry by 826NYC Students at the Academy for Young Writers, 2022
No materials available for download.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
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 Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
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 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 Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 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 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 Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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 Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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 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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
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