Grade 12
PoetryWritingHenry F. is a senior at Jones College Prep. and soon-to-be freshman at Oberlin College. As an angry queer transsexual who has learned to self-express through the written word, you can catch Henry drowning in theory, writing songs no one will ever hear, and generally being way too loud for where he is. His work appears in Let Us Keep What We Love and Rising Shadows from 826CHI, as well as Rebellious Magazine.
where it walks,
petals encircle stalking eyes
newness running over and into calcified cages
i choke out the white
and make a garden out of onlookers.
it is him, an eternal androgyny
that is a fantasy of no one
but a fantastical kind of beast
it is i, unglamorous transgender,
to take in your hatred and return back this body
decorated, deadening
the sound it makes when it walks
would wrap its hands around your neck
leaving you unable
to let any competing noise
dribble from your mouth
unglamorous transgender wants,
more than anything else,
to be the only one on the stage.
from the publication, Archives of My Memory
No materials available for download.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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 Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 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 Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
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.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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 Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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 Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
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 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 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 Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
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 Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
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