Grade 12
PoetryWritinga boy encased in soliloquies
trembling register, cracking voice
illicit inflections as an instinctive choice
spiteful looks, vengeful side-eyes
drooping eyebags sag, scratched corneas cry
trapped in a prison of uncooked meat
mismatched puzzle pieces usher in defeat
a script is pitched that will never be complete
a person entranced by monologues,
covert whispers, cords clogged closed
epicene enunciation throttling a throat
devoted to fleeing, flashing reluctant greetings
undereyes concealed, fresh wounds bleeding
tweed walls of flesh mauled in sheer desperation
jigsawed intestines excreting execration
this play’s third act must earn a standing ovation
a girl enriched by asides,
jaunty speeches, beaming strides
rosily articulate, watering wilted words
a toothy grin, chirps of a bird
fading scars, sparkling eyes
peeling off dead skin from an old tale’s scribes
rearranging stickers on a rubik’s cube’s sides
in spite of her spite, the curtain begins to rise
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 Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
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 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.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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 Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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.
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.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity 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.
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