Grade 11
Fantasy/SciFiWritingThe letters started to come in late June; June 16th of the year 2023. These strange articles of writing were never expected, and I didn’t know who they belonged to or where they were being sent from. Nonetheless, I read them; all of them. The hesitation only lasted through the first two, maybe three pieces. Everything was handwritten and the lettering weirdly formal, yet also extremely beautiful. The way each “i” was dotted, or how the edges of each “j” curved; the elegant nature of this unknown person’s handwriting was far more admirable than anything I had ever encountered before. At first, I didn’t send a reply, something I deeply regret. If I had sent one, our current relationship may hold yet a deeper, more meaningful connection.
Fast forward a good two months, the letters still came in through the mail, though their mysterious contents no longer mysterious, and rather replies to my own written curiosities. My replies were…considerably slow, but as time began to quickly pass, our indirect exchanges of words became more and more regular, and soon enough, the norm within our everyday lives. I later learned my stranger of a pen pal’s name: Vivianne. In the same letter I learned this fact, I also became aware of the truth revolving around her…well, our unnatural situation.
“I haven’t any clue where my documents to you are headed, and everyday I wonder upon the nearly endless possibilities as I hand the envelope to the carriage man. The white stallion neighs as though it’s aware of such routine. I bid them both farewell and slightly lift my dress up, so as to not trip whilst walking back up the steps and into my chambers.”
While I had grown used to Vivianne’s particularly strange way of writing, this sentence caused my mind to go blank, but only for a few moments; I then began to piece everything together. The abnormalities of the letters, the formality of her words, how she’d date each piece of paper—I should’ve known something was up when reading 8/11/1827—everything was utterly
strange, abnormal.
I was naive to think these letters were coming from somebody of my own era. To say the least, I was spooked, a natural reaction to finding out your pen pal was actually from a much, much earlier time than you, yourself was from. But regardless of these conflicting, fleeting emotions, I continued to respond.
I slowly weaseled the facts I had learned into my own pieces, so Vivianne could catch on. And soon enough, she did. It was beyond weird—it was supernatural. Neither I, or she, dared to utter a word of this discovery to those around us, in fear of potentially messing something up within the universe. (You know, like in time travel movies!) It was fascinatingly terrifying, but we had agreed to act as though we were unaware.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
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 Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 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 Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity 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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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