Grade 12
PoetryWriting“Look, it’s a cheetah!” a little boy says, as I read the sign that says
“ocelot.”
The ocelot is pacing in his cage.
His cage may look big enough to the casual observer
but inside, you realize that it’s smaller than you think.
Left, right, up, down.
He stops and looks at me with his yellow eyes.
It is quick,
but at this moment there is communication.
We understand each other.
We are both always called something that we are not.
My own people doubt my ethnicity because of the color of my skin.
It makes me feel like an outcast,
like I’m in a cage, separated from everyone else.
We are both trapped,
growing more frustrated by the second.
He jumps onto the branch and looks up at the roof of the cage.
He marches through the patchy grass.
The chirping of the birds plays on the speakers.
The scenery is nothing more than an illusion
to make him think he is at home.
His wicked growl is a death metal vocalization, a call for help.
Left, right, up, down.
No matter how much he sprints, jumps, and climbs,
we are still in the same place,
Feeling hopeless, with no progress made.
Like a nightmare where you run as fast as you
can but stay in place the whole time.
He is trapped, I am trapped.
His cage,
My mind.
Yet we keep trying and trying until someday,
he and I will break free and experience life
without obeying the rules that are made for a man
and finally, prosper
with a new and liberated mind.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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 Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
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.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 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 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.”
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