I never believed in love
my young eyes only ever saw heartache after heartache in my
family
I was cautious lending you my heart
vulnerable, waiting for impact
yet you held it so gentle
I spoke to the moon and told her about you
In front of the moon, and her sky full of stars I realized I love you
she smiled at my story
they say the moon loves love
I hope our love is her favorite
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 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 Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
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 Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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 Sabrin, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
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.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
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 Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.