Grades 10–11
PoetryWritingI 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 Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
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 Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 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 Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
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 Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
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 Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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 Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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 Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
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