Grade 10
PoetryWritingBlack power, the world is ours
Our young Blacks sprout like flowers
We are harmless, please don’t shoot
We are not a gang, we a part of a group
Weapons drawn
Don’t move, scared as hell, losing that groove
They get closer, don’t know what to do
I count
one Mississippi, TWO!
Gunshots go off
Last sight, red and blue
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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.
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 Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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 Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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