I was born on a
Night where the brightest
Star was shining like a
Spotlight. I hear that makes me the
Biggest dreamer. I am tall as
A blowing
Flower.
I’m a sucker for people that
Are better at diving than me.
I’m still learning how
To trust.
I’m often a chameleon that
Blends in around strangers.
I’m often loud behind closed doors.
I like hearing the sound of clicking
Key pads a lot!
I’ve been told that I’m a
Size of a toddler.
People say that I’m like a grumpy cat
People say that I’m a living calculator.
Secretly, I take care of babies
But I don’t want to be a
Mother. I have this odd fascination with
Flying, flopping fish as they
Fan out the water. I assume it’s because I wish
One day I can space out.
And to be honest, my loud and quiet side is a
Bowl of spice. I know this sounds weird,
But sometimes I wonder if I’m good
enough. I wonder am I a butterfly
To other people’s souls.
I’m afraid that soon I would
Die an outcast.
Hola, me llamo Crystal Maithe Alcantar.
I enjoy my raices. But I don’t allow
Myself care. I have a family that’s on my
Every step. I have a strong soul.
I don’t know when, but I do know my
Mission is to be the best version of myself.
But I do know that I’m a powerful pre-teen
With a world wide changing voice.
***
From 826CHI’s original publication, Maybe I’ll Be a Poet.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Ibrahim, Grade 7, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 7th grader Ibrahim thanks Nurses for the heart and soul they put into caring for their patients and fighting disease.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
by Madison, 826CHI
In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.
by Annapoorani L., Grade 7, Seattle WA
A student recounts their experience with a school shooting in a letter to the next U.S. President to reform gun control.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Christian, 826michigan
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Luis, 826LA
A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Saeed, 826NYC
Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Leslie, 826NYC
In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
by Angel, 826CHI
Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Issa Caothien, 826NYC
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that if you work together, you're golden!
by Amaya, 826michigan
A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal—corgis!
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
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