Grades 11–12
PoetryWritingI hate consuming crawfish.
I’d rather consume raw fish.
These little creatures should be handled very cautious.
Every time they come to mind I get nauseous.
Crawfish is just like crab.
Annoying as hell, just like a scab.
Crawfish is atrocious.
Might as well be corrosive.
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 Fabian Gonzalez Rubio, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A baby Jesus doll comes to life in this whimsical story!
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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.”
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 grandfather she never met.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
In this powerful letter to the United States Congress, this student stands up for representation of young people in government.
by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
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 Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Abner L., 17, 826DC
Abner explores the meaning of his name through color, joy, strength, and heritage, connecting it to culture, family, and faith.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Manuel C., 17, 826DC
Manuel sees his name as joyful and strong, linked to faith, fun, and his favorite characters, with two names that reflect who he is at home and at school.
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 Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Alisson Romero, Grade 11, 826LA
The author of this poignant piece expresses her love and gratitude for her hardworking and supportive parents.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Jarmani M., Age 18, 826 Boston
Jarmani reflects on the pain of being rejected from his top high school, but through that challenge, he finds motivation. He grows more focused, disciplined, and driven to succeed in all areas.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Janeth GM, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
This touching poem honors the author’s personal superhero: her mother.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
Isabella V.M., Grade 11, 826NYC
A poet imagines their mother growing up and falls in love with a past and present version of their mother.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
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 Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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!
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
Trinity L., Grade 11, 826 New Orleans
A poet explores the warmth and safety they feel with their love.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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