Grade 11
PoetryWritingI hide among the oak trees
of my past.
The songbirds whisper
enchanted secrets.
Tunes only I can decipher.
I chase the melodies into the night.
They guide me
through the barren field.
“Beyond this land,
time is boundless,” they tell me.
They fly toward the horizon,
and the field transforms.
Golden dew drops
envelope each blade of grass.
Flowers blossom
with every step I take
and surround me.
I follow the stream
down to the river.
“Here lies eternal youth.”
I let the water engulf me,
and rise anew.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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 Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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 Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
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 Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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.
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