Grades 10–12
PoetryWritingThe rope has tied our hands
Together bonded by the same
Realization that we have no father
I am my mother’s daughter
Growing up without a dad
She basically went through the same
We had to hold onto each other
I am her strong daughter
She had two roles to fulfill
Still her love remained the same
She was like no other
I am her very loved daughter
Therapy at a young age
The way I process my feelings isn’t the same
Why couldn’t he have just been a father?
I am his unwanted daughter
This is all too much to go through
If I had had a say, it wouldn’t be the same
Ripped from me were happiness and laughter
I am their broken daughter
Eighteen and still feel strange
Why couldn’t he have loved me the same?
Will I feel like this forever?
I am his very confused daughter
Whenever I see a girl and her dad
I know I’ll never have the same
But I can change the future for the better
I will have a daughter
From all that I have experienced
I wouldn’t want to put her through the same
Not a reflection of her mother
She will be my unique daughter
She will grow up
What she’ll have, won’t be the same
Not just with a mother, but as well as a father
She will be our daughter
The rope has been cut from around my hands
She will not be bonded by the same
The future will be of us all together
She will be a very loved daughter
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
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.”
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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 Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
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 Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 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 Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 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.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
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 Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
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 Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
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 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.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
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