Grades 9–11
PoetryWritingOnce upon a time
The halls sparkled
Holiday bells rung
Twice, once in succession
A girl stares out the window
The snow-filled panes
Golden lights down below
In the cold rush of winter
Once upon a time
A brick apartment stood
Hazy windows, silhouette of boy
The gray calls, sent by a silver coin
Black studded roads
Chipped, cracked
Resemblance of a small ember
Fallen from the great heights
Once upon a time
The meeting upon two
Within the holiday carols
A metallic scream to rise to view
The fight of two bodies
A white joy; a clinking silver
Gray undertones sink through
Walls of disappointing frost
The silver coin lies amidst
Spectating, planning
It’s big smile resembles
One the face of evil
The frost-coated walls
Falling at sight of pink
Grey no longer
With the time, the barriers sink
Once filled with contempt
No longer; it is worth no more
The silver coin watches in naught
For it has lost to its captive
Reunited at last
The two see stars run past
The bells ring; the stars shine
Magic of the luminous and divine
Once upon a time
The hearts full of love
Break apart the walls of ice
In the beauty of the evergreen above.
From 826NYC’s 2023 Teen Writers’ Collective Zine
No materials available for download.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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 Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her 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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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 Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
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 Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
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 Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
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 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 Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 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 Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
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