Grade 10
PoetryWritingI will be a lifesaver
I will be the love my patients will feel
I will be the scalpel cut of the heart
I will be the smell of human flesh
I will be the creator of the cure for all cancers
I will be the hand holds the heart
I will be the pressure on the chest if a patient goes into cardiac arrest
I will be the pinch of the needle
I will be the stethoscope of the heart’s whispers
I will be the reflex of the hammer
I will be the otoscope of the whispers that have been told
I will be the ophthalmoscope of who have walked away during hard times
I will be the beep of the heart monitor
I will be the time of the death
I will be the tears of those who have lost a loved one
I will be the grief
I will be the late hours
I will be the ICU
I will be the ER & OR
But most importantly I will be a lifesaver
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
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 Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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 Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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 Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
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 Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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 Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
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