Joanne H. was born in San Francisco and is sixteen years old. She loves to read books and play sports like tennis and badminton. Her favorite way to pass time is to watch shows. In the future, she’d like to get a good job so that she could live comfortably. She is considering something maybe in the medicine department. She also loves golden retrievers.
A kaleidoscope of lotus flowers
blanket a pond under
an intricately carved stone bridge.
Eating out of bowls instead of plates,
fragrant ribs in a new Hong Kong crib.
ACs were blowing a cool breeze,
but this trip was no breeze at all.
Smog like an oven
constantly smothers buildings
with an ugly, pungent stench.
As I leaned back in my chair,
I could feel my sweat-soaked t-shirt
stick to me like sweet honey boba
Noises everywhere,
car horns blaring,
shopkeepers yelling like it’s Black Friday.
Indecipherable “scribbles”
of the Chinese language
everywhere
I turn.
Back in the Bay Area,
windy breeze blows through
Plentiful dandelions.
Clear blue skies like cut glass,
warm sunshine breaks through like a prism.
A rainbow of new languages and people on familiar buses
from North Beach
to Castro.
Back in their homeland,
under the shared umbrella,
humid, pouring rain led
my dad to snuggle my mom affectionately.
Something I’d never seen.
While me, fooled
by McD’s familiar Golden Arches,
uncomfortable doing something that was simple back home,
I looked back at my dad with pleading eyes,
urging him to help me;
dumbfounded
the unfamiliar burger was not enjoyable.
Camouflaged by a sea of Chinese people,
but unable to break their spoken code.
Back at home,
my mom asks me to read the mail again,
a page full of unreadable scribbles to her;
I understand it, but with my limited vocabulary,
I can’t explain it.
Having to ask what my parents want
at the Starbucks counter,
I am often embarrassed to speak in a foreign language;
I can feel those waiting behind me start to get impatient,
judging me.
When we’re away,
we may both miss our homelands,
but home is wherever we are
together.
Having dealt with language borders my whole life,
it isn’t a big struggle nor is it easygoing; more just
in between.
by 826 National
A flexible, 4-week unit designed for students in grades 9-12 to "write their way" with authentic purpose. Includes a curriculum…
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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 Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
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 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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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 Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
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 Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
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 Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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 Sabrin, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
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 Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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 Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.