Grades 10–12
PoetryWritingGrew up in the hood, never understood
The bullets and the news
Got to pay attention to the shadows
Behind my shoes
Getting to the money to distract me
From the fools
Optimistic they say
Yo sí
Ok ‘cause he gone up and leave you
let em go
Gives you time to be independent
And grow
Never let them think you lack
The knowledge that you know
Yo sei
Nunca me dejo distraer decidí,
Que la vida es como el agua
Al fluir
Yo sí
Focused on school, Focused on me
Getting better grades
While still tryna better me
Sincerely Melody
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by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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 Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
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 Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
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 Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
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 Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
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 Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
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 Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
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.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
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 Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
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 Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
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 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.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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