Grades 9–10
PoetryWritingLEENOA was born in Federal Way in Seattle, Washington and she’s fourteen years old. She plays a wide range of sports. She loves writing poems and doing art. She’s Samoan and mixed with other cultures. She wants to study photography and communication and she dreams to help people out as a community and as a country to help low income people with support and resources they need and want.
I wish I could be in love with someone like you
Two souls intertwined, reflecting on the faces of those we left behind
We hug, and I can feel my knees getting uneasy,
Last time we hugged, you told me I loved you, a sweet young girl, little soul so damaged like mine, finally felt something within a lifetime,
My chest is getting heavy, I’m always waiting on something that will never happen. I’m sorry I can’t hear over the war in my mind trying to find out who I am, where I’m from, what I’m doing. In love with a man who sees me as if I was a rose in a garden filled with lilies. I’m sorry that I was never good enough to give you the happiness that you’ll forever feel. I hope you want me for the destination and not the journey. Someone once touched my soul with dirty hands making me half of a person. I feel whole in front of you but still, I feel like a dead man walking.
Have you ever been so homesick for wanting to be in someone’s arms?
I still repeat the thing you said to me in my head, my silence is louder than your words.
You talk about your girlfriend a lot. I wonder what her face looks like. Why is it so important to you the way she looks, the way she talks, the way she loves in a way that no other woman should? Still, I could, I will, and I want to.
You made me a poet, the feeling you made me feel when I’m too numb to feel anything, lost and stuck little behind from everyone else and ran out of any type of luck. You have eyes but can you see? You have ears, but can you hear? You have a mouth, but can you say my name one more time for me? You’ll forever be my first place to go to when my mind searches for a peace of mind but you are a peace of mind that I need to find. I wonder what I look like behind your pretty brown eyes. You were someone who I needed the most but also showed me that I don’t need anybody, I could read your body language like it was an open book, but I can’t speak the same language as you. But silence seems the only language I am really fluent in.
***
This piece was originally published in 826 Valencia’s Breathing Between the Future and the Past.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
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 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 Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
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 Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
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.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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 Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
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 Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
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 Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
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 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 Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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 Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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 Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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 Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Lyric M., Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes how the bright sun and a calming tree bring her peace.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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 Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
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