Grade 12
PoetryWritingi want to be Male
as Male as the M tattooed onto the flesh of my birth certificate
and as Male as the M holding hands with my time of death
male at birth and male after death
and without meaning to, i imply legality,
and worse, a desire for the opposite of transsexualism
but more than that i want to be Teenage Boy Male
legs like thinning trees and a spine like a wave roaring towards the earth
natural boy, who has been documented in his prime and has evolved to be an
accidental detritivore
eating what dies within me and i host him and his words
he is a parasite and i want him to kill me if it means he gets to live
i want to cut myself shaving
because by deduction, i imply i have something to shave
i want to make myself a shrine to masculinity
carve the bone off of my hips and the fat from my thighs
take the stones that are aimed at my ribs and
crash them into the parts of myself they cannot reach
i am in a cult that is one birthday away from becoming religion
obsessed with orthodoxy’s grip on my life
i throw my body to the floor and the ground burns my skin like brimstone
the sin rising to the surface and leaving as a scream
praying to a god that does not love me
that he changes me into something that people can recognize
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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 Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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.
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.
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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 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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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 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 Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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