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 Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Abner L., 17, 826DC
Abner explores the meaning of his name through color, joy, strength, and heritage, connecting it to culture, family, and faith.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jarmani M., Age 18, 826 Boston
Jarmani reflects on the pain of being rejected from his top high school, but through that challenge, he finds motivation. He grows more focused, disciplined, and driven to succeed in all areas.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Janeth GM, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
This touching poem honors the author’s personal superhero: her mother.
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 Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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 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.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
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 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 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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Fabian Gonzalez Rubio, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A baby Jesus doll comes to life in this whimsical story!
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Manuel C., 17, 826DC
Manuel sees his name as joyful and strong, linked to faith, fun, and his favorite characters, with two names that reflect who he is at home and at school.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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 Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
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