Grades 11–12
PoetryWritingPink requited “love” is its most terrifying form.
Some monotonal affection so blatant. That stood there all its life
accustomed and obvious to its plentiful green landscape.
And I’ve never been such a monolith to you. Nor capable of that
flushed pink sort.
I still feel feverish and windswept from your presence and
leaving.
I’m not of the praying sort. My knees bend for no monoliths my
confessions go widely unheard.
But God,
Since I met you. I find myself waking up with hands clasped and
head turned to your patron-hood.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
In this powerful letter to the United States Congress, this student stands up for representation of young people in government.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
Trinity L., Grade 11, 826 New Orleans
A poet explores the warmth and safety they feel with their love.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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 Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
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 Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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 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 Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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 Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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.
Isabella V.M., Grade 11, 826NYC
A poet imagines their mother growing up and falls in love with a past and present version of their mother.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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 Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
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 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.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
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 Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
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.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
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