Grades 11–12
PoetryWritingI truly believe that opposites attract.
You being Dominican and me being Puerto Rican yet we balance
each other perfectly.
Your favorite color being blue and mine being purple yet they both
make sense together.
My other half and forever friend.
Everyone always thinks I’m being dramatic when I tell them we are
forever.
We are so alike and in sync that we are basically sisters.
How “weird” I am for feeling at home with you, when we hang out
together.
I feel like we just make each other complete.
The way we both know exactly how the other feels without anyone
having to say the words.
The way we both know someone said something hurtful is the way
our energy shifts.
It’s like you’ve gone left when we planned on going right a day
before.
And the way we protect each other is like we have something to
lose if we don’t.
The type of love you have for me is the type of love you experience
once in a lifetime.
Having someone care for you and love your unconditionally is
unforgettable.
It feels like “Victoria” by Sonder, 2:22-2:54. My own personal
Euphoria.
Me ayudas a descubrir mi problemas familiares, problemas de
chicos, inseguridades como no es nada. Todas tus palabras y
frases tienen significado. Parece que nunca me pongo mal
contigo. Yo te amo mas que la palabra amor en sí misma. Es tan
reconfortante que exista alguien que es exactamente como tu.
Quien entiende tu humana, ríe como tu, escribe como tu, y ama
como tu.
***
This poem was originally published in I Find a Place by 826 Boston.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
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Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
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by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
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Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
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by Jonas K., 826 National
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by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
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Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
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by Shayne Williams
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by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
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by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
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by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
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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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
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by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
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by Jana C., 826LA
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This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
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by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
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by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
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by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
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by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
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by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
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by Soraya, 826NYC
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by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
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by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
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by Alexis G., Grade 11
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by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 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 Franny, 826CHI
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by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
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This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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 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 Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
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by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
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by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
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by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
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by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
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A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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