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 Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
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Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
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by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
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by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jonas K., 826 National
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by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
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by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
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by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
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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
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by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
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by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
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by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
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.
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by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
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by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
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by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
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by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
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by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
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by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
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by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
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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 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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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
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by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
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 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 Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
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Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Cristina, 826CHI
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by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
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by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
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by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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.
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This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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