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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
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A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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Abner explores the meaning of his name through color, joy, strength, and heritage, connecting it to culture, family, and faith.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
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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.
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Kenya G., 17, 826LA
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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.
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In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
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In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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 Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
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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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by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
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by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
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by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
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by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
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by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
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Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
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Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
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by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
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The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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