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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
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by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
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by Kayla, 826 Boston
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by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
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by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
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Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
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by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
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by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
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by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
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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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
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by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
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by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
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Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
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by Karla M., 826LA
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by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
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by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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 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.
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 Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ 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.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
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.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
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 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 Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
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 Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
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by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
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by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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