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.
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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
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 Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
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 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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
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 Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 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 Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
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 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 Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
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 Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 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 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 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 Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
Trinity L., Grade 11, 826 New Orleans
A poet explores the warmth and safety they feel with their love.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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 Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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 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 Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
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