Grade 10
PoetryWritingBeginning
It’s not fair that people who I care a lot for
are on the other side of that border I don’t
Show any affection, no emotion sometimes
Because in reality I’m so sad and depressed
Inside, but sometimes I have to suck it up.
Papa
Un hombre who is Loco, who loves his kids
Makes jokes and makes me laugh. A hard
Working dad with two jobs and proud to be
From Mexico and deserves much more.
El Grito de México
A day out of the year that here in the U.S.
in Civic Center, Mexicans celebrate El Grito de
México to remind them of Mexico. There
is food, mariachi so loud that makes
You want to dance. Music colors red
white and green that define the flag
and at eight o’clock exactly everything stops
And All together we yell Que Viva México!
A day to Remember what it feels like to be in
Mexico.
Mama
A mother who loves and cares for her children
Who has a beautiful Dominican accent and wants
The best for her family. She has been through hell
And back, but got through it una mamá con un
Coraźon Grande.
Sancocho
Una sopa hecho en Santo Domingo que es
Sabrosa. This meal makes me feel like I’m in the
Dominican Republic every single time I eat it.
If you have a headache comete un sancocho
If your stomach hurts, eat some sancocho, this
Meal helps you warm up and feel good. It’s the
Best medicine.
Living in Two Worlds
I’m from the United States, but I’m living in two
Worlds: my mother’s culture, my dad’s culture.
And those cultures are a part of me and proud
To be a Latina, I will never be ashamed of who
I am or where my parents came from. Because
Being a Latina I should not have to impress any
White person for them to see that we’re all
Equal. I will never let anyone’s racism be a
Border between me and my future.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Sabrin, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
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 Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
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