Grade 12
PoetryWritingWhen you pack your suitcase, zip it up and go to another city
Will you remember me? Will you glance at our favorite book
on your shelf
and smile? Will you wait for the bus
feel the snow flakes on your cheeks, and think of when you
waited there with me?
Will you hear that song again and laugh out loud
at an inside joke from years ago?
Will you pack the memories with you?
Sometimes I think of the future and I wonder
what’s ahead. Will you sit on your bed with your phone in
your hand
telling me about your new life a thousand miles away?
Are you out of sight but still remembered? A sad smile on my
lips
when I wear the socks you gave me last Christmas.
Are you something unexpected, like the future so often is?
Hidden in the midst of meetings and faces and hours to come
Unforeseen by the clearest crystal ball.
Will you pack the memories with you?
Sometimes I think about everything ahead, and I know
there are some things I’ll always take with me. I’ll pack your
sunglasses
in my suitcase and pretend they’re mine. I’ll pack the
memories
in my journal, and never leave them behind. I’ll put your song
on my playlist, and know all the lines. I’ll pack up the times
we had
and the memories will be part of me forever.
Will you pack the memories with you?
No materials available for download.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
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 Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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 Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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 Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
We are thrilled to have you as the newest member of our online community. Stay up-to-date on the the latest and most relevant resources, student publication opportunities, and what’s new with the 826 Digital community.
bookmark
download
Share