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?
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by Helen, Grade 12, 826 MSP
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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.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
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In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
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Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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.”
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
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by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
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