Grades 11–12
PoetryWritingLosing sight of my classmates
I saw you inside a black hexagonal cage
Observing the outside world within your confined space
My four-year-old instinct was to reach and place my hand
Between the barrier you and I share and disturb you
I’ll never forget the panic it caused you
What it caused you to do
As I stared at you in awe
Feathers collectively flourishing
Showing me unity
Greens, blues, whites, purples
I’ll never forget the beautiful array of colors your feathers displayed
as I ran in search for my class
I’ll never forget how I felt like I’ve been in a cage
Pressured to show my true self in the most unexpected of times
To reveal who I truly love
A love that doesn’t involve a prince
Instead a love with two princesses.
When I finally let it out,
I flourish
With all my true colors.
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by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
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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.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
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by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
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by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
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by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
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by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
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by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
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by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
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by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
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by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
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by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
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A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
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by Alphonsine M., 826LA
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Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC
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by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
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by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 Cristina, 826CHI
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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 Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
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by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
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by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
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by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
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Yamilet J., 826LA
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by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Gisel J., 826LA
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by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
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