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.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
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 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.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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 Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
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.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
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 Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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 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.
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