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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
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 Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Abner L., 17, 826DC
Abner explores the meaning of his name through color, joy, strength, and heritage, connecting it to culture, family, and faith.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
Isabella V.M., Grade 11, 826NYC
A poet imagines their mother growing up and falls in love with a past and present version of their mother.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Manuel C., 17, 826DC
Manuel sees his name as joyful and strong, linked to faith, fun, and his favorite characters, with two names that reflect who he is at home and at school.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
In this powerful letter to the United States Congress, this student stands up for representation of young people in government.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
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 Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
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 Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
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 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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
Trinity L., Grade 11, 826 New Orleans
A poet explores the warmth and safety they feel with their love.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jarmani M., Age 18, 826 Boston
Jarmani reflects on the pain of being rejected from his top high school, but through that challenge, he finds motivation. He grows more focused, disciplined, and driven to succeed in all areas.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
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 Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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