Grades 11–12
PoetryWritingTalk Properly she says
I was about 4
And fresh out of GT
I didn’t understand why the
White lady with
The funny voice
Was talking about my speech
Speak Properly she says
But
I wanted to fit in with everyone
And speak English
I wanted so badly to go home
To the palm trees
To the sun
To run barefoot
I didn’t want to be the person they turned to in class
When Caribbean people were briefly mentioned
But I always
Remembered to talk Properly
Even when the lady at the supermarket
Tried to accuse me of stealing
How badly I wanted to stop
Talking in this stupid white gibberish proper shit
How badly I wanted cuss her out
And tell her about herself
But I didn’t
I always remembered to speak Properly
From Radiant Beings: Poetry by 826NYC Students at the Academy for Young Writers, 2022
No materials available for download.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
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 Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
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 Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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 Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
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.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
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 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 Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 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 Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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 Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
bookmark
Share