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.
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Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
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Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
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Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
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by Abner L., 17, 826DC
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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
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by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
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by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
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 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 Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
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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.
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A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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.
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In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
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A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
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A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
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A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
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Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 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 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 Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
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.
Trinity L., Grade 11, 826 New Orleans
A poet explores the warmth and safety they feel with their love.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
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