Grade 10
PoetryWritingIn the land of the sun, where culture runs deep,
With a heart so big and a smile that’s sweet,
I am a Dominican, proud of my people,
Strong and bright, like the sun’s warm ripple.
With music and dance, and love in my heart,
On tropical beaches, I set myself apart,
As a warrior of peace, and a defender of right,
With a free spirit, and faith burning bright.
I am a dreamer, with a future full of hope,
A curious mind, learning to cope,
With laughter and play, a playful soul,
A passion for life, and a heart that’s whole.
I am a human, full of love and gratitude,
Blessed with a life that’s rich and good,
With a future that’s bright, and shining too,
Here I stand, proud and true.
So, take my hand, and walk with me,
Through this land, as far as we can see,
Together we’ll explore, and make memories to keep,
For I am a Dominican, and my heart runs deep.
——
En la tierra del sol, donde la cultura es profunda,
Con un corazón tan grande y una sonrisa tan dulce,
Soy dominicano, orgulloso de mi pueblo,
Fuerte y brillante, como la ondulación cálida del sol.
Con música y danza, y amor en mi corazón,
En las playas tropicales, me distingo,
Como guerrero de la paz y defensor del derecho,
Con un espíritu libre y una fe ardiente.
Soy un soñador, con un futuro lleno de esperanza,
Una mente curiosa, aprendiendo a sobrellevar,
Con risas y juegos, y un alma jugueton,
Pasión por la vida, y un corazón completo.
Soy un humano, lleno de amor y gratitud,
Bendecido con una vida rica y buena,
Con un futuro brillante, y soy brillante también,
Aquí estoy, orgulloso y verdadero.
Así que, toma mi mano, y camina conmigo,
A través de esta tierra, hasta donde podemos ver,
Juntos exploraremos, y haremos
Porque soy dominicano, y mi corazón late profundo.
***
This piece can be found in 826 Boston’s original publication, I Find a Place.
by Soraya, 826NYC
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by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
A smile isn’t always what it seems.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
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A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Glimpse into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
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A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
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 Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
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