Grade 11
PoetryWritingAugustus Griffith Jr. is a devout writer from Parkland, FL. When he isn’t busy creating short films, he hones his craft by writing everything from short stories to sonnets. He has a unique passion for telling conventional stories through unconventional means, and he has been featured in many student publications, along with two books from Penguin Random House and one of his own.
These walls opened me up before they constricted
But they now obscure the sky, leaving me conflicted
I used to think they were whole
These walls don’t stretch, they shatter
I need to let them go
These walls don’t just bleed, they splatter
These walls betray all the homes they contain
These walls decay, leaving dust and bones
They lie like false hope they propagate
They incarcerate all they used to liberate
With the growth they claim to facilitate
They don’t repent, they constrict and discriminate
These walls contain water
I should’ve swam farther
But I’m drowning
My ID says that I don’t rest
I cut my foot, I bumped my head
I jumped the books, I’ll hop a fence
I hate these walls, they killed my friends
I hate you with the passion that ruined my life
Troubling thoughts bubble inside
These walls are frail and I hope they fall
As we plead for our lives it all slows to a crawl
How many more have to die within these walls?
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by Ola Faleti, 826CHI, with an introduction by Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of the U.S.
The pen is mightier than the sword. In this lesson, students learn there's no better evidence of this than the…
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled 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 Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 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.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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