Grade 12
PoetryWritinga boy encased in soliloquies
trembling register, cracking voice
illicit inflections as an instinctive choice
spiteful looks, vengeful side-eyes
drooping eyebags sag, scratched corneas cry
trapped in a prison of uncooked meat
mismatched puzzle pieces usher in defeat
a script is pitched that will never be complete
a person entranced by monologues,
covert whispers, cords clogged closed
epicene enunciation throttling a throat
devoted to fleeing, flashing reluctant greetings
undereyes concealed, fresh wounds bleeding
tweed walls of flesh mauled in sheer desperation
jigsawed intestines excreting execration
this play’s third act must earn a standing ovation
a girl enriched by asides,
jaunty speeches, beaming strides
rosily articulate, watering wilted words
a toothy grin, chirps of a bird
fading scars, sparkling eyes
peeling off dead skin from an old tale’s scribes
rearranging stickers on a rubik’s cube’s sides
in spite of her spite, the curtain begins to rise
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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 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.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
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.”
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
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 Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants 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 Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
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 Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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 Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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