Grades 11–12
PoetryWritingWaves like mountains
Waves that make me feel so weak
So peaceful yet so strong
How can I overcome you?
From the distance I see you
From afar I think of you
When I’m in front of you, I see you
I feel you
I hear you
All the memories come back to me
As your cold waves hit me
Those summer nights come back to me
Those tears come back to me
My tears are part of you now
So warm when they run down my face
Yet so cold when they touch my feet
I’m afraid how deep you are
Will you let me float with you
Will I be able to enter your life again?
Ondas
Olas como montañas
Olas que me hacen sentir tan débil
Tan pacífico pero tan fuerte
¿Cómo puedo superarte?
Desde la distancia te veo
Desde lejos pienso en ti
Cuando estoy frente a ti, te veo
te siento
te escucho
Todos los recuerdos vuelven a mi
Mientras tus olas frías me golpean
Esas noches de verano vuelven a mí
Esas lagrimas vuelven a mi
Mis lágrimas son parte de ti ahora
Tan cálido cuando corren por mi cara
Sin embargo, tan frío cuando tocan mis pies
Tengo miedo de lo profundo que eres
¿Me dejarás flortar contigo?
¿Podré volver a entrar en tu vida?
***
This piece was originally published in Dreams, Screams and Everything in Between by 826NYC
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
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by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
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Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
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Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
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by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
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A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
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by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
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by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
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by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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 Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Shayne Williams
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by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Kayla, 826 Boston
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This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.
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A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
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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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