Grade 10
PoetryWritingRegina is the type of person who, when you first meet her, seems very quiet. She is, in fact, the opposite. She is loud. She is a very big nerd and, when asked, she said that she believed that Bill Nye would win the Hunger Games against Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Is it a bird free of its cage,
told to be free and to roam
the heavens as she pleases?
No, there is no freedom
There will always be obligations,
responsibilities, faux motivations.
She flies through gardens
rosy, pink, and cute.
Intrigued she’s lured
only to her feet with thorns.
Her feathers tangled and damaged
by powerful winds carrying her
places of heartache and sorrow.
Lessons, ethics, and values obstruct
and pull at her Achilles heel
dragging her bruised feet to the
very ground she desperately wants
to leave.
She struggles with this freedom
as her head is filled with ideas
but her talons are dragged
to the ground.
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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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
The A.M., Grade 10, 826 Boston
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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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Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
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Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
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by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
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A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
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This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
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This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
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A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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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 Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
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by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
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In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
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A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
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Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
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Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
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by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
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.
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A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
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by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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