Grade 8
PoetryWritingArielle is an inspiring artist and a lover of reading and writing. She wishes her poem will inspire people to look beyond first appearances and acknowledge what’s hiding behind the smile. Arielle hopes that her writing can help people relate to others and bring confidence to those who can relate to this poem on a deeper level.
When people come to see me, they photograph the sparkling waters and white sand beaches.
They choose to remember the looming palm trees and beautiful sunrises.
In their eyes, I am a place of serene beauty and calm.
But what about the things they don’t see?
What hides beneath the endless waters.
They know it’s there, they choose to ignore it all.
They fear darkness and uncertainty.
They fear the creatures they can’t understand and the riptides that will pull them in.
They choose ignorance rather than acknowledge the storms that rage overhead.
Hiding behind their walls as the clouds roll in, and those who live below the waters begin to stir.
The people cower in fear of its fury.
For they know, when the darkness settles, there is no stopping the storm of pain and anger that is to come.
And when the dark passes.
The waters calm once again and laps back at the land.
Trying to clean up the broken pieces its anger created.
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by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
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A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
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In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
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by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
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The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
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A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
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An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
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A poem about wanting more from life.
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A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
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A personal narrative about race and identity.
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by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
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A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Cora B., Grade 8
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by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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A student’s manifesto!
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An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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