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.
No materials available for download.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
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.
by Evelyn Escamilla, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Luis, 826LA
A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Judethan Garfias Muñoz, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
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.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
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.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Violet Roberts, Grade 8, 826DC
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
We are thrilled to have you as the newest member of our online community. Stay up-to-date on the the latest and most relevant resources, student publication opportunities, and what’s new with the 826 Digital community.
bookmark
download
Share