Grades 10–12
PoetryWritingI am more than a small waistline and an hourglass figure
I am powerful and wise
I am they that gave birth to a thousand generations
And forged the way for others like me to be free of oppression
I am many lifetimes of wisdom
I am they that fought a war few cared about but many saw
I am the gentle breeze and the howling wind
I am ferocious and beautiful
A painting of many colors and a stronghold for the weak
I am every color of the rainbow and every flavor of ice cream
I am kissed by the sun and hugged by the moon
I am chaos and peace and everything in between
I am a message, a warning,
I am not to be abused and manhandled
I am to be loved and respected
I will not be forced into the quiet mold of a biased society
This isn’t a man’s world
It’s mine
I am the working woman, the toiling woman
The bend-over-backwards-for-her-children woman
But I am not the stay-at-home mother
I am not the submissive housewife
Cooking-all-day-behind-a-white-picket-fence woman
I am street smart and body smart
Cultivating a world for those like me, after me
I am a mix of races and cultures
And as Staceyann Chin said
I come in too many flavors for one f—ing spoon
I am woman
by Rebecca Darugar, 826NYC
Students examine relationships between art, poetry, politics, and current events, and reflect on personal experiences while writing social justice poetry.
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.”
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
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 Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
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 Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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 Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
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.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Sabrin, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Corazón, 826 New Orleans
In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
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 Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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