Grade 12
PoetryWriting
I remember the first time I danced with her
The lights were bright and hot
And I was so much quieter and desperate
Sitting at the table, holding the best of myself in my palms
Everything was telling me to stay at that table
My shoulders were heavy
I was sweating buckets, my hair sticking to my neck
the air was overwhelming
And the air was so electric
Nobody there knew me
I wanted to spill out on the floor
And show everybody who I am
When I’m not around you,
I wanted to dance and fly on that floor
The way I don’t at home,
The way I do when my hands are open
And so I advanced
And took her hand
And she was surprised, and pleasant
And she wasn’t mean
She was soft, and so different
I wasn’t expected to like her
Unlike him, calling me hot,
She called me pretty
And she circled me
And all the bad days in the past blended into one, insignificant
And my hands held hers
And she took the best parts of myself
When she let go
My palms were empty
My shoulders were light
My soul was full
Even when I left the dance floor
Even when I went home that day
Even when she took me
I can’t recall it all negatively
How could dancing so freely
Be wrong?
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
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 Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
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.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Manuel C., 17, 826DC
Manuel sees his name as joyful and strong, linked to faith, fun, and his favorite characters, with two names that reflect who he is at home and at school.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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 Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Abner L., 17, 826DC
Abner explores the meaning of his name through color, joy, strength, and heritage, connecting it to culture, family, and faith.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
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 Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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 Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 Jarmani M., Age 18, 826 Boston
Jarmani reflects on the pain of being rejected from his top high school, but through that challenge, he finds motivation. He grows more focused, disciplined, and driven to succeed in all areas.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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.
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