Grades 11–12
PoetryWritingWill my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he be shot walking home from the corner store
with a 99-cent Arizona bottle that will be mistaken for a gun?
Just another Trayvon Martin.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will nine police officers beat him in a jail cell?
Just another Omar.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will the police tase him until he is near dead and his heart stops
beating for eight minutes?
Just another Bryce Master.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he be shot for being mistaken for the wrong black boy?
Just another Darrius Stewart.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he be caught
at the wrong place
at the wrong time?
Just another Donnell Thompson.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he become part of a hashtag
Black Lives Matter?
Just another Michael Brown.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he be put in a choke hold and make it to a casket instead?
Just another Eric Garner.
Will my brother make it home tonight?
Or will he be shot while handcuffed?
Just another Jamar Clark.
Will our brothers make it home tonight?
Or will our mothers be called by the hospital
to ID their little black boys?
No materials available for download.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
In this powerful letter to the United States Congress, this student stands up for representation of young people in government.
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 Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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 Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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 Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
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 Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
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 Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
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 Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
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 Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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 Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 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 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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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