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 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 Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity 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 Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
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!
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 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 Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a 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 Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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 Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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 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 Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
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.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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