It ended with families encircling the extinguishing flicker-flames from the earlier bonfires that engulfed both pits. Laughter and afterglow and the scent of roasting marshmallows drifted through the dimming twilight while the cool, cloudy nighttime sidled in. Teens, little kids, and moms all smiled broadly and swayed to the movement of the music. Dads approvingly basked in the warmth of the moment.
The evening had been perfect! The gathering began with subs and sandwiches and games on the sand spit across from Humphreys-by-the-Bay. The “Writers Corner” Open Mic Night crescendoed into a forever-to-be-remembered celebration of stirring stories and sunset sonnets read by the students from De Portola Middle School. Through a cold, breezy Wednesday school night, the magic descended upon the Shelter Island fire pits. Parents, siblings, and friends settled themselves on beach blankets or camping chairs, nestled up to the warm invitation offered by the flames pirouetting into the night sky. Shadows danced upon glimmering eyes of rapt listeners, the lights of downtown twinkling and winking in the background. The microphone enunciated distinctive experiences, fictitious or true or both, from kids they had known their whole lives. Through pieces penned authentic, riveting, and sometimes hilarious, the young writers shared their deepest selves in verse, personal accounts, tragedy, and sagas. The audience sat mesmerized!
“I enjoy ‘Writers’ Corner’ because I get a time to let my ideas flow. ‘Writers’ Corner’ also gives me a time to meet new people and get closer to old friends. Going to ‘Writers’ Corner’ really helped me out of my comfort zone in sharing out, too! This was so fun! I really hope to join again!” - Rayleen Stillwagon
“Writers’ Corner” began seventeen years earlier at Fremont Elementary School, now defunct and forgotten in the lengthy history of Old Town’s past. The writing club continued at Benchley-Weinberger Elementary School in San Carlos and, now, De Portola Middle School in Tierrasanta. Bill Patterson, author of the thrilling sea fantasy, The Rusted Lantern, recognized the need for young people to present their true selves in an evermore complex time they were continually entering. Writing became a safe place for kids to look at themselves, in their world, whatever that was, however they chose. What these students wrote was most often enlightening, for themselves and, even more so, for others. The self-reflection revealed clarity to the writer, and often to the listeners. Recognition of one another’s struggles and fears became a binding strength that created among these young and anxious islands of adolescence . . . a community, an anchorage, a haven, a writers’ corner.
“I would never get tired of ‘Writers' Corner.’ Before ‘Writers’ Corner,’ I had pages and pages of stories I kept to myself, as I was afraid to be critiqued on my work. It made me speak up, and feedback from my peers helped me improve my writing further. It was also my inspiration. Though I had past experiences and emotions that helped me form a story, I got ideas I had never even thought of before from others. It was like my safe place.” - Blue Burkett
So “Writers’ Corner” continued each year, always creating a sense of wonderment that, most times, neither student nor family and friends ever saw coming. Conversations too intimidating to enter suddenly and eloquently were detailed matter-of-factly, with true feelings and courage and candor. Families and friends listened . . . and heard.
“’Writers’ Corner’ was a very enjoyable and inspirational club for middle school students to share their work and advance in their literary skills. As an eighth grader, I was very inspired by our various guests and student readers. Seeing other students and adults who shared the same passion for writing was very encouraging for me to improve and continue to write my heart out. I was motivated to share my work and connect with others who continued to maintain a positive and encouraging attitude toward writing!" - Julianne Sue
Through the dimming light of a calming evening, the chilling breeze finally stilled. Moms and dads filed past the book author, whom, each year, had gathered precious upon precious memories from each writer, each individual, and this year, their child. The parents all thanked Bill Patterson for a beautiful and memorable evening, and for giving their children a space to fully express themselves.
“It amazed me every Monday when the students trickled in after a long school day. I kept asking myself, ‘Why do they return?’ Finally, I realized that they felt valued, inspired, and listened to. I was able to apply in my classroom some of the techniques used by Bill and his guest, spoken-word artist Lindsey Dominguez. ‘Writers’ Corner’ reminded me to never forget that every child has a story and it’s our job as teachers to find ways to give them a voice. They all have a little flickering flame inside that just needs to be fanned. - Erica Soto-Nauta, host teacher
And, one by one, the students said good-bye. Before they disappeared into the rest of their lives, each would ask the same question:
“When can we do this again?”