Paul Rome
As a mentor at Still Waters, I have the privilege of meeting with five boys ages ten through twelve every other week to read stories, write stories, and eat quesadillas. The mood is pleasantly rambunctious—students are encouraged to talk and write about what’s on their mind, until it’s time for someone else to speak or read out loud, and everyone listens. Reading my novel out loud to all of Still Waters, as the featured Saturday author, was uproariously fun. The students laughed openly and afterwards commented not only on what they’d heard, but also questioned me on elements I’d left out.
The previous Saturday Zadie Smith read from her latest novel. In retrospect, being present with a group of young people who listened raptly to one of the world’s most ambitious and complex novelists was a memorable, slightly surreal experience. Though I was, of course, enthralled too.
I’m grateful to Stephen for maintaining a haven for learning via self-expression, reflection and friendship. Still Waters makes Bushwick a better place.