On an overcast Sabbath morning at San Quentin by the Bay a very special reading was taking place in a classroom. Convicts and civilians gathered to listen intently to what the “Brothers in Pen” were about to share on this special day.
The experience of men making time work itself out was quite revealing. It spoke of the human spirit that strives and yearns for expression, serving as a survival tool as convicts reach deep within to discover the hidden meanings in life.
A reading that captured close attention was the experience of one particular brother. Animated and passionate, he made some others shudder and listen more intently. His readings spoke to a tragedy of the inner cities, where a little girl had succumbed to the perils of drug addiction. Michael “Harry O” Harris, was caught up in this struggle to save her, but he himself was also a victim, because he was one of the players to bring large quantities of cocaine into her neighborhood. His life had been a classical duel between good and bad inclination where blind ambition had won out and he had become a “pusher man” to young and old alike. Suddenly, Harris woke up from what had been a nightmare, 20 years of dark dreams in a prison cell.
Another reading came from Jeff Atkins, whose life inside San Quentin was on installments. Most of his memories focused in on his bouts with drug addiction and the loss of his family. The ups and downs in his life must have made listeners feel dizzy. But his hope for a better life was quite evident as he, too, made strides to change and better himself. Sadness and setbacks have a way of bringing out the best qualities in a man. Maybe this is why the civilian guests were eager to hear more.
The diversity of readings made for a good exchange between the reader and the listener. From the concrete jungles to green hills, people are the same wherever they happen to be.
Kenny Brydon read from his memoirs. He spoke of a funeral that had brought him face to face with loved ones. An event that was so emotional in the company of ones that are so close. “A body lying in a coffin” was a striking image for him to share, prompting reactions in the classroom that were stiff and still. Brydon’s voice trembled; perhaps the past and the present had become one for him. All was done in the spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness, for himself and his family, or so it did appear.
Troy Williams, aka “Bones,” began his reading from the pages of the book, “Brothers In Pen.” His words enticed the listeners. Terrorism and relevant issues of today painted a familiar image. Police actions, resistance and repression, violence and brutality, all held the audience’s rapt attention. William’s descriptions came to life as his characters struggled to survive. Listeners were certainly living in the moment.
Now it was Luke Padgett’s turn. He spoke in a clear and even tone: “How could being in a cage not change a man?” His expressive manner took the form of a theater musing, the classroom was a stage and Luke was the performer in a play. “Natalie’s” spirit came to life through him, and everyone began to know her almost as well as Padgett.
Jerry Elster’s reading was alertly given in light of his current plight as a CDCR client. “Top Dog” was weaving his way through the maze of prison violence. In his reading of “Naked Feet On Cold Concrete,” dodging shanks and gun towers was an everyday occurrence inside and a survival guide is what he was now sharing. Denials of parole piled up as accomplishments rained down. “Top Dog” was still in the pen and his end was near. William “Top Dog” Vanderbilt’s body was dressed out to his family one sad day.
Ronin Holmes began his real life experience from the tip of his pen writing on his heart. “The loss of a loved one inside leaves no room for mourning.” He had to move on with his time in the joint. Love is never ending. “Giving it is better than accepting it.” Many maxims lined his portrait of love within the walls. His thoughts cascaded into the heads of his listeners: “I believe in the power of love,” and so he was happy and peaceful in the reading he now delivered.
Michael “Charlie K Complex” Willis shared from some of the horror stories inside the psychiatric wards and institutions. He spoke of innocence betrayed by the trusted and the fight of the depressed to be free. It was clinical, analytical and sharp. “Charlie K Complex” accented what was a masterful grouping and readings by the “Brothers In Pen.”
After the readings, questions were thrown at the readers. Williams explained, “A lot of our stories have their roots inside of these places, and now this is our way of telling people outside about the positive side that makes us more than prisoners or convicts.” Larry “Watani” Stiner spoke, “It provides the connection that will one day mend our communities.” Steve Emerick (Arts In Corrections) noted that the stories covered a wide spectrum of emotions. Zoe Mullery, Arts Creative Writing instructor, expressed her reaction to the readings: “I was very proud. It was a memorable time for all of us. I love getting to see them shine with all that’s in them. I get to see that often, each week during class, but it’s good to have an audience from the outside hear the words and ideas from their hearts.” Zoe’s eyes were still glowing with pride. I am certain that she was not alone. San Quentin by the Bay is a historic place where history and historians are ever busy making it shine!
