Café Mots sprouted from modest beginnings, rooted in a small but passionate gathering of creative spirits, ranging from writers and artists to musicians. The Lancer interviewed Ms. Kathryn Miller, Dean of Students and a former moderator of Café Mots, in order to gain more insight on the history of Saint Francis’s club for all types of literature and creative work.
Upon taking over the club in 2003, Miller recalls her first meeting with “a very small, but very dedicated group of writers who wanted supportive feedback on their work.” It took place in the now-demolished Little Theater with only around eight people total. She fondly remembers what she has dubbed the “Golden Age” of Café Mots, when the club was led by alum Aidan Stone (’08). This period lasted for around three years, where Miller describes the seats being “completely filled, with only standing room left.” The wide diversity of the audience stuck with Miller: football players came up to read their poetry, and an incredible range of acts were shared. One performance she’ll never forget was a solemn, melodramatic rendition of “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira on the piano. But how does the club fare today?
On October 24, Café Mots had a fantastic first meeting! With a humble audience, people shared everything from stories to poems. The first on stage was Maggie Forrest (’26) who shared a wild dream, and got the ball rolling for more and more performances. Stories, fictional and nonfictional, were performed: Student leader Nikola Mitevski (’26) and his story behind his and his grandfather’s name, Savannah Mann (’27) and Joviemae Oliva (’27) with their story of anxiety, and Leo George (’26) and their comedic childhood war. Poetry came from all corners; Sonia Quinonero Koch (’26), Katherine Nguyen (’26), Mann, and another student leader Sahasra Nistala (’25) who shared an abecedarian poem—in which every line starts with the next letter of the alphabet. A surprising, familiar face was also seen on stage: Miller and her daughter, Emily Miller (’28)! Emily, despite hesitation, shared an inspiring original poem about the struggle of passion against skill. Miller shared a new side to her, reading a poem titled “Dry,” detailing addiction towards anything: sweets, video games, or drugs. Everyone there, from listeners like Mr. Grant Lucas to participants like Mitevski, opened their minds and learned a little bit more about themselves and others.
As she was interviewed, Miller shared ideas on where this club could go. A previous director of Café Mots, Stone, who went on to work in a bookstore, has offered to let Café Mots meet at the bookstore. “Because, really, the Café Mots’ model comes out of poetry readings in bookstores,” Miller reflects. “It would very much be in line with the spirit and interest of Café Mots.”
Café Mots has always been bigger than itself. Students and teachers line up the seats to share and listen, and back in its prime, even people outside of Saint Francis. Café Mots will always be about sharing a piece of yourself and finding others like you, whether it be seven people or a hundred. “It takes one person with the right connections to fill it up, but that isn’t really necessary,” Miller says. With high hopes, she believes that there are enough “creative souls on campus” to keep the spirit of Café Mots alive.
