On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Cleaveland House Poets, it seems an opportune time to thank William Waterway publicly for his role in bringing the poetry group back to life.

Dionis Coffin Riggs, the poet, founder of the group and my mother, believed William was the right person to inherit the group’s leadership. She had great respect for his ability to organize, his understanding of the creative spirit, his imaginative ways of attracting outstanding talent, and his energy and determination. After her death, the poetry group had dwindled down to only three or four members, and when I asked him to take over as director, I was following her wishes. Over the past dozen years under William’s guidance, the Cleaveland House Poets have become the most important voice for poetry on the Island, with two published books to its credit and national recognition.

Many, many thanks from those of us who understand how important poetry is to humanity.

Cynthia Riggs Attebery
West Tisbury