The Beat Within is a weekly publication of writing and art from inside juvenile halls in the San Francisco Bay Area (www.thebeatwithin.org). It is the product of workshops held weekly in the detention facilities. In an August workshop, a suggested topic was "The Beach." Here is some of what came in. We thank the contributors, David Inocencio, director of The Beat Within, and Pacific News Service, its sponsor.

Lonely Taz
remember when it was just
me and you mom
right after dad's funeral last year
we went to the beach
in half moon bay
we climbed on rocks and
picked up sea shells
you told me story's about my dad
and how he knew he was going
to die when he was 38
and how he loved you and me
even though he was an
alcoholic at the age of 14
and was murdered just to get a sip
you hugged me I cried
not scared to show my emotions inside
I love you mom forever

Al-Bundy
I ain't really got nothin' to say 'cause I don't think I really been to a beach, but I imagine it like white sand, hella females in bikinis. I think it's hot as hell out there, just kicked back an' enjoying the weather. I don't know that much so I'm 'bout to let y'all go. I'm out.

A
I love going to the beach. The way the mist hits your face; it's the best feeling in the world.

Sara
It was September and I went to San Francisco with my ex-boyfriend (at the time we were together), we played in water and walked hand in hand while the sun set. Unfortunately I conceived my child (or misconceived) that day. But if I were older it would have been the perfect end to the perfect day.

Furly Gurly
I have very fond memories of the beach. I use to go there when my auntie stayed up in the projects. I used to collect the sand dollars and use them as pancakes in my play kitchen (because they're circle shaped).

One of my favorite drinks is a sex on the beach.

Dominique
It was on January 30th. Me and my one love decided that we would go to the lovely beach, and get the drama off our heads. Away from all the shhh and the crying kids . . . .

Gilbert
I've only gone to the beach once or twice. It was in California but I don't know the name of the beach. I remember when I went there but it was hella long ago. I can't wait to go back to the beach when I get out. I'm going camping with my family and I can't wait.

John Doe Juggalo
See, I don't go to the beach. The beach, to me, is my music--the Insane Clown Posse!

It lets me escape from the people around me and the things that I don't like in life, so I can think about good things, like--myself, my mom into a drug program, and my loving dad that was always there!

Anthony
I used to go to the beach with friends and family to get away from a lot of stuff I don't really want to deal with. I never went in too far, because I was always worried about the sharks, and I can't swim too good. I would just go to kick it and talk to a few girls, drink a little, smoke a little bit.

When I finish camp I should go on a regular basis, because it keeps me out of trouble and I still have fun. It's just gonna be hard to stay out because I'm on probation till I'm twenty-two. I'm gonna get a job and go to Great America and Six Flags too.