Paste On Smile.. A Day In ECA (poem) by Erica Ivory on AuthorsDen

Reviewed by ira eden

Reviewed on September 29, 2003

sounds like such a prison.
i'm sure you kiss your freedom
fresh on the mouth each morning now.
and you, you made it through somehow
with your wits about you.

i admire your courage, and your ability
to transfer such experience into art.

*
eden

Reviewed by A PAX

Reviewed on March 31, 2003

my god.!!!
does this place still operate????
how awful.......
you are one resiliant cookie! God Bless!!!!

Reviewed by Bobbi Duffy

Reviewed on March 31, 2003

Erica, these slice of life pieces from the academy are so intense and heartbreaking. You do them so well.

Reviewed by OnepoetGem *the Poetic Rapper

Reviewed on March 30, 2003

Erica it's good to share this type emotion and experience. All I can tell you is to find somewhere to escape and be glad you're not there yourself. I usually feel sorry for people in ridiculous positions, then focus back to myself having the freedom and little comfort that I have. tkcare Grady

Reviewed by Birdie Houston (Reader)

Reviewed on March 28, 2003

This was such a cool piece got my undivided attention I loved it

Reviewed by Ois�n Breen (Reader)

Reviewed on March 28, 2003

intense

Reviewed by Connie Hinnen Cook (Reader)

Reviewed on March 28, 2003

I'm so sorry you had to go through this Hell.

Reviewed by jude forese

Reviewed on March 27, 2003

allows the reader to really visualize and experience the scenario you've expressed...

Reviewed by Nancy D.

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

Words of truth spoken so freely. Great write.

Nancy

Reviewed by William Bonilla

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

Great write Erica

William.

Reviewed by the phantom pheonix (Reader)

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

I think this was extremly scary and nightmaric sounds more like one of my routine nightmares I suffer I so so sorry you went though this

Reviewed by E T Waldron

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

You painted a vivid picture Erica, and I'm so glad you chose to turn your inner anger to writing so we can share your wonderful talent...

Reviewed by Micha Julian

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

too powerful, shaking...and to be, to share this, you...you awe and how you ever, ever got through this hell, dam, 'paste on smile'...(((((erica))))))
a masterpiece of truth and a cautionary tale, wonder how many ECA's still around...
how you survived...and became, became who you show here, so much courage!
YOU...so special, so amazing...humbling...
an awesome woman, you ARE...and Poet!
Love to you,
michele

Reviewed by Christine Morell

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

A nightmare..it's the pain and angst you've had to endure that make you into the fine writer that you are and you are someone who can empathise ( very special )
Chrissie :)

Reviewed by Jay Squires

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

Thank you for sharing that Erica. The experience was not lost on you, though. You got an excellent poem from it. And it resonates in others.

Reviewed by Josephine Bohen

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

damn what a life
there has Got to be a better way
josie

Reviewed by Trish - The Trickster

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

Reform schools...wonderful places. Excellent write. Trish.

Reviewed by Erin Kelly-Moen

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

Excellently penned, Erica...a sad source of such inspired, reaching poetry, but I am glad you are writing it out and down for others to see. :)

Reviewed by Elizabeth Taylor (Reader)

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

Sounds like the Catholic school I went to as a kid. Well done.

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

well i was in boardingschool myself......and Goddy they can push you tothe limit ......no wonder you tell them to go "maistro"...hehehe
at that age I did not even knew there was such a "word".....but now i am whitty and know all about it......lol
Love
Tinka

Reviewed by Joel Raja Kumar J (Reader)

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

Erica, this brings tears. A real hell and I do understand how you must have felt in those days.

May God Bless you dear

Love from India - Joel -

Reviewed by Retta (Reindeer) Mckenzie

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

OMG...This was so terrifying to read, rather like George Orwell's 1984...My God, the strength you must have to have endured that, and remained the wonderful poet you are! My heart goes out to you!

Reviewed by Tony Nerone (Reader)

Reviewed on March 26, 2003

Dear Erica, That's over with. I know your scars remain. It may take time to go away. Or then it may never. But don't you want happiness for yourself? I think you deserve don't you? Remember new people that come into your life no nothing of your past. And you need people, nice, and good people.
Be Happy, Please?
Love yf
tony