Articles written by Erica J. Smith

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About me - Erica J. Smith

Erica Smith is a renaissance woman, who enjoys writing, reading, and researching on anything from people and cultures of the bible to analyzing literature written by those of the past. She is a substitute teacher and freelance tutor in reading and mathematics.

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Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Family: 1 of 101
20/20 Vision I awoke to an orange cross emblazoned upon a fiery ball, rolling up to my window. My bed sat low, and the ground was hot, so hot I smelled burnt flesh when I touched the floor to run. All around me there was acute darkness, and licking flames. First thought, was: Find mom! Mom was always up early no matter if it'... More..
Entertainment > Celebrity Commentary Celebrities: Why we're still interested in celebrity news: 2 of 52
Celebrities. The epitome of fame, and shame. We are going to continue to be interested in celebrities because we live vicariously through their lives, and hope to one day be like them even if their lives aren't all that rosy. Think about it: we may not have what Pastor Ron from RUN DMC has, or we may not "Love New York" but t... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: About friendship: 16 of 305
Where is the True in Friend?Is it the The End of the WordWhen at the end of your World,They Reach out,See you DanglingTears mixed with spitAnd say, "Take my hand. Grab it."Is it in True?When you need anEncouraging Word, they-Are there. In your blizzards...And they say, "You want to talk?"Is it there from the BeginningWhen sha... More..
Arts & Humanities > Internet Writing & Blogging Website writing contests: Are they a positive way to expose your talent?: 3 of 48
Bookhabit.com. Helium.com, and Elance.com. What do these sites have in common?These websites offer first time writers and accomplished writers or authors to break into the "freelance" category. Oh, print is fine, but how about free sites that give you an opportunity to build up your writing portfolio by allowing you to submit... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Struggles in life: 23 of 339
See SawThomas said my mother shouldn't be so dark; a black shadow against my pale ghost of a dad. He said his father talks about "stuff" like that. Saying things like: "Abomination, bestiality, and just plain no good smarts."Thomas sound just like his dad- Southern accent twanging like a banjo. So here we are sitting on oppos... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US News Reflections: Virginia Tech school shooting: 8 of 106
A growing fear of the classroom is a grim reality for both teachers and students, since the Va Tech shootings, and school shootings before.This fear is not small, or impertinent, it is relative to violence happening in our classrooms- claiming young lives and old. The students are now fearing the possibility of someone snappi... More..
Education > School Bullying & Violence How does the Internet influence bullying?: 2 of 19
Their lips are full of gossip, and the most terrible thing of all- you must see them every day in class, at gym, in the cafeteria, and sometimes near your home. They tease you daily and it makes you nauseous to the point of pain. Yet, you arrive home to what you think is your humble abode in front of your PC, you log on, then... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Family Values How the Internet has changed home life: 4 of 33
How The Internet Has Changed Home Life There is a new addition to the family: The Internet. The internet has made an appearance in my home in 1996 and there are some advantageous and disadvantageous to having the internet. ADVANTAGES The first advantage to having the internet in the home, is that information is right at y... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Religious: 3 of 24
Bram and Zara The old woman watched as the two emerged from the tent's flap. She noted how gracefully it had open, as an arm waving, introducing the new, fertile couple of the land. Her eyes drew upward and she watched as the night stars seemed to multiply before her. They twinkled. Would future generations after me watch ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Fear: 40 of 305
Tender Breath I HearHowling snatches my ear, hurts my heart, my fearConsumes me tonight- tender breath I hear.Bed creaking, I stand. Rescue my babe from him.From her real nightmares and- tender breath I hear.Love wakes rigidly, anger bruises my faceNoise collide with sleep- tender breath I hear.Heat rises in him; It rises in ... More..