:: Life Of Dave ::

Damien Echols

Last night, one of the members of the West Memphis Three, Damien Echols, spoke at the University of Central Arkansas. He was brought in by the English department to talk about writing, both the books he is publishing and the journals etc. he kept while in prison. It was interesting - he received a standing ovation as he walked in, and when he had finished reading. I hadn't been sure what to expect, but it wasn't what I got - he was surprisingly erudite in certain areas, and his last few years in prison had made him quite spiritual (in an esoteric way). In addition, his description of what for him was mundane prison life was frankly riveting. A friend noted afterward that everyone should have to see someone who has served time in prison talk about their experiences. Overall, it was a fascinating evening. The local newspaper did a write up of the event which has some additional details and some interesting quotes.