Cheryl S. Smith has moved from her hometown Chicago, IL. to the sunny Los Angeles area. She has published her first book, In The Note of C - released 02/01/02. The book offers the reader an extremely moving autobiographical short story and an array of eclectic narrative and lyrical poems dealing with relationships.
In The Note of C can be previewed and ordered via http://www.1stbooks.com.
Cheryl is always available for workshops, guest appearances open-mic events. Contact her via email.

In The Note Of C
“... We all have different ways we express
What our souls refuse to lie to rest
God gifted me with the art of language
All my words need to be said.
So I write on in my own octave and key
The key that I choose is that of C
Truly they are notes, I'm sure you'll agree
And the C I mention is me.”
Cheryl S. Smith
Copyright ©2001

“We are all both students and teachers in this life. Does it not follow that we should strive to be the best students? Thus in our achievements, and how we handle challenges, we become the best kinds of teachers.” -Cheryl S. Smith

The following are excerpts from In The Note Of C:

My Muse
Thank you for loving me.
Love aligns me with my gift
That powerful energy that awakens
That allows my tired eyes to clearly see.

Thank you for hating me.
Hate challenges my muscles
That cowardice of all energy
Laying wait in lies & hustles.

Thank you for sharing.
All that you were suppose to give
Putting yourself at risk
So a soul like mine continues to live.

Thank you for taking.
All that you require from me
Reinforcing the idea that everything cost
Nothing is ever truly free.

There isn't much in between love & hate.
You either give or you take.
Anyway you choose
Unwittingly you have been my muse.
Cheryl S. Smith
Copyright ©2001

Mama, Across the Street
I see you almost everyday,
  Just sitting
I wonder if there is a way,
  Just wishing
I could ease your daily load,
  Just watching
Your tragedy unfold,
  Just praying
The grandkids left for you to raise,
  Just hoping
That you will soon come out of your daze,
  Just sitting.
Cheryl S. Smith
Copyright ©2001