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RAPE AND RELATIONSHIPS
ANGER, COMPASSION AND PASSION EXPLODE INTO A CASCADE OF INSPIRING POETRY

Chicago, IL - "I have the power to move mountains and to create stars/..."
It is this positive energy that poet Cheryl S. Smith utilizes for her poems in In The Note of C (now available from 1stBooks Library). Through the flow of her poetry, Smith talks about the intricacies of relationships - looking at it from within and without. Smith does not embellish reality but allows her subject to reveal itself. She marks her approach by introducing her collection with a short story on date rape.

In The Note of C is a proactive stance on the complexities of human relationships. Smith's poetry does not merely describe but questions and cuts open the heart of human physical and spiritual attachment. As a result, the poetry of In The Note of C provides powerful insight that radiates the poet's passion to promote understanding, conversation, and action.

Cheryl Smith inspires by introducing a deeper interpretation for the meeting of fates. In her words, "hungers satisfied and thirst quenched," she talks of relationships as momentary snippets in an eternal quest for wisdom and happiness. She opens our eyes to the possiblity of sharing fates over several lifetimes,
"... All of you have walked with me in another life/How can I assist you in your ascension/In what way do I play a role in your enlightenment/How can I help you reach another dimension?"

The poetry in In The Note of C takes a pragmatic stance but does not fail to recognize the spiritual aspect of human relationships. These poems will stir you to take action against the violence caused by human ignorance, apathy and passions. In doing so, she provides a heart-warming melodic cascade of words that will also stir your soul.