Guide dogs, death, and a disturbing dream. Marriage, memories, and intriguing mysteries. Eroticism, abortion, and a wonderfully poetic essay. In this collection of 23 of her short, accessible poems from several decades, Ann Chiappetta explores an enormous range of emotions and topics.

Orbituary mourns the removal of an eye. Verona and In Those Dark Moments are tributes to her beloved guide dog. Appearances offers reflections on adjusting to blindness. Four of the poems deal with the illness and death of others and her enduring grief. Root Cellar is like a miniature horror movie. The Marriage Pot employs a much-used spaghetti pot as a symbol for the vicissitudes of a long marriage. Helium offers a balloon’s view of its surroundings. NoneTheWiser gives us the words of an unconventional little girl.

These poems may variously pierce your heart or warm it, surprise you or amuse you. But they will surely move you and make for lasting memories.

About the Author: Ann Chiappetta holds a Master of Science degree in marriage and family therapy and currently practices as a readjustment counseling therapist for the department of veterans affairs. She lives in New Rochelle, NY with her husband, daughter, and assorted pets. Her poems, articles, and short fiction have appeared in numerous online and print publications.