Ponies and Other Poems

CHERYL DERBY was born into her family's bookstore business. In her teens, she worked for her grandfather, and then at her mother's bookstore. Her father and grandfather owned the Economy Book and Stationery store in Syracuse, N.Y. After graduating from S.U.N.Y.

Geneseo with a double major in English and art, She owned her own bookstore in the Albany-Troy area of N.Y. for 35 years. Cheryl is also a visual artist and paints in watercolor, acrylic, pastel and oil.

Summary:

The titular poem "Ponies", takes a what-if stance. What if a pony would stop trying to buck you off, and instead lead you to a smoother carousel ride. White sheets stand in as a symbol that an adolescent girl is questioning life's weight, life's absence. The girl may make decisions eventually, but right now the sheets are blank. Rain is a Stranger is about a relationship. The woman feels like a stranger but is trying to get to know a man. For now, it's okay to feel like strangers, although the rain brings them together. These poems aim for emotional depth that makes a life worth living.