by Erin O'Riordan Inspiring, Romantic Poetry Takes Flight From Debut Author Cause and Effect Poetry by Chessly Nesci (2009, AG Press, $10.95) is a diverse collection of poems and poetic short story/essay/ruminations. They range from recession-era ("Economy," "Dream House") to romantic ("Dream," "Crush") to inspiring ("Strength") to fairy-tale-like ("The Hidden One"). Along the way, Chessly meditates on such topics as the tragic loss of her father, an emotionally abusive past relationship, and personal insecurity. She deals with these weighty topics with a hopeful, yet realistic, determination. Which is not to say she can't be lighthearted: see, for example, her loving ode to coffee: "...I love the smell of coffee beans And how they sound Grinding in a coffee machine I am an addict Maybe I need therapy Don’t think I want to stop It makes my body feel warm Soothes the senses Makes me feel relaxed at first Then mighty accomplished after a cup Just curious if anyone else is addicted? Loves it better than a lover Has to have it first thing..." The book concludes with eleven short-short stories, the best of which are "Flying," "Summer Love" and "Blind Date." These three in particular feature intriguing, yet realistic, female characters in romantic scenarios. (You can't blame me for liking them best; I'm a hopeless romantic myself!) I look forward to more from this talented poet.