Love is… was written in memory of Austin Zaruba. His wife, Liza, wrote this about Austin’s journey, “Despite his radiant spirit, Austin fought silent battles. In February 2018, his struggle became overwhelming, and he ended his life. The world lost a remarkable soul with the potential to touch countless lives through his music.”

Mental health is a silent, yet pervasive enemy in our world. It touches each and every one of us in some way or another. I, myself, have faced these struggles, and was deeply touched to be able to speak to the other side of darkness with this work: light.

My poet-friend Brian Newhouse penned an exceptional piece of work. His words always possess a lightness and empathy that I find compelling in poetry. The poem unfolds in two sections: the first, a letter to those we’ve lost, expressing how they remain in every corner of our hearts; the second, a message to the living, reminding us that love endures — holy, unwavering, and ever-present.

If you or someone you know is experience thoughts of suicide, please consider reaching out or visiting https://www.iasp.info/. Additionally, you can reach an individual who can help by dialing 988.