Reasons for Living
Poems and Lyrics 2019-2025
By Mike Scarpiello
A deeply personal and unflinchingly honest collection of poetry and lyrics that explores the raw beauty of human experience through loss, resilience, and hope.
Book Details
- Length: 65 pages
- Format: PDF
- Size: 723 KB
- Price: 99¢
- Published: 2025
About This Collection
Reasons for Living is a powerful anthology spanning six years of creative expression, offering readers an intimate journey through the complexities of modern life. Mike Scarpiello crafts verses that resonate with universal themes while maintaining a distinctly personal voice that speaks to anyone who has faced adversity and found reasons to keep going.
What You'll Find Inside
Profound Reflections on Family and Loss
From Italian immigrant grandfathers to the ongoing opioid crisis, Scarpiello doesn't shy away from difficult truths about family, mortality, and the connections that define us.
Vivid Travel and Adventure Narratives
Experience the adrenaline of running with bulls in Pamplona, the challenge of climbing Mount Rainier, and the quiet moments that make travel transformative.
Urban Life and Social Commentary
Honest portrayals of city living, from the precious pre-dawn hours on a high-rise porch to the harsh realities of life "South of North Avenue."
Song Lyrics That Tell Stories
Original lyrics that blend narrative storytelling with memorable refrains, exploring themes of love, loss, and new beginnings.
Moments of Beauty and Hope
Despite confronting life's difficulties, the collection celebrates simple pleasures: fireflies on summer nights, morning coffee, the comfort of companionship.
Why This Book Matters
In an era of polished social media presentations, Reasons for Living offers something increasingly rare: authentic vulnerability. Scarpiello's work acknowledges that life includes both profound sorrow and unexpected joy, often in the same breath. His poems don't offer easy answers but instead provide companionship for readers navigating their own complex journeys.
The collection's title piece reminds us that reasons for living can be found in the smallest moments—from the way light catches in someone's hair to the sound of rain washing away our troubles.
Download Now for Only 99¢Perfect For
Contemporary Poetry Lovers
Readers seeking authentic, contemporary poetry that speaks to the modern human experience.
Those in Transition
Anyone dealing with loss, family challenges, or life transitions who seeks understanding and connection.
Music & Lyric Enthusiasts
Music lovers who appreciate lyrical storytelling and the intersection of poetry and song.
About the Author
Mike Scarpiello brings a unique perspective as a UX Designer, writer, musician, and adventurer. His diverse experiences—from carnival work to bull running—inform poetry that is both grounded in real life and elevated by careful craft. He lives in Chicago with his wife and two dogs.
Find Your Reasons for Living
Dive into this powerful collection of poetry and lyrics for only 99¢
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