1. The Lyric-First Philosophy

2. The Architecture of Compound Grief

3. The Caregiver's Vigil

4. Literary Training for the Songwriter

5. Metaphor: Water, Dark, and Fire

6. Music as Engagement, Lyrics as Legacy

7. The Nadine Cycle: A Partnership in Song

8. The Family Cycle: Parenting Through Loss

9. The Scarecrow's Devotion

10. The Letters to Nadine

11. Signature Song: King of Sorrow

12. Signature Song: Dead Man Walking

13. Emotional Time and the Calendar

14. The War Inside

15. The Songwriter's Voice