“Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic, the fear which is inherent in a human situation.”

These words by English journalist, Graham Greene aptly describe how the power of the written word has helped 30-year-old Lehighton resident Zachary Keys cope with hardships he has encountered in his life.

Keys has published a book of 39 poems, titled, “Zac’s Poetry Collection” that was published in October.

Raised by a single mother until he became a 2011 graduate of Jim Thorpe High School, Keys turned to writing when the absence of a loving father in his life became an overwhelming emotional burden.

“There were physical and mental abuses going on in my childhood along with not having my father,” said Keys, “and I would just escape the misery by finding a quiet place to write.”

Now a 10-year forklift driver who lives with his wife, Sarah, Keys finds putting his thoughts into poetry where he can read them for therapy from the pain of his past.

“You end up finding out that children need to feel safe with their parents,” he added, “and when that safety is gone, you need to find a way to cope with it all.”

In his book, he personalizes his life experiences within reference to his poem: “As the Drums Beat Louder.” In a medieval battle, the king believes that God will protect his kingdom from the advancing enemy.

“The knight chants the words of the Bible before dying on the battlefield of the holy land ... As drums beat louder than war.”

Keys associates the incoming attack with the personal trauma he suffered as a child. Born a Catholic, he also trusted in God to protect him from the abuse as did the king have faith his army would be victorious.

In another poem titled, “Ashes of Your Love,” once again Keys centers his theme around protection and comfort. He writes, “Ashes to ashes, my heart and soul long for your love ...You can feel the warmth on my chest ... Ashes to ashes of your pet.”

Keys personalizes his need for safety and comfort through the warmth a pet can bring you while it lies upon your chest.

In the final poem of his collection, “The Wolverine Has Lost Its Beautiful Moon,” he equates an animal’s search for the moon to light its way to his search for what has been missing in his life.

“The wolverine howls at the moon because he’s afraid its light won’t lead him out of the darkness,” said Keys, an avid fan of Edgar Allan Poe. “In my life, I needed to find the path toward someone who could help change my life,” he said, “and that someone has been my wife, Sarah. She helped me get through some tough times.’

“Zac’s Poetry Collection” is one of Keys’ “proudest achievements” and is available on Amazon Books.

His effort took two years to complete. When asked if more poetry is coming in the near future, Keys remarked, “I do plan to write more. Writing is good for when you’re feeling low. As difficult as it might be to come up with the words, it gives you a feeling of relief.”