Although we might not like to make the association, love and pain do seem to go together. Maybe it's because when we love someone, we care enough to give more of ourselves, leaving the door open to pain. Whatever the reason, the relationship between love and pain exists, brought to life in The Balance of Love and Pain. Poet/songwriter Troy Sydney Maxwell Pearson has experienced his own struggles in personal relationships but also in the battle for his mental health as schizophrenia lingers in the shadows of his mind. His collection, although sometimes sad, is also one of hope, which can be found through the love of others and love of self. Troy finds happiness after living through hell, but then again suffers the pain of loss. Here, there is also the healing power of love but always the struggles of the mind, as Pearson's schizophrenia threatens to steal his joy. He has survived a series of triumphs and defeats but has found balance. Find your own balance between love and pain in this collection that portrays the troubles of the world but also the world's beauty.