Barb Shadow met the love of her life and spent wonderful years with him, but he was eventually taken by cancer. This loss caused her to fall into a deep depression, and part of her healing process was through poetry. You Were the Music is a collection of poems in which the author begins by reflecting on the concept of death. She then describes her last days with her loved one, when she visited him in the hospital. Later, she tells us what it was like to face grief. But these poems are also a tribute to love, as Barb Shadow shares beautiful memories that will live on in her heart. Moments such as the first time he told her he loved her or when they made plans for the future.

I loved You Were the Music because it is a tale of love told through poems. Although the writings are not in chronological order, they do mark a continuity, especially emotionally. The verses are short and clear, with straightforward writing, making it easy to follow the narrative. Barb Shadow's words are filled with nostalgia and sentiment. She doesn't focus on a single emotion but offers a complete picture and summarizes a life story. She shows that in moments of heartbreak, time passes slowly, while in joy, everything seems to fade in the blink of an eye. She is honest when reflecting on how complicated life can be. Although her experience is intimate and personal, anyone who has lost someone can relate. Her story is touching and shows us that the heart is made to love and has a great capacity to heal.

You Were the Music is a poetry collection by author Barb Shadow. It begins with an insight about death and then walks through the last days and hours of being with her loved one. The poems chronicle the raw, authentic grief of losing a soulmate to cancer. The style of each poem lays bare the emotional journey, capturing the devastating impact of her partner’s battle with multiple myeloma and the profound emptiness left in its wake. The collection is both a tribute to love and a meditation on loss. Poems like “We Didn’t Talk About Cancer” and “The Little Black Ring Box” resonated deeply. The author’s words give readers a portrayal of a beautiful life interrupted by illness, yet filled with moments of tenderness and hope.

The recurring motif of music, reflecting her partner’s passion as a musician, is a powerful metaphor for their vibrant connection. Though there is silence, this connection shows that death cannot break or end love. The structure of the poems, dated by days since the loss, mirrors the disorienting passage of time in grief. It truly makes the reader feel the weight of each moment. Barb Shadow’s poetry is accessible yet evocative, striking a balance between stark simplicity and raw imagery. While the unrelenting focus on sorrow can feel heavy, it is precisely this unflinching honesty that makes the work so compelling. Shadow’s ability to transform personal pain into universal truths is what makes You Were the Music a cathartic read for anyone who has faced loss. This collection is a testament to love’s enduring power, even in the face of unbearable grief. I highly recommend this book for those who are bereaved or soul-searching.