Little.Controlled.Fires.

LiTTLE.CONTROLLED.FiRES. is my post-covid journey from hitting rock bottom to finding life after a mental health breakdown. The aftershocks of the pandemic were hard felt and long lasting. During this time, I saw my anxiety and depression start to consume me in ways I never thought possible. I lost my father and others who were close to me and my family. I was in my darkest period, but it was through therapy and writing that I saw a light and a path forward. I found myself rediscovering what makes me happy. I challenged myself to embrace the me I was meant to be, looked at art as a weapon and a shield, and decided to start living fully.

It is my hope that my words will help others know that you are not alone.

Tony Spataro published his first book, My. Mind. Races. in 2021 and since that time has been published in several books. Tony is a co-founder of the poetry/writers collective, Indy Untitled (@indyuntitled), which hosts an open mic/workshop and published its first poetry zine in early 2025.