Jonathan Clayborne thought he’d never again see his name in print.

A former reporter for the Washington Daily News, he gave up the profession several years ago because of mental and physical issues. Since, it’s been an ongoing recovery, one he’s now sharing in “Ten Dollars and a Zippo.”

Twenty-two years in the making, this compilation of poetry is funny and serious, and tackles the subject of mental illness. It’s free verse; the inspiration drawn from a variety of poets. It’s also semi-autobiographical.

“It’s all taken from my life in some way,” Clayborne said.

The title of the book is also the title of a poem based on Clayborne’s 12-day stay in a mental health facility, attesting to the fact that “Ten Dollars and a Zippo” is a frank look at mental illness. However, it’s writing was also an opportunity for Clayborne to find his literary voice.

“I hope it’s an original voice. I hope it’s a style that will feel comfortable and accessible but different at the same time,” Clayborne said.

While the essential theme of the book is dealing with mental illness, other poems amble off in the direction of nature, and familiarity comes in the form of illustration: photographs that “help tell the stories in the poems.”

“Some of them are just random photos of local sites,” Clayborne said. “I think a lot of people will recognize local places in this.”

Clayborne said his friends were instrumental in encouraging him to begin writing again. Others, like James Casey, designed the book cover, and fellow writer Robin Woolard provided her editing skills.

“We spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to edit poetry, and we think we found a formula that worked, but that’s for the readers to decide,” Clayborne laughed.

Ultimately, Clayborne is sharing his story to clarify mental illness, as well as reach out to those who suffer the same.

“It’s sort of a war cry for the mentally ill, who are often misunderstood,” he said. “This is a symbolic thing, a story about survival. … I’m still here. If I can come back from this, other people can back from this, too.”

“Ten Dollars and a Zippo” is available for sale at Amazon print on demand, as well as locally at Arts of the Pamlico, Little Shoppes of Washington and will soon be available at River Walk Gallery and Arts Center. The book is $10 and all Arts of the Pamlico sales will be donated to the arts nonprofit.