Mark McDonnell

My name is Mark McDonnell. I write to distill experience and to have a voice, although the most exciting thing for me as a writer is when someone can see something of themselves in my work. I believe a poem only exists when it is being read by someone.

My influences and drivers are experiences of loss, grief and love. I can trace my love of poetry and language to being introduced in school to Keats and Gerard Manley Hopkins as well as French and German poetry. I have had careers in teaching, in the pharmaceutical industry and in psychotherapy. I have had the privilege of working in Spain and the USA as well as in the UK. I started writing seriously once I retired and had the time to be a part of groups where work is critiqued and mentors are available.

My work has been published in journals and online sites such as Morphrog, The London Grip, Dreich, The Friday Poem, Ink Sweat and Tears, Rialto and others. I was very pleased to have a couple of poems along with my Spanish translations of them published in Revista Zéjel No.9 recently. I am working on a couple of pamphlets.

As well as writing, I sing in a barbershop chorus, keep fit and work with asylum seekers, helping with their English language skills.

Instagram: @mcdonnellpoet5135