Marvin Thompson (born 1977 or 1978) is a British writer living in Wales. His poem "The Fruit of the Spirit is Love (Galatians 5:22)" won the National Poetry Competition 2020, announced in March 2021.[1][2]
Marvin Thompson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1977 or 1978 (age 46–47) London, England |
| Occupation | Teacher |
| Genre | Poetry |
| Notable awards | |
Biography edit
Marvin Thompson was born in London, England, to Jamaican parents and now lives in Torfaen, Wales.[3]
Thompson's debut poetry collection Road Trip was published by Peepal Tree Press in 2020. Described by The Guardian as an "invigorating journey through complexities of black British family life",[4] the collection was selected as one of The Telegraph's Poetry Books of the Year,[5] and was nominated for the Wales Book of the Year 2021.[6]
In March 2021, Thompson won the National Poetry Competition 2020 with his poem "The Fruit of the Spirit is Love (Galatians 5:22)", dedicating his win to his children, his parents and "anyone who has felt discrimination pressing on their ribs; air being squeezed out of their lungs."[1][7] The bible verse referenced reads "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith" in the King James Version.[8]
Alongside Zoë Brigley, Thompson was appointed as joint editor of Poetry Wales magazine in August 2021.[9] However, Thompson stepped down from the role three weeks later.[10]
Bibliography edit
Poetry edit
- Road Trip (2020, Peepal Tree Press; ISBN 9781845234607)
References edit
- ^ a b "National Poetry Competition". poetrysociety.org.uk. The Poetry Society. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ Morris, Steven (25 March 2021). "Teacher wins UK poetry prize with poem on dual heritage". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ "Marvin Thompson – The Poetry Society: Poems". Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ Dastidar, Rishi (8 August 2020). "The best recent poetry – review roundup". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ Saunders, Tristram Fane (29 November 2020). "The best poetry books of 2020". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ "Wales Book of the Year 2021 Shortlist". Literature Wales. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ "Cwmbran teacher wins prestigious National Poetry Competition". ITV News. 12 April 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ "Galatians 5:22". Bible.
- ^ "Poetry Wales welcomes Marvin Thompson and Zoë Brigley as the magazine's first joint editors!". Poetry Wales. 2 August 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ "Marvin Thompson Stepping Down as Poetry Wales Co-Editor". Wales Arts Review. 24 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.