“I love the sounds that words make.”

– Mike Marks

Mike Marks approaches poetry through questions about time, perspective, and what exists before or after a moment. His poem “On My Way” received Judges’ Pick and Community’s Pick finalist recognition in the 2026 BREW Poetry Award. In this interview, Marks discusses his practice and the questions shaping his work today.

Mike, thank you for taking part in this interview. To begin, could you introduce yourself in your own words, tell us about what you do, your journey as a writer and poet so far, and what you hope your creative work contributes to readers?

Growing up, my older sister and brother were voracious readers. By the law of restricted choice, I did not read. Only after majoring in architecture, mathematics, and chemical engineering in college did the challenges of reading and writing become my passion. I love the sounds that words make.

What first led you to write “On My Way,” and what were you exploring as the poem began to take shape?

Of course, everyone yearns to know what comes after. I also speculate what comes before.

The poem uses the imagery of a journey to reflect on movement through life and changing perspectives. How did you develop this central idea?

We are all but specks in time with questionable purpose or significance.

How do everyday observations and experiences become starting points for your poetry, and how do you determine which details will remain in a finished poem?

Gosh, I don’t know if a poem is ever finished.

Your public literary biographies describe a long engagement with poetry and creative writing. How has your approach to writing evolved over the years?

Over the years, both my telescopes and microscopes have become more powerful.

You have studied creative writing and have had opportunities to learn from other writers. What lessons from those experiences have remained useful to you in your own practice?

I am still trying to become more humble, that I am one of billions of voices.

Looking across your creative journey, what publications, milestones, awards, opportunities, or other recognitions would you like to share with readers, and what has each meant to you?

My first poetry compilation has not been published. My friends insist that my poetry will succeed me.

What role do reflection, curiosity, and questioning play in your writing, and how do they influence the subjects you choose to explore?

They are the role. Without them, the paper is blank.

What would you like to explore next in your poetry and writing, and are there particular forms, themes, or creative directions you would like to develop?

I am currently honing in on before and after.

“On My Way” received Judges’ Pick and Community’s Pick finalist recognition in the 2026 BREW Poetry Award from The Chrysalis BREW Project. What does this recognition mean to you, and what does it mean to have this particular poem connect with readers and judges?

For the poem to be considered the top echelon obviously has me tiptoeing through clouds of glory.

“Without them, the paper is blank.”

– Mike Marks

Links

On My Way

• Connect with Mike Marks via LinkedIn

Share Your Insights

Share your thoughts in the comments:

• What questions about life influence your perspective?
• What everyday experiences inspire your creativity?
• What makes a poem stay with you?

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