Stuart The Minion: “So you’re a poet, are you? Has it always been that way?”

Marc: “I like to think so. But no, it was not always that way. My biggest ambition since my teens was to become a musical composer; but I never got the wings or opportunity to do that (personal circumstances being so tight). But I think poetry does speak more truthfully of the soul, most of the time. I tend to think that great poets are also great personalities.

“And speaking of children’s poetry in particular, I must say that creating funny poems for children in my early 30s helped kick-off my confidence in writing things that were really impressive to a great number of people.”

Stuart The Minion: “How much does poetry mean to you?”

Marc: “A great deal. Going further back, I spent almost all my money just so that I could buy the equipment to hike into a forest and write my heart out. This was upon me leaving high school: I was emotionally sore, deranged, twisted: but I wanted to write. And that’s exactly what I did.”

Stuart The Minion: “But did everyone want your poetry, ever?”

Marc: “Haha, no, you’re right. I think I have a poetic voice, but I do struggle to be heard. There are some noisy writers out there I guess. But poetry is severely underrated by most people. There is music and love and jealousy and finesse in poetry, if you seek it out. The ability to write good poems makes me feel useful and deserving and blessed all at once.

“In terms of being published, my biggest claim to fame as a poet has been being published numerous times by Quadrant. The poetry editor there really loves me—and I love him back. And of course, being showcased on this website, Australian Children’s Poetry, gives me a thrill every time.”

Stuart The Minion: “What message would you give to the many children whom you would like to follow you?”

Marc: “I would say to them: be a good person. Kindness, eco-wisdom, these are the real values in life that also lead us to become great poets. School will teach you to become writers, but it is your responsibility to take care of your soul.”

Stuart The Minion: “How can they follow you?”

Marc: “People can find me on Facebook as ‘Marcus Ten Low’ and elsewhere @antibreeder1m.”