| Marvin Thompson | |
| Genre: | Poetry |
| Occupation: | Teacher |
| Birth Place: | London, England |
Marvin Thompson (born) 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 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."[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]