Bookmarkquinn

Poems of grit, fun and nonsense. #bookmarkquinn

The Steam Train

By Mark Quinn

The Steam Train
By Mark Quinn

Sat on a steam train heading for hell,
whilst I’m sat in my seat with stories to tell.
My head overwhelming with visions of pain,
while the black locomotive giant steam train
belts down the track, sparks all ablaze.
My mind and my vision stuck in this maze.

The reality of life is spinning out of control,
just like a beggar whose lost his soul.
I stand up and scream, “the hell must end!”
For the black locomotive goes round the bend.
Hitting the straight, heading for home,
where it is heading is for the unknown.

A tunnel is nearing, the blackness does come,
my mind and my body feels so numb.
Will this train ever stop?
My ears, my eyes, my belly goes ‘POP’.

We pull in the station – what a relief.
But my mind and soul is still full of grief.

Mark Quinn

Mark Quinn, widely recognized by his pen name Bookmarkquinn, is a poet, author, and spoken word artist based in Manchester, UK. With a style that marries vulnerability, grit, and humour, he describes his writing as “words; some from my heart and some from my arse.” That striking blend of the raw and the tender defines his work—and has earned him a loyal following both online and on stage. Writing under the moniker The Mancunian Poet, Quinn has published several poetry collections that reflect his deep commitment to emotional honesty and human connection. His books Life As We Know It and I’m Happy and I Know It are powerful, accessible works that explore themes of mental health, personal growth, and the emotional turbulence of modern life—always with a uniquely Mancunian voice. In addition to poetry, Quinn is also the author of Someday We’ll Understand: The True Story of the Missing Fishing Trawler The Doris Burton, a heartfelt nonfiction exploration that blends local history with poignant storytelling. The book serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of untold stories. His uplifting title Promoting Positivity continues his mission to share messages of encouragement and resilience in everyday life, while his children’s collection, Edwin the Bear Story Collection, showcases his talent for storytelling across ages—offering whimsical, thoughtful tales that spark imagination and kindness in young readers. Beyond the written word, Bookmarkquinn is an engaging live performer, regularly sharing his work on stages throughout Manchester and beyond, including appearances on Mancunia TV. He also brings poetry directly to his audience via Instagram, TikTok, and Tumblr, creating a space where art, authenticity, and mental health awareness meet. Through every piece he writes and every poem he speaks, Bookmarkquinn invites us to feel a little deeper, think a little more, and find beauty in both the light and the shadows. Learn more and find his latest work at markquinn.uk, and follow him on social media @bookmarkquinn.

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