I have been writing poetry since I was 14 years old - primarily as a method to stave off suicide, sometimes as a way to express love and question existence, always as a means to understand myself. After discovering absurdism and existentialism, I now view suicide as an important philosophical question rather than a potential escape from a seemingly endless amount of suffering.

 

A life-long devotee of self-exploration and understanding, my search for truth involves delving into the depths of my dark side which inevitably led to a relatively brief stint as a nihilist. Unable to tolerate the hopeless and disorienting nothingness that nihilism brings, I sought answers from Friedrich Nietzsche whom I credit with changing my life. His teachings encouraged me to define my own values and find my own meaning rather than continuing the search for elusive objective truths.

 

I hold a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Griffith University and a postgraduate certificate in Counselling from Edith Cowan University. I am also a regular participant and supporter of the poetry community in Melbourne, Australia.

 

                                                                                                                                   - Lisa McLean