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Lemn Sissay

b. 1967

Born in Lancashire, Lemn Sissay, 56, grew up in care. In 1988, he published his first poetry collection, and he was official poet for the London 2012 Olympics. His 2019 autobiography, My Name is Why, became a bestseller and in 2021 he was awarded an OBE. He has just published Let the Light Pour In: Morning Poems, and his adaptation of Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis with Frantic Assembly tours until 2 March 2024. He lives in London and Manchester.

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Question How close have you come to death?

I made a suicide attempt at 12 or 13 years old.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 October 2023 source ↗

Question What would you like to be remembered for?

In a photo album of just one family.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 October 2023 source ↗

Question What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Life is not worth living if there is no one you would die for.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 October 2023 source ↗

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