Mark Smith, known by his artistic name Barefist, is a poet and creative force. Originally from Sheffield, now living in Norwich. His early years were marked by adversity, growing up on the streets and surviving a broken home. These experiences shaped his perspective and fuelled his passion for music and literature as a means of escape. It wasn’t until later in life that Mark realized his frustrations were not from aggression, but from a deeply rooted creative energy that needed to be expressed. A self-taught writer, Mark honed his craft by immersing himself in books and music. His journey into the world of street poetry began when he was invited to a creativity workshop led by local artists Sue and Jason Parr. This pivotal experience inspired him to pursue his artistic path more seriously. Mark’s poetry delves into the themes of world hardship and suffering, with a unique approach of turning negatives into positives. His work is a call to wake up the population, one verse at a time, raising awareness about the universal challenges we face. Mark’s creative process is intuitive and spontaneous, often writing in a state of connected consciousness onto his mobile phone. Despite the distractions posed by ADHD and Autism, he finds clarity and inspiration through meditation and running. This dedication to his craft has led to notable achievements, including performances at Music festivals, collaborations with Street Shots on various projects and airplay on BBC Radio. Mark’s short-term goals are to enjoy every moment of his creative journey, while his long-term vision includes continuing to write, perform, and broadcast his work, allowing his journey to unfold naturally. Through his poetry, Mark aims to leave a deep, lasting impact on his audience, awakening parts of their souls and raising awareness about the challenges we face as a society.