McDonald Clarke (1798–1842,) often called ‘The Mad Poet,’ was an eccentric and enigmatic figure in the early 19th-century American literary scene. His unique and unconventional style of poetry garnered attention and left a lasting impact.
Born in New York City, little is known about Clarke’s early life and background. Clarke’s poetry was characterized by its whimsical and often nonsensical nature, filled with wordplay, puns, and a disregard for traditional structure and grammar. Notable works include Poetic Sketches (1826,) The Belles of Broadway (1833,) Death in Disguise, a temperance poem (1833,) and Cross and a Coronet (1841)
Clarke became known for his improvised performances on the streets of New York, where he would recite his verses with fervor, captivating passersby with his animated gestures and theatrical delivery. He struggled with poverty and mental health issues throughout his life. He formed connections with notable literary figures, including Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe, who recognized his unique poetic voice.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by McDonald Clarke
Beyond all credulity is the credulousness of atheists, who believe that chance could make the world, when it cannot build a house.
—McDonald Clarke
Death, to a good man, is but passing through a dark entry, out of one little dusky room of his father’s house, into another that is fair and large, lightsome and glorious, and divinely entertaining.
—McDonald Clarke
Topics: Death
See where the wild-blazing grog shop appears, there where the red waves of wretchedness swell; it burns on the edge of tempestuous years, the horrible lighthouse of hell.
—McDonald Clarke
The most momentous concern of man is the state he shall enter upon after this short and transitory life is ended; and in proportion as eternity is of greater importance than time, so ought men to be solicitous upon what grounds their expeciations with regard to that durable state are built, and on what assurances their hopes or their fears stand.
—McDonald Clarke
Topics: Eternity
In old age life’s shadows are meeting eternity’s day.
—McDonald Clarke
Topics: Age
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