Joseph McAloon

Joseph McAloon sustained a brain injury in 1975 when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car, sending Joseph through its rear window. 

Here, we ask Joseph some questions about how his injury affects him, and what led him to take up poetry: 

How has brain injury affected you?

At first I suffered more physically. I was totally paralysed down my left side. Although over time I did get some movement back. As far as my brain injury is concerned. I didn't notice at first, but friends and family told my that I became very impatient, I became very isolated, and lost a lot of my communication skills.

What inspired you to take up poetry?

I am not sure really. A friend wanted to write a birthday message for his mum. I wrote bits and pieces to help him out, and then thought of doing a poem. It came out well and then other people asked me to do one for them. I have written hundreds. Ranging from wedding ones, to Christmas Advent calendars.

How do your poems reflect your life after brain injury?

I can often get emotional at times. I can get down, and I can be happy. Most of my poems are are a reflection on how vulnerable I have become in relation to my brain injuries.

And how does writing help you?

Writing to me is often like crying without tears. I feel like everyone is my achievement.  They just come out of fresh air. I lost 90% of my vocabulary,  and this means that my work misses out on a lot of beautiful words. I get lots of positive feedback from social media, but I wish I could sort them out.

A mask Joseph created at the Living With Aphasia creative arts group he attends.

If you could give one bit of advice to others affected by brain injury, what would it be?

You are still a person that should be treated with respect. Try to understand yourself and your limitations, because by doing this you can gain confidence.