The Parrot in the Mango Tree

Dave Urwin confesses to having been very work-driven for most of his life and has earned his living by a wide range of employment. In this collection his work poems explore the topic from various perspectives, and many of the poems view labour by inhabiting other characters, as well as the view from his own, mainly rural, occupations.

Death is something many of us do not like to face up to or discuss, but Dave believes our lives can be enhanced by accepting our impermanence and facing our own mortality without being morbid. He approaches the subject from different angles, and in some poems with a note of humour and positivity.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2021 he has been able to re-appraise death, and life, with renewed clarity.

This collection of poems will give you much to reflect upon in respect of both your own life and that of others.


The Parrot in the Mango Tree is Dave Urwin’s third collection of poetry, following Towards Humanity (2015) and Plain Song from the Backstreets of Silence (2020).