Mary Guckian is from County Leitrim and grew up on one of the many organic farms dotting the local landscape. This harmony with nature inspired her poetry. Among the many recognitions she has received are the Scottish Open Poetry award as well as the Leitrim Guardian Literary Award for Poetry. Mary's poetry can be read in her published works 'Perfume of the Soil' and 'Road to Gowel' published by Swan Press, as well as in many international anthologies of poetry alongside Seamus Heaney, Shakespeare and Wordsworth. Mary toured the Boston area for the Irish cultural exchange programme "Optimal Avenues", reading her work in such noted poetry venues as the Coop Bookshop at Harvard University, Sheas Pub, and the Patrick Pierce Gallery.