Mark O'Brien was an American poet and essayist known for his unique perspective on life and disability. Born in 1952, he contracted polio at a young age, which left him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite his physical limitations, O'Brien pursued a career in writing and earned a degree from University of California, Berkeley. His work often explored themes of love, desire, and the human experience. O'Brien gained wider recognition through his poem "On the Pulse of Morning," which he recited at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993. His poetry is celebrated for its emotional depth and vivid imagery, reflecting his personal struggles and triumphs. O'Brien passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of powerful literary contributions.