Born in Tehran in 1941, Mohammad Ali Sepanlou received his diploma from Darolfonoon high school. He graduated from Tehran University’s Faculty of Law in 1963.
His first experience with poetry was in grade four primary school when his teacher asked the students to compose a poem about sports. Later at high school, he wrote poems imitating Ferdosi’s world famous epic work ’Shahnameh’ as well as the odes of Farrokhi Sistani. He was interested in Manouchehri Damghani’s classical poetry and still regards him as the most “innovative and resourceful“ poet of the past.
In those days, modern poetry was out of favor and was considered a taboo. In the beginning, Sepanlou adopted the style of Fereydoun Tavallali, who acted as a bridge between classic and modern poets. He then followed Nima Yushij and Ahmad Shamlou, and later assimilated the style of Siavash Kasraei, Forough Farrokhzad and Mehdi Akhavan Saales.
His debut poetry and translated works were published in 1963 concurrent with his graduation from university. At that time, he also wrote for a few magazines and newspapers in the capital. Ever since completing his military service, Sepanlou has more or less pursued his journalistic ambitions. He has contributed sporadically to literary periodicals such a Adineh, Kelk, Donya-ye Sokhan and Karnameh. He is now the chief editor of the Jashn-e Ketab magazine.
He published “Manzoumeh Khak“ at 22 years of age, which invited critiques by famous poets of the time including M. Azad, Yaddollah Royaei, Reza Barahani, Aidin Aghdashlou and Mohammad Hoqouqi. This was an encouragement for the novice Sepanlou.
He published several other collections including “Ragbarha“ (The Hails), “Piyaderoha“ (The Sidewalks), “Sandbad-e Ghayeb“ (The Absent Sindbad), “Hojoum“ (Assault), “Khanom-e Zaman“ (The Lady of Time), “Tabid dar Vatan“ (Exile at Home), “Sa’ate Omid“ (The Hour of Hope), “Khiyabanha, Biyabanha“ (Streets, Deserts), “Firouzeh dar Ghobar“ (Turquoise in Dust), “Paeez dar Bozorgrah“ (Autumn in Highway) and “Jaliziana“.
Sepanlou has also starred in a few films including “Aramesh dar Hozour-e Digaran“ (1970) by Nasser Taqvaei, “Shenasaei“ (1985) by Mohammad Reza Elami and “Rokhsareh“ by Amir Qavidel.
Sepanlou’s house was recently recorded in the National Heritage List. Arguments over who holds ownership of the building still continue, with Sepanlou doing his best to keep the residence.