“It’s a funny thing with writing, as so much of the time I find I don’t really know where I’m going to end up with a poem… I guess what I’m trying to say is sometimes it does happen ‘organically’ and sometimes it’s more purposeful”
Category: Poems


Caleb Nichols: How I Wrote ‘BUS STOP, GWYNEDD’
“Sometimes a short poem or phrase feels a little like a gift: it arrives almost fully formed and I get the sense that adding too much deflates the impact of the image and sound of the poem.”


Wales Poetry Award 2022 | Winners Announced
On 12th May 2023, the online Awarding Ceremony for Wales Poetry Award 2022 (sponsored by Literature Wales) was held, hosted by judge Gwyneth Lewis and Poetry Wales editor Zoë Brigley. If you were able to join us on the evening, thank you so much for your attendance, and for making the event such a special…


Jim Lloyd: How I Wrote ‘The Mistle Thrush’
“This poem was unusual for me in that it was written very quickly. Although I experimented with different stanza lengths, this version is close to the very first sketched out draft which was in couplets”


Taylor Edmonds: How I Wrote ‘I Am’
“When I’m writing something new, I tend to let it splurge out however it lands, without thinking about form too much, as this holds me back during this initial draft. Then I curate the form more carefully when editing.”


Wales Poetry Award 2022 | Shortlist Announced
We are delighted to announce the shortlist for Wales Poetry Award 2022, sponsored by Literature Wales and judged by Gwyneth Lewis Scroll down to learn more about our thirteen shortlisted poets, read their poems, and don’t forget to register for your free ticket (at the bottom of the page) to join us at our online…


Mark Doty: How I Wrote ‘Deep Lane [June 23rd, evening of the first fireflies]’
“I have always felt that risk could energise a poem and that the reader might feel the heat being generated”


Saddiq Dzukogi: How I Wrote ‘The Old Ones’
“[This] poem represents the beginning of a willingness to engage in this new awe of the self through the prism of ancestry. It is an act of seeking permission to pursue this new wonder.”


Hannah Linden: How I Wrote ‘Each Morning, New Leaves’
“My poet mind is far wiser than I am. It takes me awhile to catch up with it.”