George Sandifer-Smith

is a Welsh writer. He has published two collections, Empty Trains (Broken Sleep Books) and Nights Travel at the Right Speed (Infinity Books).

The Interview

1 How did you decide on what poems to send?

I started a couple of coastal poems – I grew up in South Pembrokeshire and spent a lot of time growing up enjoying the savagery of those cliffs, the walk to Barafundle, the roaring waves around St Govan’s chapel. But eventually the sink hole poem had to win through – they’re terrifying, truly nature untamed.


2 What poetic form did it take, and why?

I’m a regular user of free verse so initially chose it in order to, well, get into my comfort zone. But then I decided to break down that comfort from within – to take the ‘I’ out of it and emphasise the destruction.

3 How did you use the whiteness of the page in your poem?

Carefully! The ends of each verse are chosen with purpose – the first ends on ‘dancing to death’, the second on ‘cold and raw’ – to create cliffhangers.

4 How did you decide on the title of your poem?

The title was difficult as titles always are – I decided to look at how sink holes are formed in cliffs and then present it as a ‘gift’.

5 Imagery, or narrative. Which was more important to you in writing the poem?

Imagery for this one – the coast is so rich with it. I like it!

6 What do you think of where your poem is placed in the collection?

Nice to be on stage early – means you can relax for everyone else’s set, so to speak.

7 Once they have read your poem, what do you hope the reader will leave with?

A vivid image that’s a bit terrifying.

You can purchase TWT Wave 2 here: https://shorturl.at/ezFNn