Suzanne Iuppa, a poet and conservationist, discusses her inspirations and shares a new poem in an interview with CJ Wagstaff. Known for her unique poetic voice and focus on nature, Iuppa has published her work in prominent magazines such as Magma and Poetry Wales. She was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize in 2016 and has received two nominations for the Pushcart Prize.

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Iuppa's poetry is deeply rooted in her efforts to restore vulnerable ecosystems and communities. She founded ETA CIC, which aims to combine climate adaptation with cultural exchange. In this profile for Nation.Cymru, Iuppa addresses ten questions that explore her contributions to the literary scene in Wales.

Reflecting on her early attraction to poetry, Iuppa recalls being captivated by her mother reading Dr Seuss and nursery rhymes, which she acted out with her younger siblings. Later, her reading of Sylvia Plath at the age of 12 inspired her to share her poems discreetly with classmates. She described poetry as a way to convey thoughts freely, associating it with nature and a sense of unconstrained expression.

Iuppa identifies several contemporary poets who resonate with her, including Paul Henry for his lyrical exploration of loss, and Holly Pester for her thoughts on post-growth economies. She named Natasha Trethewey for her evocative imagery of the American South and expressed admiration for Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch’s new collection, Milk Wood Memoir.

Among the poems she wishes she wrote is ‘The Act’ by Greta Stoddart, and recent reading that excited her includes Matt Howard's forthcoming collection, Broadlands. Iuppa has praised various poems for their impact, including ‘Fishing for Barrels’ by Dan Powers and ‘Silicon Valley, in the Backseat of a Tesla’ by Carson Wolfe.

Beyond literature, Iuppa draws inspiration from nature, everyday life, and personal relationships, including her children and grandchildren. Currently, she is focused on writing poetry centered around themes of existence and outdoor experiences, as well as fiction about women making unconventional choices.

Iuppa has been writing for nearly 50 years, often in fragmented time. She collaborates with a poetry mentor and uses submission deadlines to refine her drafts. In 2026, she plans to undertake a work project that will grant her more time to write independently, addressing challenges she has faced as an older woman in the workplace.

When asked about a word she wishes to incorporate into her poetry, she playfully mentioned 'cum,' noting her use of 'jizz' in the past. If her poems were to be represented as an animal, she feels they would be a fawn, highlighting their closeness and intimacy.

Iuppa concluded the interview by sharing her poem, Women in Love II, which remains unpublished, emphasizing her appreciation for revisiting it after the discussion.