Cardiff-based poet Matt Nõmme has recently captured attention online with his viral poem Every C**nts Climbed Pen y Fan. Fresh from this social media success, Nõmme sat down with Nation.Cymru to discuss his journey into poetry, his creative influences, and his vision for the future of his work.
Nõmme’s entry into poetry was unconventional. “My first poem started as a joke about my late dog, scribbled while I was stuck in A&E back in 2019,” he recalls. Having only read one poetry book at the time — Don’t Call Us Dead by Danez Smith — Nõmme admits he was audacious enough to think he could turn a simple joke into a poem. “Proper Dunning-Kruger effect stuff,” he says.
Humour plays a notable role in Nõmme’s writing process. “I don’t think humour comes naturally, but I only find poetry interesting when I’m giggling at a line I’ve written — usually in my kitchen — before sharing it with my partner, Hayley. She’s the unfortunate victim of all the rejected poems I never publish. Please pray for her sanity.”
When asked about influences, Nõmme cites a diverse range of artists. “I’ve been inspired by Danez Smith, John Cooper Clarke, MF Doom, and R.S. Thomas. But perhaps the most surprising influence was a 2006 band rider from Iggy and the Stooges. Turning a dull document into something hilarious stuck with me. Go and read it — you won’t regret it.”
Nõmme’s poetry often draws from his experiences in Wales and explores topical themes. “I try to distil high-brow topics into my own experience. For example, Every C**t’s Climbed Pen y Fan addresses over-tourism; The AAAA in Caaaardiff tackles multiculturalism; while poems like Afterlife Insurance and My Brother Sam deal with death. Much of my work is like nosing through the obituaries, which was also my nan’s hobby.”
Looking ahead, Nõmme hopes to explore new venues and formats for poetry beyond traditional publications. “I want to bring poetry to unexpected spaces — posters, graffiti, videos — places where people might not expect it, engaging them directly. I’m particularly interested in encouraging adults who haven’t written creatively since school to start writing about their own lives and perspectives.”
He notes the gratifying impact his work has had: “I sometimes receive messages from people sharing their first poems after seeing my videos. Being part of that spark is mind-blowing.”
When asked about favourite lines, Nõmme shares his fondness for the line from Every C**t’s Climbed Pen y Fan: “how green is my valley? how brown is the top?” Yet he remains modest about his craft. “When I write a good line, I puff my chest out at home, but performing it live sometimes brings only crickets. It keeps me humble.”
Nõmme acknowledges poetry’s reputation for seriousness but encourages new writers to embrace the art form without pressure. “Poetry is often treated like a distant relative you only see at weddings and funerals. Maybe meet that cousin for a pint when no one’s died. And if poetry ever feels too serious, read BESTSELLER by Paul Birtill — it cracks me up every time.”
Regarding the response to his work and his current trajectory, Nõmme says, “The response has been lush. I’ve discovered a supportive and thriving poetry scene, and that live performance remains vital. Also, I’ve learned that American audiences really don’t like swearing — they make sure to tell me every time.”
With a new book in progress, Nõmme reflects on his recent viral success: “The reaction to Every C**t’s Climbed Pen y Fan reminded me that poetry can resonate widely. Maybe right now, it’s not about putting words on a bookshelf but sharing them in ways that reach people.”
