Hail, Carol Ann Duffy!

Today is Saturday, 2 May 2009.

What great delight
finally to write:
first time in 341 years,
poet laureate of Britain
be FEMALE!

Hail,
Carol Ann Duffy.
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“Valentine”

Not a red rose or a satin heart.

I give you an onion.
It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.
It promises light
like the careful undressing of love.

Here.
It will blind you with tears
like a lover.
It will make your reflection
a wobbling photo of grief.

I am trying to be truthful.

Not a cute card or a kissogram.

I give you an onion.
Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,
possessive and faithful
as we are,
for as long as we are.

Take it.
Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring,
if you like.

Lethal.
Its scent will cling to your fingers,
cling to your knife.
--- Carol Ann Duffy

The Museum of the Bourgeois congratulates you!
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A profile may be found at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8022790.stm