Grant reads another poem by Carol Ann Duffy, “Valentine.” This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Valentine Poem”
Well, here’s a poem I like by Carol Ann Duffy.
It’s called Valentine, and as we said earlier, Carol Ann Duffy is the poet laureate of the UK now.
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 kiss-o-gram. 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.
Well, that’s a poem by Carol Ann Duffy, who is the new Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom.
If you’ve got a poem you’d like to share with us, please send it to us. Our address is words@waywordradio.org.
