Give me a Duffy for Christmas. Please.
Last year, Jeanette Winterson interviewed Carol Ann Duffy for her collection of poems, Rapture. I want one for Christmas. Period.
The poem below is from a different collection called “Mean Time.” Indulge.
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 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
