Carol Ann Duffy becomes first female poet laureate

I am so pleased to see in the news today that Carol Ann Duffy has become the first female poet laureate, she truly deserves that position. I was first introduced to Duffy's poetry when I did A-level literature at school, it was she who helped develop my love and appreciation of modern poetry, I think she will be a fantastic poet laureate. Here is one of my favourite poems that she has written:

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.