VALENTINE

Just because, this is one of my favourite pieces of writing. For love, for food, for words. From ‘Rapture’ by Carol Ann Duffy.

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.

Categories: Blog

23 Comments »

  1. what a beautiful poem Jack sums it all up – food and love. I wonder if you have read the wonderful book on food and love by Laura Esquivel “Like Water For Chocolate” a novel in monthly instalments with recipes, romances and home remedies. I thoroughly recommend it. Have a lovely day and thank you again for your fantastic recipes.

  2. I love this poem and have taught it to students for GCSE and to Year 11 students in New Zealand. It is a wonderful opportunity to open a number of discussions and many of my students have made wonderful observations. Brilliant poem, and amazing poet. Have a wonderful day Jack xx

  3. She’s peerless among poets, thank you for posting this Jack. Happy Valentine’s Day to you, & love to SB. xxx

  4. Me and my friends asked each other, if we had to choose only one fruit or veg what would it be. Two choose the tomato and one the onion. I’ve sent him this fantastic poem.

  5. This has been one of my favourite poems since I read it as a teenager, and delights my husband, who despises the saccharine sweetness of Valentine’s Day. Thank you!

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