Ginge Reads

The poet laureate of Great Britain since 2009, Carol Ann Duffy is a particularly noteworthy writer as the first woman, Scott and first openly gay individual appointed to the role. Much of her work centres heavily on themes of love and relationships, possibly as a result of her own experiences as a homosexual writer constantly in the public eye, and nothing epitomises this more than her 2005 collection, Rapture . Comprised of 52 love poems, Duffy traces the course of a relationship from infatuation, through suspicion, heartache and finally to death in one of her most moving shows of literary talent to date. As the end of her time as Poet Laureate draws near, it seems only fitting that this, arguably one of her best collections (and winner of the T.S. Eliot Prize), should be brought into the spotlight once again. Carol Ann Duffy Photo via Wikimedia In truth, not many people like reading poetry. It brings out the worst in writers: a pretentiousness not to be found in novels. They ...

Photo by Sven Scheuermeier on Unsplash Starry skies and gentle song Turns the cold heart sweet, While blackened skies and misty eyes Flash headlights in the street.   The dark can lend you romance,  A borrowed jacket when it's cold, Heart skips a beat, lie chest to cheek, Into his arms enfold.   Light reflecting off the moon, Like torch through paper thin, Lashes blink as glasses clink, A fire burns within.   A subtle glance and rosy face From whispers softly sung, Candle light in the black of night A billion stars among.   Colours light the canvas sky That can't be seen in day, A firework show sets you aglow And takes your breath away.   Elsewhere shadowed faces lurk And slash at all four tyres. Your vision fades and rain cascades, Against you they conspire.   Darkness covers up the sins And hides the guilty face, The drunk that crashed, the girl abashed The star that meets disgrace.   The laughter's ...