Valentine

-Carol Ann Duffy

Not a red rose or a satin heart. 1

I give you an onion. 2

It is a moon wrapped in brown paper. 3
It promises light 4
like the careful undressing of love. 5

Here. 6
It will blind you with tears 7
like a lover. 8
It will make your reflection 9
a wobbling photo of grief. 10

I am trying to be truthful. 11

Not a cute card or a kissogram. 12

I give you an onion. 13

Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips, 14
possessive and faithful 15
as we are, 16
for as long as we are. 17

Take it. 18
Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring, 19
if you like. 20

Lethal. 21
Its scent will cling to your fingers, 22
cling to your knife. 23

Guided Questions:
1) Explore the simple sentence structure of the poem. Is it effective?
2) What comments does the poem make about the nature of Valentine’s Day?