If I felt, in the event of a royal wedding, inspired to write about people coming together in marriage or civil partnership, I would just be grateful to have an idea for the poem. And if I didn't, I'd ignore it. Carol Ann Duffy civilcomeevent share on social
Every day is a gift with a child, no matter what problems you have. Carol Ann Duffy childdaygift Change image and share on social
The moment of inspiration can come from memory, or language, or the imagination, or experience - anything that makes an impression forcibly enough for language to form. Carol Ann Duffy experienceforciblyform Change image and share on social
Edinburgh is my favourite city. We'll be doing a lot of children's theatre and galleries. Carol Ann Duffy childcityedinburgh Change image and share on social
I grew up in a bookless house - my parents didn't read poetry, so if I hadn't had the chance to experience it at school I'd never have experienced it. But I loved English, and I was very lucky in that I had inspirational English teachers, Miss Scriven and Mr. Walker, and they liked us to learn poems by heart, which I found I loved doing. Carol Ann Duffy booklesschanceenglish share on social
Poets deal in writing about feelings and trying to find the language and images for intense feelings. Carol Ann Duffy dealfeelingfind Change image and share on social
When you have a child, your previous life seems like someone else's. It's like living in a house and suddenly finding a room you didn't know was there, full of treasure and light. Carol Ann Duffy childfindfull Change image and share on social
I still have a feeling that I haven't written the best that I can write. I think all poets must feel this: that there is constantly something new to be discovered in the language. It's like a thrilling encounter, and you can find things. Carol Ann Duffy constantlydiscoverencounter share on social
My prose is turgid, it just hasn't got any energy. Carol Ann Duffy energyproseturgid Change image and share on social
I still read Donne, particularly his love poems. Carol Ann Duffy donnelovepoem Change image and share on social