I see the shape of the poem before I start writing, and the writing is just the process of arriving at the shape. Carol Ann Duffy arrivepoemprocess Change image and share on social
Like the sand and the oyster, it's a creative irritant. In each poem, I'm trying to reveal a truth, so it can't have a fictional beginning. Carol Ann Duffy begincreativefictional Change image and share on social
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
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
I am always pleased to be asked to write a poem. Carol Ann Duffy askpleasepoem Change image and share on social