"The Bee Carol" by Carol Ann Duffy

Silently on Christmas Eve,

the turn of midnight’s key;

all the garden locked in ice —

a silver frieze —

except the winter cluster of the bees.

Flightless now and shivering,

around their Queen they cling;

every bee a gift of heat;

she will not freeze 

within the winter cluster of the bees. 

Bring me for my Christmas gift

a single golden jar;

let me taste the sweetness there,

but honey leave 

to feed the winter cluster of the bees. 

Come with me on Christmas Eve

to see the silent hive —

trembling stars cloistered above —

and then believe, 

bless the winter cluster of the bees. 

"The Bee Carol" by Carol Ann Duffy from The Bees. © Faber & Faber, Inc., 2011.

"Valentine" by Carol Ann Duffy

Painting by Youquing Wang

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.

"Valentine" by Carol Ann Duffy, from Mean Time. © Anvil Press, 2004.