Scribbled Thoughts

The Bees by Carol Ann Duffy

Like with Simon Armitage I was lucky enough to attend a poetry reading Carol Ann Duffy was part of when I was studying at GCSE level. Duffy doesn’t instantly grip me the way Armitage does, but I usually find a few of her poems I love. This collection is no different.

            The theme of bees is interesting because it explores both the fear of extinction and the hope of spring/new life/a colony.

            The poems I really liked in this collection were:

            Last Poet: describing how, if it were possible, a poet would tell history backwards, so all the soldiers that died would return. Duffy is great at creating a powerful image of the lives lost, and the helpless feeling we have because it can’t be changed.

            Politics: This poem I love for the rhythm it has, a clear beat that carried you along and stirs your emotions as its pace gets quicker.

            The Falling Soldier: This poem was inspired by a photo Robert Capa took of a falling soldier. Duffy beautifully describes his dying breath and what led him there.

            The English Elms: We seek inspiration for life and our muse from nature/the elms, while they feel overwhelmed from the pressure. It’s a great, subtle way to examine how humans are overwhelming nature.

            The Woman in the Moon: There is no man in the moon, but a woman. She is beyond Earth and death but watches human joy and grief. Each night when she returns she wonders what they’ve done to the world. I love this poem because it shows beings beyond life and death are still shocked by human’s destructive nature.

            Cold: I just love the image of a snowball weeping in my hands. A great line.

            Snow: This poem creates a powerful image of the dead releasing winter. The cold is something the living can’t outrun.

            Music: A great way of explaining the power music can have on people.

            Overall the poems I enjoyed the most were the ones looking at death or the destructive nature of humans. Duffy creates powerful images and settings to articulate her points, which stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.