Carol Ann Duffy

About

UK's celebrated poet, author, and playwright Carol Ann Duffy wears the unique distinction of being the first female and Scot to hold the British poet laureate position. Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1955, Duffy has had an illustrious career. Her works range from love to current events: her poem "Achilles" is an ode to the footballer David Beckham following his injury; "Silver Lining" refers to the volcanic ash from the 2010 Iceland volcano eruption; and "The Twelve Days of Christmas 2009" alludes to the war in Afghanistan, climate change, and the economic crisis. Indeed, in her poem "Poet for our Times," she writes, "I like to think that I'm a sort of poet for our times. My shout. Know what I mean?" Along with directly engaging with contemporary topics, she does not shirk from being unconventional; much of her work is laced with tinges of feminism.