Lesbian chosen as UK poet laureate

[ccharles000]

(London) Britain on Friday awarded the role of national poet laureate to Carol Ann Duffy - the first woman to hold a post that has been filled by William Wordsworth, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Ted Hughes.

Duffy, who once said “no self-respecting poet” should have to write verses about the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II’s youngest son, will be expected to produce poems for royal weddings, funerals and other state occasions.

A witty and popular writer whose work is widely taught in British schools, Duffy is also the first openly gay laureate.

Duffy, 53, said she had thought “long and hard” before accepting the high-profile job, which has a 10-year term. She said she’d given the final decision to her 13-year-old daughter.

“She said, ‘Yes mummy, there’s never been a woman,’” Duffy said.The laureate is officially appointed by the queen on the advice of the government. Prime Minister Gordon Brown called Duffy “a truly brilliant modern poet who has stretched our imaginations by putting the whole range of human experiences into lines that capture the emotions perfectly.”

http://www.365gay.com/news/lesbian-chosen-as-uk-poet-laureate/

[eppur_se_muova]

1. It's not Sappho, is it? 'Cause I hear she's not available any more ... nt

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. Also the first Scot, after 300 years (nt)

[LeftishBrit]

3. Good! I really like her poems!