The Renowned Poet Composes Explosive Verse on Trump’s British Royal Tour
Former UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy has written an evocative verse reimagining Donald Trump’s royal dinner as occurring within war ruins.
Duffy, serving as the prestigious role from 2009 to 2019, contrasts debris and destruction against sparkling jewels worn by elites through her striking verses.
Royal Welcome and State Banquet
The president and his wife Melania touched down at Windsor Castle on Wednesday to be greeted by William and Kate, who escorted them to see Charles and Camilla.
King Charles is hosting a state banquet with over 100 attendees in St George’s Hall on Wednesday evening, where both Trump and Charles are scheduled to deliver speeches.
Global Conflicts as well as Poetic Commentary
Amid the pomp, the poem named STATE/BANQUET encourages the audience to ponder on ongoing global strife, including the war with Russia and the situation in Gaza.
Israeli forces declared a “temporary” route for residents fleeing the urban area on Wednesday, as a major military operation began after heavy shelling.
Based on reports, most of Palestinian casualties in recent months are non-combatants.
Duffy’s Verse: STATE/BANQUET
How it glitters and gleams, The Grand Service,
amidst the rocks and the rubble,
set on a breezeblock U-shaped table,
six crystal glasses per setting.
Requiring several staff three weeks to polish —
silver coated in a thin layer of gold leaf —
even the concrete dust appears glamourised
with destruction are decked in the uplifting flags of democracy.
As appetizer, fillet of Dover sole stuffed with salmon mousse,
served on a bed of leeks with white wine sauce.
Poached Sandringham venison with truffles to follow,
followed by dessert, accompanied by vintages,
A fine Bordeaux, 1990.
Delicious. Let the trumpets sound on the bombsite
while dignitaries pick their way through,
with a starving youth peers through a bullet-hole.
Trump is the first American head of state to receive another royal welcome to the UK. Those in their second term usually offered a casual meeting with the monarch rather than a banquet.
Duffy, the inaugural female appointed as the national poet position, once shared that she felt demoralisation due to global politics, mentioning the “evil twins” political upheavals.
