Poet Laureate premieres new poem at Southwark Cathedral

The reading of A Human Haunt – a poem about the cathedral itself – formed part of an evening of poetry and music during which Carol Ann Duffy read from her collected works, with the cathedral's Merbecke Choir providing musical interludes. 

The winners of the Southwark Cathedral Poetry Competition 2012 were also announced and the poems read by the actor Timothy West.

They were: Christian Ward in the adult category with his poem 'Fox Fires' and Yasmin Hafow from Croydon Parish Church Junior School in the young person's category with 'Journey through Fire'.

"We were delighted to welcome Carol Ann Duffy to Southwark Cathedral for such an enjoyable, entertaining and stimulating evening," said the Dean of Southwark, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn.

"Southwark is a place very much associated with poets and playwrights and the cathedral has many literary connections, most notably John Gower (whose tomb lies within the cathedral), and William Shakespeare.

"Carol Ann Duffy's poem written specially for Southwark Cathedral reflects this and the vibrant and cosmopolitan area in which it stands. I hope she will draw further inspiration from her visit."