The poem is written in the first-person and the speaker addresses lover in second person (“you”). This makes the poem universal, and understandable to all, as sex of lover and beloved is not stated.
I also find the structure and from very intriguing since there appears to be no clear argument, but a series of observations linked by their common theme.
“Lethal.”
The poem is not written in proper sentence forms throughout but Carol Ann Duffy has used many disjointed phrases and even a single words to portray her message of love to the reader. The use of the word 'Here' makes the reader feel that the poet is in control. In addition, these lines add emphasis, are aimed directly at the reader, and bring them back to reality after a sudden change of tone.
There is no rhyme to the poem and it is not planned out, but spontaneous and natural the way real love should be. The length of the poem is also irregular and not traditional, Carol Ann Duffy does not like the stereotypical idea of love.
The imagery in the poem plays an important part in understanding the use of an ‘onion’ as a valentines gift. The onion is a real thing and is the central extended metaphor. It bears a physical resemblance to moon
“It is moon wrapped in brown paper.”
The moon is normally associated with love songs and sexuality. Here it is used to describe this also but is also ironic since the ‘onion’ makes you cry as love does sometimes, which will distort reflections “wobbling photo”. The pain of a break up can also make one feel bitter and disillusioned also adding to the wobbly effect. This sophisticated word choice is onomatopoeic in suggesting to the reader that they can hear and imagine someone crying.
The onion rings are likened ‘platinum hoops’, which are stong, and unbreakable, just like love when you have first found it. Then it is compared to a ‘wedding ring’ after shrinking in size like a cage closing in around you therefore it is ironic since marriage is not the path you want to take.
Carol Ann Duffy uses simple language, which symbolises the fact that she has strong beliefs in what she is writing and likes simple relationships with no long term commitment involved.
