Simon Armitage should really be Poet Laureate.
I agree, Sebastian Faulks’ poem was well thought out and balanced, unlike some other writers on that page, such as the guy who seems to subscribe to the belief that the left loves Saddam, and the 12 year old (although it’s a bit redundant arguing with him.)
A deceased fictional character at that. Unless the Guardian’s entire obituary of 9/3/01 was some tragic misprint.
We can at least still treasure the wisdom of the heartbreaking Weep No More, Brave Llama (Bodyshop Press, 1995).