Playing God — poems about medicine

Published April 2007

By Glenn Colquhoun

120pp with c.40 photos £9.99 (Paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-905140-16-9

This collection of poems by doctor and acclaimed poet, Glenn Colquhoun, is based on his experiences in medical practice, where doctors are often described – or accused of – 'playing God' but where outward confidence hides a constant battle with uncertainty.

Often funny, sometimes serious, always compassionate, the poems explore a range of medical experience that doctors, and anyone who has been in their care, will immediately recognize. Glenn has the ability to find the language that expresses the things we did not even know we were feeling - our helplessness in the face of illness, and our need for hope.Winner in 2004 of the Prize for Modern Letters, the world's richest prize for emerging authors, the judges wrote:

'One of the most moving and admirably rich books of poems I've read in years.'
Douglas Unger, Novelist

Read the book review on Pulse Today;
http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=20&storycode=4117923

'Glenn Colquhoun makes poems in the great tradition of doctor-writers who exploit the healing properties of passionate and precise language to bind the world's wounds.'
Professor Geoffrey Wolff, Novelist, Biographer

'I would prescribe Glenn Colquhoun's poetry for whatever ails you.Wise, witty, and wonderful, these are everyday poems for everyone. Better than vitamins or medicine. An elixir for the heart.'
Sandra Cisneros, Poet, Novelist

About the author

Glenn Colquhoun was born in South Auckland, New Zealand in 1964. At the age of 18 he began training as a minister but left after two years and never went back. Instead he took an English degree from the University of Auckland and worked as a builder, and in emergency housing before deciding at the age of 26 to become a doctor. Half way through his medical degree he stayed for a year in a small rural Maori Community in Northland, where he learnt Maori and a new appreciation of a unique way of life.This began an ongoing relationship with Maori health, a field he continues to work in to this day. Returning to his studies, he completed his medical degree and now divides his time between caring for patients as a General Practitioner and caring for his 3 year old daughter. He continues to write as much as he can and believes poetry is for everyone, devoting as much time as he possibly can to reading to schools and other audiences, delighting them with his wry, self-deprecating humour and obvious love for his subjects.

When I am in doubt I talk to surgeons. I know they will know what to do.

They seem so sure.

Once I talked to a surgeon. He said that when he is in doubt he talks to priests. Priests will know what to do.

They seem so sure.

Once I talked to a priest. He said that when he is in doubt He talks to God. God will know what to do.

God seems so sure.

Once I talked to God. He said that when he is in doubt He thinks of me. He says I will know what to do.

I seem so sure.

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