Playing God: Poems About Medicine

by Glenn Colquhoun

Book by

Genres: Poetry

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Glenn Colquhoun is a poet and doctor. He was born in 1964 and grew up in South Auckland. He went to school at the South Auckland Seventh-day-adventist primary school and later the Auckland Adventist High School in Mangere. He went on to study theology for two years at Avondale College, the church’s tertiary institution in Australia and completed a BA in English and Education at Auckland University in 1987. He later attended Auckland Medical School, graduating in 1996.

In 1994 he took a year off his medical training and spent that time in Te Tii, a small Māori community in Northland. This began a lifelong relationship with the community and its people. His first collection of poetry, The art of walking upright, was written about this community. He returned there later to work as a doctor in the Bay of Islands.

In 2010 Colquhoun won a Fulbright Scholarship to Harvard University to study medical humanities and in 2011 he helped to establish the Horowhenua Youth Health Service, where he continues to work in adolescent medicine. In 2012 he was part of the Transit of Venus poetry exchange at the Frankfurt Book Fair and in 2014 represented New Zealand on the Commonwealth Poets United poetry project which celebrated the Glasgow Commonwealth Games that year. Late love - sometimes doctors need saving as much as their patients was published by BWB in 2016.

Currently he lives at Waikawa Beach with his daughter, Olive. He continues to work with young people at the Horowhenua Youth Health Service.

Abridged from Dr Colquhoun's website

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Colquhoun's third published book of poetry, and the first one I've read. In it he experiments with all sorts of styles and shapes of poems, with many of the poems relating to medical diseases and issues. There are lots of enjoyable poems, covering a wide range of emotions and approaches. For the most part his work is accessible, but there are still depths.

Re-read Dec. 2020
These poems are full of marvellous metaphors, pictures that take us off in all sorts of directions, often with subtle wordplay as well. The skill in the writing is evident on every page, and the heart and warmth and concern behind the writing seeps through everything.

[Adriana Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetry isn’t really my thing but I thought I’d give it a try.

[Keen Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some lovely moments in here, “She asked me if she took one pill for her heart…” being my favourite. Colquhoun channels all his experience and emotions into this series of poems, which cover a wide range of afflictions and moods, giving a fairly balanced account of a job in the life of. The likes of “Today I do not want to be a doctor” pairs well with “Today I want to be a doctor” giving both sides of the argument for the pros and cons of such a profession.

[Megan Townshend · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I read this too quickly. One day I will read the poems again, and it will feel like the first time - a nicer way to phrase that I am moving too quickly right now to read poems slowly.

My favourites of this read include:
visual acuity
teddy
viruses
schizophrenia
heart sounds
the judge...

The intersection of poetry and medicine, of written art and intimate human existence is a beautiful place to sit in. Thank you, Glenn Colquhoun, for creating a space to sit down and be slow for a little while.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever, funny, connecting, this is edible poetry.
For those reluctant to date this poetry genre, it will courteously, and with reverent humility, wrap its arms around your heart, squeezing sensation into every limb and organ...
A metaphorical salve.

Susanne morning

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written insight, probably my favourite poetry collection I've ever read

[Bella xx · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite Kiwi poet at his best.

[Iain Hawkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, I'm probably the wrong person to review this. I'm fine with poetry in isolation, a book of poetry isn't really my thing. Anyway, it's fine. Some poems I liked more than others, but hey, that's life.

[Bridget Schaumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a long time between poetry reading when I read this book. This made me remember why poetry is so wonderful, good for the soul. This is my favourite NZ poet and anybody who has ever had a loved one fall ill, who has been ill themselves or just who feels compassion will enjoy these poems.

[Maccha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic... strikes a chord

Poetry... one I will be dipping back into.

[Alisonhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

great poetry

[Giskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This New Zealand poet manages to be funny and poignant at the same time. Highly recommended.