Arrhythmia

by John Dolan

This collection of poems explores what it means to be alive. Here you will find desire, love, loss, vexation, mortality, the quest for purpose, and the longing for certainty.
Those familiar with John Dolan’s writings will already be acquainted with his particular brand of humour and his philosophical ruminations – and you will find these liberally scattered through the pages of Arrhythmia.
For existing and new readers alike, welcome to the world of performance verse to be savoured and to be said out loud.

Genres: Poetry

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2025

About the author

"Makes a living by travelling, talking a lot and sometimes writing stuff down. Galericulate author, polymath and occasional smarty-pants."

John Dolan hails from a small town in the North-East of England. Before turning to writing, his career encompassed law and finance. He has run businesses in Europe, South and Central America, Africa and Asia. He and his wife Fiona currently divide their time between Thailand and the UK.

John is the author of the Time, Blood and Karma and Children of Karma series, as well as several standalone novels.

Reviews

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read some of John Dolan’s work, I was anticipating this poetry collection would entertain, sometimes shock, but would certainly be thought provoking. And I was not disappointed.

Written over many years, there are themes those of us who have also been around for decades can relate to. And in many poems an opportunity to experience a different perspective on life, love, passion, loss, self-reflection, pets that come and sadly go, being an expat, unrequited love, parenthood, and an irritation with just about everything around us, particularly as we get older.

There is a gentleness; awareness of how fragile our lives can be, but also some edgy reflections on the more intimate areas of our passage through the years, both real and imagined. Being a soft touch when it comes to strays turning up on the doorstep, it was lovely to read those poems celebrating their arrival in the poet’s life at various times. One in particular ‘Soi Dog’.

As an author, I enjoyed the different perspective in ‘This Be the Book Review’, and I could see where John Dolan was coming from with ‘Playing a Round Writing’.

Others that made me think a little more out of the box where ‘Poppies a Deflowering in Flanders’ and ‘Let Me Explain’, and boy did he need to. And certainly one that made me laugh out loud ‘My Wife’s Friends’.

To sum up, this collection celebrates, and also shares some regrets created by the simple act of living and breathing, and certainly this is reflected upon in this short but succinct tribute.

J’ai mangé

J’ai bien mangé
J’ai bu
J’ai bien bu
J’ai aimé
J’ai bien aimé
Pas toujours, mais quelquefois

(I have eaten; I have eaten well
I have drunk; I have drunk well
I have loved; I have loved well
Not always, but sometimes)

I can highly recommend you also read and enjoy this collection, and it is one I will return to from time to time as a reminder to make the most of every day, and each moment within it.

[Lisette Brodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many of this author’s novels, stories, and always enjoy his storytelling, his clever wordplay, his irreverent humor, and his penchant for delivering the unexpected.

This absolutely delightful collection of poetry was every bit as good as I imagined. I turned the pages in anticipation, wondering what the next offering would be. From truth and wisdom such as “Meander your way through the world and make mistakes” in “Desert Errata,” to the absolutely hilarious “Let Me Explain” — which may be my favorite. I won’t give anything away, but I believe many readers will appreciate Dolan’s creativity as never before.

Even the titles of the poems were entertaining. How can one not love “dear old sonofabitch sun.”

Aside from John Dolan’s immense talent, I loved this collection most because he covers so many aspects of existing in this world—from love, erotica, dogs, poets, and Fred. (You need to read this to learn about Fred; what can I say?)

If you’ve read this author before, you won’t be disappointed. And if you haven’t, please, consider taking a chance on this. Really, really good!

[Tony McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved poetry since boyhood when I sang hymns and Christmas Carols in my school choir. And hymns and carols are simply beautiful poetry set to music. I feel that most of us love the emotive feelings that only poetry can bring out in us. Who among us is not moved by a cathedral choir delivering that stirring poem, “Abide with Me.” Or hearing Dylan Thomas, his voice booming in dusty recording studio, reading “Do not go Gentle into that Good Night”, or “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” But singing, hearing, reading poetry is one thing, writing good poetry is another thing entirely.
I’ve been a fan and avid reader of Mr. Dolan’s novels since, back in the day, I read “Everyone Burns” and met his alter ego, David Braddock for the first time. So, when I heard (through the crime and mystery writer’s grapevine) that John Dolan was about to make a foray into poetry, I was surprised; and intrigued.
For most writers, poetry is a no-go area, full of pitfalls awaiting the unwary. It’s a special, vocational, place where only true poets have no fear to tread. Even the most famous novelists have steered clear of this lee-shore. And if they did write poetry, they keep it to themselves and parked it in the back of the desk drawer to be read by a small circle of friends. To go further and publish is another matter. It shows a writer’s confidence. And as it invites criticism, it’s a move that takes guts.
Taking up “Arrhythmia”, I was surprised to discover that several of the poems had been published previously. It’s a collection that has been nurtured and fine-tuned over time. “Arrhythmia”, a slim volume of verse, is a delightful celebration of a life well lived and its experiences in poetry and prose. It covers a wide gamut of a life’s challenges; love and its loss, laughter, romance, humour, travel, disappointment and death. Some of the pieces I enjoyed immediately, others took a little time. I’ve read it cover to cover three times, and at each reading it yielded more. John Dolan can be rightfully proud of this compilation and he can now add poetry to his accomplishments. I can only recommend this book of verse to all lovers of poetry.

[Pat Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful and mood soothing experience not to be missed. A rare and beautiful insight into the mind and heart of one of my favourite authors and a departure from his other books (all of which I've read). I find myself dipping intermittently into the collection and although John Dolan suggests they should be read aloud, I couldn't bring myself to comply. I dislike hearing my own voice, my inner voice is far better and in this case prefer to hear the poems as (I think) the poet intended. 'Tis a brave writer/poet who can bare their soul to the world - but isn't that what writing is all about?
In the case of poetry at least no one can tell you how they should have been written or what rules should have been applied. Poetry is personal, a reflection of the creator's own view of the world, their life or their inner being. Each one will make a different impression on their readers, perhaps evoke memories of their own lives or simply just soothe the soul. Achieved.

[Kathleen Harryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a wealth of humour entwined with rhythmic verses in Arrhythmia. Author, John Dolan has a certain tell-it-like-it-is charm, and if you've read his other books, you'll know from experience, his wit always guarantees to raise an inappropriate smile. The Tale of Fred is my favourite of this wonderful collection of poetry. "She glimpsed a man both warm and kind; That beneath his veneer of ugliness lay vast oceans of tenderness."

The author has a way of twisting life experiences into a humorous canopy of laughter. The humour slithers its way along the rhyming verses, until you find yourself laughing, or snorting into the pages. Siamese Sale portrays this perfectly. The last line, that's the one that is going to get you...

If you like your poetry with a humorous edge, Arrhythmia Poems by John Dolan is for you.

[D.G. Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dolan states in the preface, “these poems are designed to be read as performance pieces,” out loud. So make sure you aren’t out in public or you may be taken for a lunatic.” Typical Dolan humor.

I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from Dolan so far with his novels. His books, no matter how different, all have his satirical humor embedded. This book was yet, something different from Dolan, written mostly in poetic verse, always leaving us with a thought. Several topics are covered in this book, all pertaining to the human condition, life and emotion. Many of these poems are life lessons, and some are stories also leaving an impact. Dolan is an observer of life and shares his observations in his poetry. He claims some of these poems were written long ago. Some written on the heart’s voyage through life, others about broken souls. The collection is sorted on various emotions and observations, all touching on both, the beauty and ugliness of life.

There are many short stories spoken in verse mixed in with some shorter and rhyming poetry. Some of my favs: Desert Errata – Learned advice on how to take life at its best and not sweat the small stuff, A Deflowering of Poppies – A gentle telling of love among war, Let Me Explain – A cruel apology from a cheating husband, Playing A Round Writing – A clever poem using comparisons and similarities between writing and golf, spoken in golf terms. Ballroom Dancing – A tale about various dances and how well – or not – the author dances, apparently, he can cha-cha like a king! Unrequited is a tale about wrong timing in love and missed opportunity.

Where I Live resonated with me – looking behind at uncertain futures, memories difficult to revisit, “I dwell then in the space between the superficial now And the finite possibilities of tomorrow. . .”. Utopia – A sarcastic view, “While the grey matter slides slowly out of sight, permeates the brick, and is gone in the night. So, despondency soaks up the evening…”. Commuter Train Blues – Humorous and satirical observations spoken in poetic verse, not all pretty, but much truth. I Don’t Miss You – A love letter to a past love and what inspired it, “I don’t miss you. Not at all. I’ve moved on and so have you. We’re sensible mature adults. We know the grown up thing to do.” Things that linger after love that forever remind.

Animal Behavior – A warning here of explicit language. It’s a bit crude (as Dolan’s work can sometimes be), it’s dark and sadistic. Dolan flexing his dark muscles here. For those with pure minds may choose to skip this one – or not.

Another of my favs: New Heart – A tale about a man who’d been hurt so many times – “I’ve lived, adored, and cared too much, you see. And all it’s brought me in return is grief . . .,” his ticker was replaced by an experimental artificial one. The man was glad he no longer could feel.

There is much to savor in this book and highly recommend for not just Dolan fans, but anyone who enjoys dissecting life and all it can encompass.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Dolan's poetry collection "Arrhythmia" reads like an intellectual burn: elegant, humorous, and emotionally piercing. It has the lyrical equivalent of a heartbeat that skips, then thunders, alternating between poetic classicism and stinging current satire.

John Dolan's fiction is already known for its razor-sharp intellect and undercurrents of sarcastic humor. He brings that same accuracy to this collection. However, here the tone is more intimate. Less guarded.

In the introductory poem "Seasons," Dolan uses nature as a metaphor, stating, "The day is pawned, the clay is set." Here, afternoon settles not only as time but also as emotional territory. Each season flows into the next, time becomes a current that carries memory, regret, but also hope with it. The closing line, "And all its skyless haunts," is both scary and breathtaking, implying the erasure of awe or a horizon lost under the weight of lived years. His verse is crisp, classical in style yet flexible, with layered imagery that blooms on a second reading.

"Just Occasionally She Stumbles" represents a transition in register, from the abstract beauty of nature to the somber introspection of a woman curling within. Dolan's language here is quiet and unobtrusive. The author allows the character to express themselves in the following lines: "She takes her heart into a private room, studies it, turns it over in her hands." These lines are whispered into the reader's ear. They speak of a silent pain, a quiet tenacity that many people will recognize. Poems that attempt to connect.

My favotite was "J'ai mangé", a simple yet profound meditation on life's fundamental pleasures filled with peaceful thankfulness. Repetition provides rhythm and weight while the final phrase, "Pas toujours, mais quelquefois," conveys a humble truth: joy does not last forever, but it exists. The poem's impact stems from its honesty and joy of the commonplace.

What distinguishes Arrhythmia is the steady, thoughtful rhythm of a writer who reads extensively, thinks profoundly, and selects his words not to brag, but to expose. Even when amusing, each piece feels measured, genuine, and satirical.
A compilation to be read slowly, it will delight, but it will also prompt thinking, evoke memory, and gently brush its fingers against the reader's own pulse. A reminder that the best poetry is not a performance. It is presence.
Highly recommended for anyone who prefer modern poetry that mixes wit with wisdom, picture with emotion and poems with a spark of irony and a heartbeat of truth.

[Laurette Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers who have fallen in love with John Dolan’s fiction over the last ten years are going to fall in love all over again with this new work, a collection of poems written over time. The themes which he has woven so compellingly into his epic sagas-transience, loss, love, war, love as war, love unrequited, memory, longing, the Quixotic quest and the silent torment–are here once more, but transmuted into poetic form, or rather a dazzlement of forms from Haiku-like shorts through to free verse and inspired Alan Bennet-like monologues.
The first three poems give us an appetiser. Dolan, as fans know, is an omnivorous reader: in the elegiac ‘Seasons,’ the afternoon settles down with a tip of the hat to one of his favourite poets. There follows the bereft woman of ‘Just Occasionally She Stumbles’, who ‘takes her heart into a private room/Studies it, turns it over in her hands’, then sweeps on to the hilarious ‘This Be The Book Review’ (Sorry, Mr Larkin). Images break on the mind’s eye – in ‘Deep Water’ the mutability of water ‘violating levees through aqueous rape’ is set against ‘that overflowing river, once a snowman with a carrot for a nose’. Sometimes our poet is in light-hearted, witty mode, a Cole Porter song about ‘Ballroom Dancing’ (‘My foxtrot’s a delight/My quickstep is alright/ My tango is quite sensual they say’) ending in a minor key (‘These days I’d rather sit, and watch, and whine.’). In ‘Playing a Round Writing’ we enjoy a good groan as Mr D indulges himself in a plethora of puns. Move from that to the heart-pounding no-holds-barred exploration of extremes on the spectrum of human relationships in ‘Animal Behaviour’, then move again to the tender bond between humans and other species in ‘Soi Dog’ (‘I’m not sure who was adopted, or who was saved..’)
(My favourite? ‘A Deflowering in Flanders’ – was it the ‘moules frîtes’? )
Finally, there is a special bonus to this book. These pieces are performance poetry, meant to be read aloud, Dolan tells us. Vocalise, he urges (though preferably not while on top of a bus). For the secret actors that hide within many a bookworm, this is a glorious and cathartic experience allowing us to celebrate that extraordinary, galloping and fluttering thing called life, along with the author himself.
A joy, highly recommended.

[Brenda Guiton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was keen to delve into John Dolan’s latest book, Arrhythmia – an anthology of poetry; this being a diversion from his usual works of fiction and composed throughout various stages of his life. I was impressed. The poetry has an authenticity that speaks of Dolan’s deep understanding and insightful observations of life in all its complexity. The themes of love and loss resonate; some of the poems poignant and raw enough to touch a nerve, some philosophical and others clever and amusing - all brilliantly expressed.

Dolan’s poetry is not for the faint-hearted. It draws on battlefield imagery as readily as the imagery of Nature or the language of physical and passionate love-making, often achieving this through humour and the witty use of double meanings. Compare, for example, a poem like “A Deflowering in Flanders” with “Declaration of War”, both drawing powerfully on the imagery of battle, but one opening the way to the excitement of a new relationship, “an explosion – not of war – which blew me from my trench”, the other highlighting the tensions, dissatisfactions and ultimate loyalty of married life, “Yet somehow the walls still stand”.

Whatever his subject matter – and his range covers a large slice of modern life – Mr Dolan writes with a directness and vigour which shocks and compels. In “Let Me Explain” he compares his imagined wife to a whale with the inventiveness and humour of a Francois Villon only to dig himself into a hole from which he then wittily attempts to extricate himself, while “Sacrifice” is a poem which I read as a cry of anguish from someone who is desperate to recover his lost religious faith as he confronts the terrible suffering that is currently overtaking our world.

Whether you are looking for humour, metaphysical reflection, sensuous expression or simply the warmth and compassion of an observant fellow human being, there is something in this volume for everyone. 5*

[Alex Craigie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arrythmia is a collection of a broad spectrum of poetry that I found challenging, moving and amusing. Dolan has a keen observational eye and there will be things that chime with readers, drawing them into the words and mood on a personal level.
The poetry covers a wide variety of styles and moods. There is a neat take on Baz Lurhmann’s Sunscreen, tongue-in-cheek humour in Let me Explain, and puns abound in Playing a Round Writing. Unrequited is a more formal poem that tells of the yearning for someone throughout a lifetime and there is another sombre message in Where I Lived.
Deep Water cleverly tells of water’s ability to shapeshift from being chemical symbols to tears, the ocean and many other transmogrifications. It is a witty account of all the many forms of water and its recycling.
Sometimes the writing shocks: In Sad Spinster, the line ‘At least the cancer loves her.’ brought me up short.
Many of the poems are about love, both emotional and physical, and of other human interactions. ‘You machine-gun me with accusations’ is just one example of the poet’s powerful metaphors.
There is a short poem that takes the book’s punning title, Arryhthmia, and the creative use of musical rests was yet another delight.
This collection is one that makes you think, feel, recognise and chuckle. I recommend it

[Wendy Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Dolan’s poetry book, “Arrhythmia,” exudes a raw and refined energy. The poet in his Preface states that these poems are meant to be spoken out loud as the poems are performance poetry. All the poems deal with the parabola of existence and the heart’s voyage.

The poetry that reflects on love, disappointment, and carnal temptation. Dolan’s poems discuss a heart that has lived and loved deeply, and the grief and bruising that has accompanied that.

This is a poetry collection that traverses the terrain of life. In this topography of one’s life, the poet reflects on the temptation of passion pursued and the passion that is vicariously imagined but not acted upon. In essence, the poet muses on mortality and passion.

Very thoughtful, honest, and well-written poetry that the poet has refined over decades.

[Bibiana Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arrhythmia by John Dolan is a spare, resonant collection that traces the quiet pulse of a life deeply felt. These are approachable and earthy poems meant to be spoken—performance pieces that carry the weight of experience without excess. Themes of love, loss, desire, treading through the mundane and self-imposed restraint thread through the collection like a heartbeat just out of rhythm. There’s honesty here, and a kind of bruised wisdom—never indulgent, always intentional.

Dolan reflects on the heart’s long voyage: passion pursued, passion withheld, and the dark shadow of mortality that lingers behind it all. His voice is seasoned, the language pared back to what matters.

Thoughtful. Controlled. Unflinching. Arrhythmia doesn’t try to impress, it just tells the truth in a life that has seen it all, and tells it well. I am a fan of John's novels and was delighted to read this new collection of poetry and short essays that reveal the human side of us all.

[Peter Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dolan is best known as an author of gripping, fairly violent, well-plotted thrillers set in Thailand and London. Who knew he could do poetry too! This is a very varied collection, ranging through gently romantic and touching poems to TS Eliot-influenced complexity, along with one EXTREMELY disturbing Sado-masochistic fantasy...! Although even that ends in suburban disappointment. There is real humour too - 'Ruddy Kids' looks forward amusingly to when his kids have to struggle with their own kids. "Ah, parenthood... not so easy now, is it'!
Anyway, Dolan has real talent, who knows he could be poet laureate now if he hadn't been sidetracked by 40 years of business - and Thai gangsters. But I am taking off half a mark as I don't read a lot of poetry so don't feel I am a great judge of talent, also half a mark off for the violence...

[Lee Holz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author John Dolan tells us that these poems were written over several decades. He also tells us in Poet that poets are troubled souls, and I agree with him, more or less. What is clear is that Dolan’s poems are the product of a poet who has lived fully, a philosophic observer who pays attention to life as it happens, and surely it does keep happening no matter how much one would like it to pause for a moment. Dolan also reflects deeply on his experiences of love and loss. These poems are full of beauty and, on occasion, brutal candor. They flow and move, in both senses of the word. This collection is a celebration of life, a paean to its beauty and ugliness. This is a small book you should not miss.

[Veronica Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a frank honesty in a life well lived. Take a journey through time in John Dolan's poetry collection, Arrhythmia. Feel the stir of passion, love lost, and life's never-ending twists and turns. The witticisms are fresh; the snark, cutting; and all told with an unbridled edge. Some poems will leave you pondering, others will make you smile, and a few just may bring a tear to the eye.

The clock is ticking. Explore the spectrum of emotions, memories, and experiences that arise as the years pass and reflect. You'll be glad you did. A terrific read, well done to the author.

[Steven Arnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treat for poetry lovers!

This is an excellent collection of poetry, named after one of the poems included in it. The poetry is personal, speaking of love, loss, friendship, and memories, among other things, and when you read the poems, you feel like you are getting to know the author on a very personal level. Dolan has a unique voice that is compelling, and the poems contain some very nice turns of phrase, like “She smiles, arranging yellow flowers/Whose petals trap flames from the fading sun.” Check out this book, readers and poetry lovers. You won’t be disappointed!

[Cathleen Maza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Arrhythmia" is a selection of poems written by author John Dolan. I chose to read this particular book because I actually do enjoy reading poetry by other fiction writers....and this was no exception. The poems were on various life themes (humor, love, loss) and gave a rather nice glimpse into the author's well lived life and feelings on these subjects. I found myself going between chuckling at some pieces and marveling at the depth of insight on others. This was, overall, an enlivening collection that's not to be missed. Kudos to the author!

[Sheila Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all fans of John's books, check out this collection of poems, funny, thought provoking and everyday observations. Lots of fun for all, short read.