Blood and Bone: Poems by Physicians

by Angela Belli (Editor), Angela Belli (Editor)

An anthology of 100 poems, written by physicians, exploring the connections between medicine and poetry.

Genres: Poetry

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I moved into a smaller house a little over a year ago, I resolved to stop buying so many books and to rely on the library for most of my reading.

Unfortunately I find that getting a poetry book out of the library is not the best way to experience it. Poems need to be read slowly, to be savored and mulled over. You can't just race through a poetry book like eating peanuts.

For that reason, I'm not sure about the rating I've given this book. I should go back and read it slowly. But alas, it's gone back into the Orange County system and is probably many miles away by now.

I found that altho many of these doctors have their poetry chops in line, that much of the poetry didn't touch me. Doctors need to maintain some emotional distance from their patients in order to function not only as a doctor, but in their own personal life. Could it be that a little of that distance seeped over into these poems?

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this one forever. I must have picked it up years ago from a bargain bin. I forgot all about it until a medical student came in to the library the other day and requested it as a book recommended for her class. "Lovesickness: a Medieval Text" by Jack Coulehan is easily my favorite of the bunch describing the physical symptoms of love as an incurable disease. Each poem, whether with surgical precision, tender loving care or excellent bedside manner examine the miraculous, tragic and often gruesome profession penned by M.D. poets themselves.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of poetry by physicians. The book is divided into sections, with poetry about patients, social issues, and personal relationships. Each section is introduced with a brief essay by the editors. As a healthcare provider, I am in awe of the many ways in which poetry puts doctors in touch with the profound emotions of their daily tasks.

[Giskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

All written by doctor poets, this collection is packed with insightful, well-crafted poems of medical life.