This second collection from Chris Woods sees a richer and deeper exploration of key themes: the human exchanges at the heart of his practice as a doctor, the stresses placed on the modern fathers by a growing family, the impulse towards self-exile and isolation, as well as the means by which even the greatest losses can be survived.

As with his first book, Recovery, these poems remind us to take time out from our lives, from ourselves, and share with us both the pleasures and surprises that come with even the smallest skive…

‘Chris Woods’ poetry always has the sense of a direct hit, of an image or metaphor cleverly retrieved and accurately placed so that, whether he is writing about the mixed pleasures of a family holiday or the claustrophobia of modern living, the reader is able to recognise familiar dilemmas at the same time as relishing their strangeness.’
— Gerard Woodward

‘Chris Woods’ poetry always has the sense of a direct hit…’ — Gerard Woodward

‘…a poet of hope for everyday life. In strong pared-down language he records human events with accuracy and compassion.’ — Anne Stevenson

‘…Chis Wood’s work is observant and unsentimental.’ — Douglas Dunn

Chris Woods' poems have been published in the Guardian, the Independent and numerous magazines and anthologies, as well as broadcast on Radio 4 and TV. He has been a prize-winner in many competitions, and won the Peterloo Prize.

…Out of darkness,
the first hint of blue,
fingers of sunlight,
then you.

from Bathyscaphe