To My Surgeon
No-one else sees me
drowning in the white wave
sprinkled with a terrible salt
invasive lobular carcinoma
is difficult to identify
but you take one look
and I am
held
by your hand
saving my life.
About this poem
This poem is included in the anthology Tools of the Trade: Poems for new doctors (Scottish Poetry Library, 2014). The anthology was edited by Dr Lesley Morrison, GP; Dr John Gillies, GP and Chair, Royal College of GPs in Scotland, Rev Ali Newell, and Lilias Fraser. A copy was given to all graduating doctors in Scotland in 2014. We are very grateful for the individual donations which funded the cost of this anthology, and to the Deans of the Scottish medical schools who made it possible to give the books to their graduating students.
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Valerie Gillies
Valerie Gillies was the second Edinburgh City Makar, from 2005 to 2008, and was instrumental in shaping the role. She is the author of nine collections of poetry and frequently collaborates with artists.
