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Rebel Blood Cells
“Jamie Woods' Rebel Blood Cells explores a cancer diagnosis with sensitivity and humour. Opening up the spaces of hospitals and wards, Woods juxtaposes cancer treatment and Star Wars, Blue Peter and blood banks. Here's a poet who can make you laugh and cry.”— ZOË BRIGLEY author of Hand & Skull, editor of Poetry WalesRebel Blood Cells is a poetry pamphlet that explores Jamie Woods' experience of acute leukaemia, the illness, the chemotherapy, and the PTSD that followed.Raw and honest, the poems mix pop culture obsessions with medical side-effects, and find moments of humour, regret, sadness and relief in the most difficult time of Jamie's life.This debut pamphlet contains poems that have featured in publications including Ink Sweat & Tears, Marble Broadsheet, The Wombwell Rainbow, and the Hippocrates Prize shortlisted Ring The Bell.All publisher and author proceeds from sales of this publication are being donated to the charity Leukaemia Care UK, where Jamie is Poet in Residence.“Jamie Woods writes with sensitivity, vulnerability and stark honesty about the complications of receiving a cancer diagnosis. A distinct and necessary voice in poetry.”— MARI ELLIS DUNNING author of Pearl & Bone and Salacia“Jamie applies a deftness of form and tone to crack through a bleak shell, illuminating catching moments and tenderly reaching for what it means to be alive.”— JAMIE HALE author of Shield“In Rebel Blood Cells, Jamie Woods brings difficult subject matter to life. In a collection that’s equal parts expansive intergalactic blood battle and soft contemplative internal conflict, the poet takes readers across the highest of Roppongi landscapes to the last follicles of hair circling the drain of a Welsh hospital ward shower. Through a blurred but brutally honest lens, Woods explores the shock and hopelessness of an unexpected illness in a mind searching beyond its constrictions and yearning for the lifeblood of the dazzling Blackpool Promenade lights. Important poetry that refuses to make you comfortable, and instead, implores you to pay attention.”— DEAN RHETORIC author of Foundry Songs“In a brave, emotionally-charged collection Rebel Blood Cells, Swansea-based writer Jamie Woods exposes us to the confusion, shock and desperate anger resulting from a diagnosis of Leukaemia. In these poems, we shuttle backwards and forwards through time and memories, through frantic and anguished reflections, as the writer makes repeated attempts to come to terms with a life-threatening illness and what it might mean for the future. With references to Star Wars, the Manic Street Preachers, and eighties television, this harrowing, yet witty collection, makes for a memorable read with its sensitive and creative insight into a situation which was suddenly forced upon him.”— MATTHEW M. C. SMITH author of The Keeper of Aeons and editor of Black Bough Poetry
- GenresPoetry
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 15, 2023
A powerful, visceral book, capturing with poetic nuance the harrowing experience of diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia. Woods’ words balance the raw reality of hospital life and ongoing PTSD whilst infusing humour and warmth along the way. Highly recommended.
(Especially for lovers of Star Wars and the Manic Street Preachers)
(Especially for lovers of Star Wars and the Manic Street Preachers)
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July 10, 2023I must confess to a certain trepidation creeping in when I read poetry on illness, or trauma. Will I like it only because I feel I should – a flood of sympathy washing out critical faculties?
Fortunately, that isn’t the case with this pamphlet, as Jamie Woods, leads the reader on a journey through his cancer diagnosis, its treatment and aftermath.
With the first two words of the opening poem, ‘I fell’, I found myself drawn into considering this metaphorical language around illness. The notion of ‘falling ill’ suddenly seemed bigger than becoming unwell, but freighted with all kinds of other implications. Perhaps spiritual, as in a fall from a state of Edenic perfection, or a more earthbound descent, where the rest of life, when not ill, is some kind of precarious perch, from where we might easily slip. However this fall is taken, afterwards, everything is changed.
Woods goes on to explore a variety of feelings, observations and emotions around his experience of illness and its treatment. Throughout, a mix of pop-culture references from Veruca Salt albums, to Boba Fett Hoodies and the unsung purity of Cherry Cola, ensure that however grim the progress of the cancer or its treatment, we never fully plunge into the abyss.
There is a raw sense of honesty about the poems, whether meditating on the non-silence of a ward, the imagined unfolding of cancelled holidays, or feeling jealous that a visiting friend gets to go home, while he must remain in hospital. One poem addresses Woods’ previous perception of leukaemia – his cancer – as a child’s disease – something people used to raise money for in a Blue Peter Bring and Buy Sale.
For sure there is vulnerability, confusion and frustration here, but never quite despair. A blood bank is reimagined as holding varieties of vintage red wines, a stroll around a duck pond in hospital grounds becomes a more expansive imaginary landscape, of the type Sebald might stride around. That said, the shadows never fully lift, even once home, after having been given the all clear. In the last section, we learn of Woods suspicion that his illness may simply be biding its time, as PTSD type recollections are triggered by baby shampoo, while cancer is perhaps ‘skulking in the dark/a wounded tiger, regaining its strength.’
A tight, snappy collection, that blends humour, comfort and honesty to keep the pages turning.
Fortunately, that isn’t the case with this pamphlet, as Jamie Woods, leads the reader on a journey through his cancer diagnosis, its treatment and aftermath.
With the first two words of the opening poem, ‘I fell’, I found myself drawn into considering this metaphorical language around illness. The notion of ‘falling ill’ suddenly seemed bigger than becoming unwell, but freighted with all kinds of other implications. Perhaps spiritual, as in a fall from a state of Edenic perfection, or a more earthbound descent, where the rest of life, when not ill, is some kind of precarious perch, from where we might easily slip. However this fall is taken, afterwards, everything is changed.
Woods goes on to explore a variety of feelings, observations and emotions around his experience of illness and its treatment. Throughout, a mix of pop-culture references from Veruca Salt albums, to Boba Fett Hoodies and the unsung purity of Cherry Cola, ensure that however grim the progress of the cancer or its treatment, we never fully plunge into the abyss.
There is a raw sense of honesty about the poems, whether meditating on the non-silence of a ward, the imagined unfolding of cancelled holidays, or feeling jealous that a visiting friend gets to go home, while he must remain in hospital. One poem addresses Woods’ previous perception of leukaemia – his cancer – as a child’s disease – something people used to raise money for in a Blue Peter Bring and Buy Sale.
For sure there is vulnerability, confusion and frustration here, but never quite despair. A blood bank is reimagined as holding varieties of vintage red wines, a stroll around a duck pond in hospital grounds becomes a more expansive imaginary landscape, of the type Sebald might stride around. That said, the shadows never fully lift, even once home, after having been given the all clear. In the last section, we learn of Woods suspicion that his illness may simply be biding its time, as PTSD type recollections are triggered by baby shampoo, while cancer is perhaps ‘skulking in the dark/a wounded tiger, regaining its strength.’
A tight, snappy collection, that blends humour, comfort and honesty to keep the pages turning.
June 17, 2023
"Rebel Blood Cells" by Jamie Woods is a profoundly moving collection of poems that delves into the harrowing experience of leukaemia, the arduous treatment process, and the inspiring journey of recovery. With poignant verses and heartfelt emotions, this book captures the essence of resilience, hope, and the indomitable human spirit.
The poems in this collection serve as windows into the author's personal journey, inviting readers to witness the physical and emotional battles faced by those confronting leukaemia. Woods's words carry a raw authenticity that allows readers to connect on a deep level with the range of emotions experienced throughout the journey—fear, pain, uncertainty, but also courage, strength, and the relentless pursuit of healing.
The author's poetic style is both evocative and accessible, employing vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the complexities of the leukaemia experience. Each poem encapsulates a specific moment or emotion, creating a mosaic of experiences that, when read together, form a cohesive narrative of the author's journey. The juxtaposition of darkness and light, despair and hope, is skillfully rendered, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions within the reader.
The poems in this collection serve as windows into the author's personal journey, inviting readers to witness the physical and emotional battles faced by those confronting leukaemia. Woods's words carry a raw authenticity that allows readers to connect on a deep level with the range of emotions experienced throughout the journey—fear, pain, uncertainty, but also courage, strength, and the relentless pursuit of healing.
The author's poetic style is both evocative and accessible, employing vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the complexities of the leukaemia experience. Each poem encapsulates a specific moment or emotion, creating a mosaic of experiences that, when read together, form a cohesive narrative of the author's journey. The juxtaposition of darkness and light, despair and hope, is skillfully rendered, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions within the reader.
January 23, 2024
"Inject me with the good intentions of a passer-by, aim straight for my heart."
I have just re-read this and can confirm it is still amazing. Every carefully chosen word of it. Thank you for opening the door and letting us in, Jamie.
I have just re-read this and can confirm it is still amazing. Every carefully chosen word of it. Thank you for opening the door and letting us in, Jamie.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews