The Colquhoun Chronicles

A saga that sings! In this new poem cycle-reminiscent at times of the best work of Homer, Jean Rhys and Hemingway-a father, Colquhoun, embarks on a perilous sea journey to rescue his daughter but finds himself on a challenging inner voyage as well. Meanwhile, his daughter's own path is no less difficult. Many surprises await them both. Having already loved Neil Creighton's earlier book, Rock Dreaming, I came to his Colquhoun Chronicles with high expectations. Happily, this new book-steeped in love, loss, hazard and human evolution-met and to some degree even exceeded them.

-John Burroughs, U.S. Beat Poet Laureate. 2022-2023



I compare the lyrical saga, The Colquhoun Chronicles, to the Odyssey and feel it is destined to become a classic. This hero's journey is not in mighty deeds of self-glorification but in learning how to be affected by stories not his own. Colquhoun learns compassion and understanding from historic women, from his surroundings and from creatures of the sea and sky. Part of its genius is that Miriam, Colquhoun's oppressed daughter, also experiences transformation, her "rescue" coming through her own growth in understanding rather than a "hero" coming to swoop her away. Deep wisdom and love are sprinkled throughout this five-star book and Creighton's words belong in everyone's heart.

-Joan Leotta, author of Feathers on Stone



Here is an adventure of the soul, a journey of self-discovery, and a history lesson about ourselves and our times. Though it might be difficult to imagine such breadth in one short book, The Colquhoun Chronicles taps into the zeitgeist. Colquhoun is a man who is forced by the circumstances of his life to confront himself. His new understanding is painfully wrung; this is an awakening both agonizing and revelatory. In Creighton's work you'll hear echoes of Coleridge and a touch of Keats. The poet has the spirit of the Romantic about him-you'll find beautiful verse within-but always tempered by a contemporary realism that is startling. Read and be prepared, like Colquhoun, to be changed.

-Alan Walowitz, author of The Story of the Milkman and Other Poems