John Beaton is a retired actuary who was raised in the highlands of Scotland and has lived in Qualicum Beach since 1988. He recites humorous poetry at Celtic gatherings and performances of the musical group “Celtic Chaos”. He moderates a metrical poetry workshop on the internet and his poetry has been published in newspapers, literary and fishing magazines, and internet sites and journals.

When writing poetry, I’m a butterfly collector, then a medium, then a puzzle-solver. Ideas flit around us. Running a shoreline, driving, or fishing a river, I carry a notebook or digital recorder to capture them in mid-flight. Then I set them free and follow them. This is a séance-like experience. I’ve heard writers say that their Muses are better writers than they will ever be, and that their job is simply to clear their minds and channel their Muses’ words. Then it’s time to craft the draft. Metrical poetry, which is my literary love, is like a Rubik’s cube. In a good metrical poem, concept, meaning, syntax, word-choice, form, metre, rhyme, and “music” must all click. It’s not easy to achieve. I revise extensively and intensely. Four things help: reciting poems aloud; feedback from Easy Writers and a good internet workshop; and sustained study of the craft.

Stormy sunshine on the west coast (near Ucluelet)

The elders are watching (eagles by the Little Qualicum River)

Black bear near Kennedy Lake