John Scarborough’s love of poetry began when he discovered the very different works of William Wordsworth and T. S. Eliot. Family responsibilities and his career in the Probation Service and Nacro meant it was not until later in life that he started to write, initially short stories and subsequently poems.
He attended a writer’s retreat on the Greek island of Skyros, an experience that confirmed his intention to become a poet. Concern for the human condition, love of nature and the outdoors lie at the core of his poetry.
John attends a writing group in Louth and is a member of Nunsthorpe poets (Nunsthorpe Poetry Group). His poetry has been published in: Acumen, Orbis, Dream Catcher, The High Window, The Ekphrastic Review, Reach Poetry, The Dawntreader, Black Bough, Spelt, George Orwell Studies and Littoral Magazine. His poem ‘To Siobahn’ was shortlisted in the Reach Autumn Poetry Competition. His poem ‘A Death’ is due for publication in The Frogmore Papers in March 2026.
John lives in Louth with his partner Sheri whose incisive comments and editing always improve the poems. John has been a regular reader of his poetry at local venues including the Playhouse and Louth Folk Club.
