Stratford Poet Profiles: Scott Tillson shares his story of recovery through poetry

Scott Tillson’s poetry is well known in Stratford. His poem “Acknowledge” has been read across the city in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation acknowledgements.

But Tillson said becoming a poet was never something he imagined for himself – especially during the years when his life was consumed by addiction.

Tillson said he reached his lowest point nearly four years ago when he attempted to take his own life. After connecting the exhaust from his truck in an attempt to end his life, the vehicle would not start.

Taking this as a sign from God, Tillson went to the local hospital to seek help. While waiting there, he said he sat beside someone he now refers to as an angel – a woman who appeared to be facing her own struggles. The two began sharing their stories and she held his hand as they talked.

After quitting drugs and alcohol, Tillson said he still struggled with the effects of his upbringing. It wasn’t until years later, when he began participating in rehabilitation programs and seeking support, that he realized his life could have a greater purpose.

That realization is what led him to poetry.

Tillson said his first poem, “Acknowledge,” flowed out of him almost without thought.

“I knew I was meant for greater things and to tell my story to help others,” he said.

After sharing the poem with his sponsor, Tillson said poetry quickly became an outlet that helped him connect more deeply with himself and with others. Through writing, he said he learned that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength that allows him to share his experiences with others who may be struggling.

Since writing his first poem, Tillson said moments from his life often inspire new work. One poem, he said, was written about his ex-wife, who later passed away. At the time of her death, Tillson said he was grateful to be able to sit at her bedside and read the poem he had written for her.

More recently, after receiving photos and a video of a newborn baby from an Indigenous friend, Tillson said another poem flowed from him. The poem blended the joy of new life with reflections on the Indigenous experience and was written as a gift for the new mother.

As an Indigenous man, Tillson said reconnecting with his culture has also become an important part of his journey.

“For much of my life, I wasn’t connected to who I was,” he said. “As I’ve gotten older and connected more through poetry, I’ve been learning more about Indigenous culture and who I am. It’s still a journey.”

Today, Tillson said his goal is to help others through his words.

“If just one person connects with my poems, or one person decides not to pick up a drink because of my story, then I know my life has purpose,” he said.

Heidi Sander’s Canada Is Our Poem contest is an initiative designed to recognize Canadian writers and their poetry. In addition to a $1,000 prize for the winner, 200 poems were selected for publication in the Canada Is Our Poem anthology, including many poets from Stratford.

Three of Tillson’s poems will be recognized within the upcoming anthology. Alongside his poem, “Acknowledge,” “East Hastings” and “Spirit Drum” were chosen.

Stratford Poet Profiles is an ongoing series highlighting local poets who submitted to Heidi Sander’s Canada Is Our Poem contest. An anthology featuring selected poems from the contest will be released this spring.