his may all sound a little heavy, but Professor Smith as other interests outside of such literature. He njoys scientific journals and does quite a lot of jalking, though the latter hobby has been curtailed by breathing problem. He also enjoys bird watching. ‘Of all animals,’’ he says, ‘‘I like birds best,’’ He otes wistfully that some species are quire scarce round the city now, and speculates that may bea sult of pollution and pesticides. Another favourite astime of his is classical music, which he listens to a 1. “if you don’t keep this music alive,’’ he warns, our culture becomes impoverished.’’ Even greater an his love of music, though, is his passion for eatre. ‘*] make on major trip each year,’’ he con- es, “to indulge in my addiction for theatre, either London, or Ontario, or both.’’

yart from his teaching and his hobbies, Professor ith 6ccupies his time with his poetry, which has

i collected in such books as Sucking Stones and dnight Found You Dancing. Whenasked about the ality of his poetry, he says, ‘‘People tell me it’s a ferent poetry, and it probably is. It strikes me as ing a strong surrealist element in it. In the course

orty years I’ve gone through quite a number of ferent styles.’’

iat motivates Professor Smith to write poetry is a mplicated idea of creativity. Ashe puts it, ‘‘There / Many answer to that: one reason is it’s a means of covery. it’s like exploring an unknowncountry, ) the country doesn’t exist until it’s written about. alow-risk-taker’s means of discovery.”’ ie are different motivations behind his teaching. teaching isn’t student-centred,”’ he admits, ‘‘but centred. | have a burning desire to bring texts to lto keep them alive, because they're such an portant part of ourcultural heritage, and without nwe would all be much lessor beings."’ njoy having students around,’’ he says. ‘‘l enjoy mism and indomitability of young people. the sn'ta great place but they don't encounter it fe rand reluctance. Working with young people Very encouraging way of life... there's a lot of Ve energy in students."'

While John Smith will be retiring soon, he seems to have a great deal of that “‘positive energy’’ himself,as his students can attest. Whether he’s snorting through a reendition of Falstaff or shouting the tragic ele- ments of Richard II, he brings the texts to life in an entertaining and educational fashion. If you haven’t checked out one of his classes yet, you may want to while you still have the opportunity.

Sean McQuaid

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‘SS | October 31, 1991 Page 27