Writing can sometimes be exploitative. I like to take a few steps of remove in order to respect the privacy of the subject. If readers make the link, they have engaged with the poem.

John Barton may refer to:
John Barton (director) (born 1928) English theatre director and founding member of the Royal Shakespeare Company
John Barton (economist) (1789–1852) English economist
John Barton (engineer) (1771–1834) engineer noted for his engravings using his Ruling Engine
John Barton (footballer) (1866–1910) English international football player
John Barton (footballer born 1953) English football player
John Barton (poet) (born 1957) Canadian poet
John Barton (Quaker) (1755–1789) abolitionist
John Barton (rugby league) rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s for Great Britain and Wigan
John Barton (theologian) (born 1948) theologian and professor
John Barton (writer) 15th century writer on Lollardy
John Barton (basketball) Canadian basketball player and former member of the Canada national men's basketball team
John J.