Award-winning Welsh poet William Ayot to speak Sept. 13 at Harlow Gallery

HALLOWELL — Harlow Gallery will welcome back English-poet-living-in-Wales William Ayot for a poetry reading from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13.

Ayot’s powerful and accessible poetry speaks directly to the heart as he charts an underworld journey through loss and alienation, to self-acceptance, reconciliation and a sense of belonging. A one-time student of indigenous shamans, Ayot brings a grounded reality and a big heart to poems about the struggles and sacrifices of work, relationship and self-discovery – about growing down as well as growing up.

If you have ever taken on the role of leader, led a group, or run a business – if you are a manager, a therapist or an artist – if you are into men’s work, a person in recovery, or embarking on an “inner journey” – if you are down, depressed or simply yearning to come home, this is an evening you will not want to miss.

Ayot has published three collections of poetry and runs a world-class poetry series in Wales called On the Border. Having worked in rehab and prisons, led initiatory retreats, and worked for 10 years using poetry and story to teach leadership through Mythodrama (a new and experiential form of executive education), Ayot set up the National Centre for the Oral Tradition, a dedicated home for the spoken word which is putting poetry and story to work across the UK.

Ayot still teaches in business schools and corporations around the world. He is currently teaching on the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD in France and Singapore, and was recently made Poet-in-Residence at Oxford University’s Said Business School.

A suggested donation of $3 will be accepted at the door. The gallery is at 160 Water Street.