Power in Poetry

In collaboration with the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), Audible is illustrating the power of the spoken word with Power in Poetry: Moods That Move. Five spoken word artists created unique pieces of poetry connected by the mood themes of the 2021 FOLD and rooted in the oral traditions of African, Indigenous, and other communities. Their poems serve as an anthem to not just the festival but to the power of diverse voices.

The spoken word artists featured include Lamoi, Noyz, Mahlikah Awe:ri, Joshua "Scribe" Watkis, and Shadiya Aidid. These innovative poets strove to capture the mood and feeling reflected in the diversity of the FOLD, make personal connections to their work, and write short pieces that illuminate the art of oral storytelling. They are five diverse voices and ten pieces of poetry sharing one common thread.

The Festival of Literary Diversity is Canada’s first festival for diverse authors and storytellers. The FOLD provides one-of-a-kind events for kids and adults that engage readers, inspire writers, and empower educators by highlighting important and underrepresented voices. The festival also provides an important space for writers to discuss their craft and create stories that ask difficult questions, expose hard truths, and push literary boundaries. The themes explored in Power in Poetry: Moods That Move include place and belonging, history and hope, and love and longing.