Exploring Identity, Poetry, and Multimodal Expression
Bethlehem University’s Department of English is delighted to highlight the recent participation of Mr. Layth R. Awwad as a speaker at Colorado State University, Pueblo, USA on February 19, 2024. As a poet and creative writing instructor, Mr. Awwad brought a unique perspective to the dialogue in Ms. Electra Aguirre (MFA)’s Creative Writing class, enriching the discussion on poetry and the creative writing process.
The session commenced with a talk by Mr. Juan J. Morales, who was present in person, during which he shared his writing practices and reflections on his published poetry collection. Following that, Mr. Awwad, who participated virtually, shared his own poetic journey, his inspirations, writing practices, and the thematic underpinnings of his work.
Central to Mr. Awwad’s discussions were his poems that address a myriad of pressing issues, including identity politics, being Palestinian, and normalizing the conversation around mental health. Yet, amidst these diverse themes, Mr. Awwad created an arc, weaving together a narrative of longing, belonging, and the complexities of modern existence.
Mr. Awwad explored a spectrum of poetic influences, finding inspiration in the works of luminaries like Mahmoud Darwish, Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, Lana Del Rey, and others. In doing so, he underscored the interconnectedness of various influences and the power of poetry to bridge cultural divides. He also highlighted the evolving nature of poetry in the digital age, particularly in the realm of social media, “Insta-poetry,” and “aesthetics.”
The session concluded with a Q&A session navigated by Mr. Awwad, engaging students, both present in person and virtually. The discussion focused around form experimentation, multimodal expression, and the incorporation of Arabic language into his English poetry, illustrating the dynamic and fluid nature of contemporary poetic expression.