HALLOWELL — A poetry reading by UK poet William Ayot of Wales will begin at 7 p.m. Friday at the Harlow Gallery, 160 Water St. Ayot’s powerful and accessible poetry speaks directly to the heart as he charts an underworld journey through loss, self-loathing and grief, to acceptance, reconciliation and a sense of belonging, according to a release.

A one-time student of indigenous shamans, Ayot brings a grounded reality and a big heart to poems about manhood, families and the pains of growing — down as well as up!

Ayot has published three collections and runs a world-class poetry series in Wales. Having worked in rehab, led men’s initiatory retreats in the Welsh mountains and worked for 10 years using poetry and story to teach leadership in business schools around the world, Ayot recently set up “NaCOT, 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.

For more information, call 622-3813.