Joining us from the continent of Africa, Beauty, or Beauty in Words (b.i.w) is the pin-name of an up and coming anonymous online poet/writer, who is also the sole founder and creator of the Instagram page @beauty_in_words._ which has amassed a following of over 6,000 through Beauty's online presence and poetry. Her content varies from both short and long poems in both modern and traditional style, employing enjambment, irony, personification and other poetic devices to tell her sometimes allegorical stories. Her mesmerizing words are illustrated by other artists on the platform she has collaborated with and credited, further contributing to the online artistic community. Beauty's poems have been published in several print and online publications, including witchesnpink, Dizzie magazine, Twist in Time Literary Mag and Spoken Word Scratch Night. I have loved getting to know Beauty after our phone call over a year ago, and again being able to see her in person over zoom. I can't wait until we can do this in person! As Beauty said in the livestream, "that's when we'll know we've made it!" Although Beauty was nervous about this being her podcast debut, I wanted to include a bit of those pre-read/post-share nerves here because 1) we can ALL relate to those nerves! Like we say in this episode, vulnerability is HARD. But that's what makes it all the more rewarding to bravely share. 2) Beauty is one of the most endearing individuals I have had the privilege to meet, even virtually. I felt like it need to be shared with the world.  Poems featured on this episode: A letter to a rejection letter I could, but alas it's me They bear a burden Thee to history Special thanks to @philasocial, co host Ron Johnson, @chadsby1993, @steffilouba, @mbooey, @beauty_in_words, and Adam Lucas for sharing his rad tunes. Musical credit: lukapotomas "Stop laughing at me" 💜💜💜💜💜💜 opening poem: “Sublime”