By Hadiqah Khalil
The one year anniversary event hosted by Poetry Decoded was filled with passionate creatives who aim to uplift others and fill their souls with love—just as they strive to find that love within themselves. These heartfelt individuals wish for others what they wish for themselves, and even more. In Full Bloom captured the essence of the night, as the organization reflected on the seed planted a year ago—one filled with intention and hope for a poetic community that flourishes together.
Upon entry, you’re greeted by a group of young adults lounging on the couches with cans of pop in their hands, laughing as if they’ve known each other for a lifetime. As you walk around, attendees glisten under the dim ambiance, with fairy lights hanging and wrapped around different parts of the Shoot For Peace studio at 260 Carlaw Ave.
Stems of purple and pink flowers were placed on an envelope at each attendee’s placeholder. A poem lay on top of it, curated as a keepsake. Each thought and detail felt like you walked into a surprise your best friend planned for you—like the feeling of reading a heartfelt letter on a special day. Something meant to be heard and gifted to the ears that needed it.
There was a common theme of friendship in the poems recited. “Friendship saves lives. What writers circle was to them, Poetry Decoded is for us,” said Amana, Co-Founder of Poetry Decoded.
Bisharo and Amana rekindled their friendship at a writers circle, five years after attending the same high school. From that day forward, they knew in their hearts that this relationship would turn into something beyond themselves, something special.
They began with just one event celebrating World Poetry Day, never imagining it would grow to where it is now, a year later. The attendees wanted more and kept asking when the next one would be, so they kept it going, even as full-time students.
Bisharo, Founder of Poetry Decoded, reflects on her growth after a year. “Don’t care about other people’s opinions because it’s like a speck of dust,” she said. She preaches to do what you love as the only opinions that matter are from those who love you. “As an artist, if you don’t know where your path is, just do it. You don’t know where it can go.”
Both founders of Poetry Decoded shared their pride in being part of Toronto, highlighting how the artists in the room were the ones who truly made a difference. “It’s the artists who show up,” Amana said, emphasizing that while wealthy individuals could easily donate, it was the creative energy and dedication of the artists that really stood out.
Ancestry and lineage are deeply woven into every piece of poetry spoken. As people of colour, the poets carry that legacy with them—even if it’s through reclaiming their identities by introducing themselves with the ethnic names their mothers call them. Art serves as a form of liberation, a truth that is held deeply with the artists that were present.
Lola spoke about growth and the feeling of not doing enough. MachiineGunFunkk said they often find hope when in a room with people of the diaspora. And Ogen chanted, “You are the light! You are the light! You are the light!”
The chant echoed and the energy filled the room with warmth and light. Following the two-hour event of poets sharing their words, the live tunes of a saxophone and trumpet filled the space with their whimsical sound. In full bloom are three special words that perfectly fit the night—closing their year anniversary event with jazz, unity and soul.
Riadh Magazine 
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