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Why World Poetry Day Matters Now More Than Ever

2/22/2025

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Picture
(“Angel of Freedom & Democracy Jazz-Poet Edition” concept digital art by Aberjhani ©2025 utilizing OpenAI tech tools)

Poetry has long served as a formidable instrument in the defense of democracy, offering a medium through which individuals can critique autocratic regimes and advocate for democratic ideals. The poem "A Fever-Cooked Dream" (from the book These Black and Blue Red Zone Days) exemplifies this tradition, employing vivid imagery and metaphor to highlight the perils of autocracy and the erosion of democratic values. This essay explores how the poem serves as a powerful defense of democracy, aligns with UNESCO's 2025 World Poetry Day theme of "Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion," and fits within a literary tradition of political critique alongside works by both historical and contemporary poets.

A Fever-Cooked Dream

In "A Fever-Cooked Dream," the poet portrays a dystopian reality where "illusion and delusion fuel each other," likening the environment to "blood-drunk zombies and vampires gorging on lonely corpses’ frozen screams." This stark imagery conveys a society consumed by deceit and oppression, where truth is obscured, and autocratic forces prevail. The reference to "oligarchs fatally addicted to injections of powdered ice and coins clogging their veins" critiques the insatiable greed and moral decay of those in power, suggesting a leadership more invested in wealth and control than the welfare of the populace.

The poem further explores the confusion between genuine emotion and fabricated sentiment:

"Hard most nights to tell love from hate. To separate the sincere heat of human skin: from the convincing taste of deep-fake tears, from the artificial grin of a hacked heart."

This passage reflects the manipulation of reality characteristic of autocratic regimes, where authentic human connections are undermined by pervasive propaganda and deceit. The "artificial grin of a hacked heart" symbolizes the distortion of truth, leading to a populace unable to discern reality from fabrication.

In the concluding stanza, the poet describes a world where "truth is a dictator draped in see-through chaos," and laughter becomes a painful act. The imagery of "colors burn[ing] like winter in a fever-cooked dream" evokes a sense of disorientation and despair, highlighting the destructive impact of autocracy on both individual perception and societal cohesion.

Alignment with UNESCO's 2025
World Poetry Day Theme

UNESCO's World Poetry Day, first observed in 1999 and every year since on March 21, celebrates the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind. The 2025 theme, "Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion," emphasizes poetry's role in fostering understanding, tolerance, and dialogue among diverse communities. "A Fever-Cooked Dream" contributes to this theme by shedding light on the consequences of autocratic governance, thereby encouraging readers to reflect on the value of democratic principles and the importance of inclusivity.

By articulating the struggles faced under oppressive regimes, the poem serves as a catalyst for conversations about justice, freedom, and human rights. It bridges gaps in understanding by presenting a visceral depiction of life devoid of democratic freedoms, urging readers to empathize with those who endure such realities and to advocate for inclusive societies where diverse voices are heard and respected.

The Poet's Role in Democratic Advocacy

The author of "A Fever-Cooked Dream," Aberjhani, is recognized as a poet-artist-documentarian, or polymath, whose works have been prominently featured in observances of World Poetry Day, National Poetry Month, and Black Poetry Day. His art often intersects with activism, amplifying calls from international leaders for strengthened democratic practices. This dual role as artist and advocate enhances the impact of his poetry, as it draws from lived experiences and a commitment to social justice. [Read: In Defense of Democracy: Rejecting Rule by Autocracy in America]

The significance of the poet's identity lies in his ability to document and critique societal issues through a creative lens, providing a platform for marginalized voices and challenging oppressive systems. The author-poet-artist’s work embodies the transformative power of art in societal discourse, reinforcing the notion that poetry is not merely a reflection of the world but a force capable of inspiring change.

Literary Tradition of Political Critique

"A Fever-Cooked Dream" aligns with a rich literary tradition wherein poets utilize their craft to critique autocracy and defend democratic ideals. Historically, poets like Walt Whitman and Taras Shevchenko have employed poetry as a medium for political commentary.

Walt Whitman's "I Hear America Singing" celebrates the diverse voices that constitute a democratic society, emphasizing unity and collective identity. Through his portrayal of various American workers, Whitman underscores the democratic ideal of equality and the integral role of each individual in the nation's fabric. His poetry reflects an unwavering belief in democracy and the power of individual contributions to the collective whole.

Taras Shevchenko's "Dream" serves as a satirical critique of social and national oppression under autocratic rule. Written in 1844, the poem exposes the injustices of serfdom and the autocracy, highlighting the suffering of the Ukrainian people. Shevchenko's work is a poignant example of how poetry can serve as a vehicle for political dissent and a call for democratic reforms.

In contemporary literature, poets like Claudia Rankine and Warsan Shire continue this tradition. Rankine's "Citizen: An American Lyric" addresses racial injustices and systemic inequalities, offering a profound commentary on the erosion of democratic ideals in the face of discrimination. Through a blend of poetry, prose, and visual imagery, Rankine challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and governance.

Warsan Shire's "Home" poignantly captures the refugee experience, critiquing the political circumstances that force individuals to flee their countries. The poem underscores the failure of autocratic regimes to provide safety and dignity, highlighting the universal right to peace and inclusion. Shire's work serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of political turmoil and the necessity of compassionate, democratic responses to the refugee crisis.

In Conclusion
 

Poetry remains a formidable force in the defense of democracy, offering a means of critique, reflection, and solidarity. A Fever-Cooked Dream exemplifies this power by exposing the dangers of deception, autocracy, and societal division. Aligning with UNESCO’s 2025 World Poetry Day theme, the poem serves as a bridge for peace and inclusion, uniting readers in a shared pursuit of truth and justice.

The poet’s recognized contributions to global democratic discourse further enhance the poem’s significance, yet its impact ultimately lies in its ability to resonate with a wide audience. By drawing upon a rich tradition of resistance poetry, A Fever-Cooked Dream continues the legacy of poets who have challenged oppression and championed democratic values. In a world where autocracy remains a persistent threat, such poetry is not merely artistic expression—it is an act of defiance and a call to action.

By ChatGPT Contributing Correspondent 4114
With Editing by Bright Skylark Literary Productions ©
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon 2025


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Cultural Consciousness in Aime Cesaire's ‘Return to My Native Land’ & Aberjhani's ‘Return to Savannah’

4/7/2024

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Picture
(“The Eclipse & Unexpected Return of Love” digital painting by Aberjhani ©2024)
When it comes to Modern Literary Studies, the exploration of cultural identity, social justice, and human experience are often paramount themes. Aime Cesaire's (1913-2008) poem Return to My Native Land (1939) and Aberjhani's "Return to Savannah" (1997) are two exemplary works that delve into these themes, drawing upon historical, philosophical, and biographical insights. This comparative literary analysis examines how these poems resonate with contemporary discourses such as Critical Race Theory, Black Lives Matter, and WOKE theory, while also embodying values significant to humanity as a whole.

Cultural Context and Literary Tradition

In considering the significance of these poems for readers and scholars alike, it becomes evident that they offer invaluable insights into the complexities of modern Black Studies and the broader human experience. Whether studied during National Poetry Month, Education Week, Black History Month, or on World Poetry Day, both works serve as poignant reminders of the enduring power of poetry to provoke thought, inspire empathy, and catalyze change.

Aberjhani, in his 2007 Goodreads review of Cesaire’s book, aptly describes Return to My Native Land as a product of literary fusion, drawing upon the Negritude movement, the Harlem Renaissance, and French surrealism. This amalgamation infuses Cesaire's work with rich cultural and political nuances, addressing racism, class oppression, and the human condition. The following excerpt provide a small example from Return to My Native Land:

In this inert town, this sorry crowd under the sun, taking part in nothing which expresses, asserts, frees itself in the broad daylight of its own land. Nor in Empress Joséphine of the French dreaming high, high above negridom. Nor in the liberator rigidified in its liberation of whitened stone. Nor in the conquistador. Nor in this contempt, nor in this freedom, nor in this boldness.
At the brink of dawn, this inert city and its far beyond of leprosies, of consumption, of famines, of fears crouching in the ravines of fears, hoisted in the trees of fears, burrowed in the ground, of fears adrift in the sky, of fears piled up and its fumaroles of anguish.

At the brink of dawn, the morne, forgotten, forgetful of blowing up.

 At the brink of dawn, the morne with its nervous and docile hoof – its malarial blood puts the sun to rout with its overheated pulses.

At the brink of dawn, the repressed fire of the morne, like a sob gagged on the verge of bloodthirsty outburst, searching for an evasive and unconscious ignition. (Césaire, Aimé. Notebook of a Return to My Native Land: 4. Bloodaxe contemporary French poets, pp. 103-104. Bloodaxe Books. Kindle Edition.)


As for Aberjhani’s Return to Savannah, inspired by Cesaire's work, the poem carries forward the legacy previously noted. It does this by weaving together elements of African-American experience, Southern history, and personal reflection. Both works can be situated within the tradition of protest poetry, which seeks to challenge systems of oppression and assert the dignity of marginalized communities. Additionally, they contribute to the broader tradition of lyric poetry, using language and imagery to evoke emotional and philosophical truths. The lines that follow are from Return to Savannah:

Legends tell the tourists
that spectres roam this city
but I’ve no need of tales
to explain
the red-eyed shadows
hopping like squirrels
through the greenless branches
of my immediate apprehension.
I remember when they died.

Stand amazed, now,
watching them haunt
reflections of their former lives.

The tourists hear one story
but let me tell you another:
like the one about WillieMae
who had 14 children, 9 they say
still living,  just like she is
a blackwoman working split shifts
at what used to be the old
Desoto Hilton Hotel.
14 children, 9 still living
spanking, feeding, loving her brood
in-between preparing pastries
for people who’d rather not know.

          (Aberjhani, I Made My Boy Out of Poetry, p. 30, Washington Publications, 1998)

Critical Race Theory and Black Lives Matter

It obvious from the above excerpts that both poems engage with the themes of racial identity, systemic oppression, and cultural resilience, resonating deeply with the principles of Critical Race Theory and the goals of the Black Lives Matter movement. Cesaire's exploration of colonialism and cultural alienation speaks to the enduring legacy of racism and imperialism, while Aberjhani's portrayal of African-American life in late 1990s Savannah documented the ongoing realities of systemic racism and social inequality. Through their poetic visions, both authors challenge readers to confront the injustices of the past and present, and imagine a more just and equitable future.
Picture
Original 1st edition 1997 cover of I MADE MY BOY OUT OF POETRY, book by Aberjhani featuring art by Gustave Blache III.
In addition, their work also reflects to a powerful degree the concept of being "woke," which encompasses an awareness of social injustices and a commitment to activism and change. The authors’ poems exemplify this ethos by inviting readers to awaken to the realities of various social inequities surrounding them. By centering the experiences of marginalized communities and amplifying their voices, these works contribute to a broader consciousness of social justice and collective liberation. They remind readers of the power of literature to inspire empathy, provoke critical reflection, and ignite social change.

Human Values and Universal Truths

Beyond their specific cultural and historical contexts, both poems embody values that are universally significant to humanity. Cesaire's lyrical meditation on identity, belonging, and the search for meaning resonates with readers of all backgrounds, prompting considerations of their own sense of self and place in the world. Aberjhani's poignant portrayal of resilience, community, and the enduring power of the human spirit speaks to the universal quest for dignity, justice, and love. By tapping into these universal truths, these poems transcend their particularities and speak to the shared humanity that unites us all.
Picture
Poet and political leader Aimé Césaire (1913-2008) photo edit (2024) by Aberjhani based on original unaccredited pr still.
Notably, in Return to My Native Land, Cesaire writes, "My negritude is not a stone, its deafness hurled against the clamor of the day," emphasizing the enduring strength of Black identity in the face of adversity, much the way members of other cultural groups have relied on long-standing values to survive persecution, or even genocide. Similarly, Aberjhani's portrayal of “WillieMae” in Return to Savannah underscores the inherent dignity and humanity of marginalized individuals, regardless of their societal status.

Literary Traditions and Contemporary Significance

Both Cesaire and Aberjhani draw from a rich tradition of literary expression rooted in the experiences of Black people across the globe. Cesaire’s fusion of prose and poetry reflects the experimental spirit of French surrealism while also echoing the lyrical cadence of Harlem Renaissance poets like Langston Hughes and Claude McKay. Similarly, Aberjhani’s narrative style and thematic depth align with the traditions of African-American literature, particularly the works of poets like Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka.

The significance of studying these works during National Poetry Month, Education Week, or Black History Month lies in their ability to foster critical thinking, cultural awareness, and empathy among students. By engaging with themes of identity, justice, and resilience, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human experience and the enduring legacy of racial injustice. Furthermore, these works serve as catalysts for meaningful discussions about the intersections of race, class, and power in modern society.

Contemporary Poets Following Similar Literary Traditions

A number of contemporary poets share similarities with Cesaire and Aberjhani in their exploration of identity, history, and the impact of colonialism and racism. Their works serve as poignant reports on the complexities of the human experience. The following are a four examples of authors whose writings challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider alternative narratives of belonging and heritage:
  1. CLAUDIA RANKINE: Known for her collection "Citizen: An American Lyric," Rankine's work addresses themes of race, identity, and belonging in contemporary America. Like Cesaire, she delves into the complexities of racial identity and colonial history, offering powerful reflections on the Black experience.
  2. WARSAN SHIRE: Shire's poetry often explores themes of displacement, migration, and cultural identity, echoing Cesaire's exploration of his Caribbean heritage and the impact of colonialism. Her work, such as "Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth," captures the struggle for belonging and the search for roots in a globalized world.
  3. OCEAN VUONG: Vuong's poetry, as seen in his collection "Night Sky with Exit Wounds," delves into personal and collective trauma, often exploring themes of war, exile, and intergenerational memory. Like Aberjhani, he grapples with the complexities of identity and history, weaving together personal narrative with broader socio-political reflections.
  4. JERICHO BROWN: Brown's poetry, particularly in his collection "The Tradition," explores themes of race, sexuality, and history in America. Much like Aberjhani's "Return to Savannah," Brown's work confronts the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial justice, offering a nuanced exploration of African American identity and heritage.


Lesson Plan: Teaching 
Césaire and Aberjhani Simultaneously

OBJECTIVE: To explore the themes, literary techniques, and historical contexts of Cesaire’s “Return to My Native Land” and Aberjhani’s “Return to Savannah” while fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness.

1. Pre-Reading Activity:
  • Introduce students to the historical and cultural contexts of Negritude, the Harlem Renaissance, and French surrealism.
  • Discuss the significance of poetry as a medium for social and political commentary.
2. Reading and Analysis:
  • Divide students into small groups and assign each group either Cesaire’s poem or Aberjhani’s poem.
  • Ask students to analyze the themes, imagery, and literary techniques employed by the respective authors.
  • Facilitate discussions on the historical and philosophical implications of the poems.
3. Comparative Analysis:
  • Bring the groups together to compare and contrast Cesaire’s and Aberjhani’s works.
  • Encourage students to identify common themes, motifs, and stylistic elements.
  • Discuss how each poem reflects the cultural and historical contexts of its respective author.
4. Reflection and Discussion:
  • Lead a class discussion on the contemporary relevance of Cesaire’s and Aberjhani’s works in the context of Black Studies and social justice movements.
  • Encourage students to reflect on how the poems contribute to their understanding of identity, history, and human experience.
5. Extension Activities:
  • Invite students to create their own poems inspired by the themes and styles of Cesaire and Aberjhani.
  • Research and present on other contemporary poets whose works align with the literary traditions explored in the lesson.

In Conclusion

The works of Aimé Césaire and Aberjhani offer profound insights into the complexities within Black Studies and beyond. By studying their works, students can gain a deeper of Black identity, history, and human existence. Through their exploration of themes such as memory, resilience, and social justice, these poets contribute to ongoing conversations understanding of the enduring legacy of racial injustice and the universal values of dignity, justice, and empathy.
 
By ChatGPT Op-Ed Contributor 4114
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon 2024


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War-time Powers and Persuasions of Poetry

10/20/2023

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Picture
(“Insanities of Hatred & War No. 1” art graphic with poem by Aberjhani including elements of DALL-E imaging ©Oct 2023 for Bright Skylark LitProds)
In times of conflict and war, the world often witnesses humanity's darkest side, as nations grapple with destructive forces of violence and chaos to settle their differences. The horrors of war are an inescapable part of our shared history, whether in ancient battles on different continents or in modern conflicts like the 2023 military confrontations between Israel and Hamas, or Russia and Ukraine. In fact, according to estimates provided by multiple organizations which track military conflicts between various nation-states, at least 32-42 were such disputes already in progress when Hamas launched its assault on Israel October 7, 2023.

Moreover, according to the Geneva Academy: “Our Rule of Law in Armed Conflict Online Portal (RULAC) classifies all situations of armed violence that amount to an armed conflict under international humanitarian law. Today, it monitors more than 110 armed conflicts and provides information about parties, the latest developments, and applicable international law. Some of these conflicts make the headlines, others do not. Some of them started recently, while others have lasted for more than 50 years.”

In the face of such turmoil, is it possible that poetry might serve as a powerful tool for both preventing and navigating through the abyss of war? We will delve into two thought-provoking poems, "October 2023" and "The History Lesson" (text in section further down) to analyze how poetry can contribute to dialogues surrounding military conflicts; and, subsequently, we will identify several additional classic poems from the past and by more contemporary poets that are comparable in their ability to shed light on the complexities of war.

THE ESSENCE OF POETRY
​

​Before delving into the specific poems, it is essential to understand more about the nature of poetry itself. Poetry, as an art form, has a unique capacity to distill complex emotions, thoughts, and experiences into concise, vivid, and emotionally resonant language. It often transcends mere communication, seeking to illuminate the human condition and our shared experiences in a profound way. Through metaphors, imagery, and rhythm, poetry can engage our emotions, intellect, and imagination in a manner that prose often cannot. It is this ability that makes poetry a valuable medium for exploring the intricate sociological and philosophical aspects of war.


​POEM: OCTOBER 2023

          War is insanity magnified
          to an unquantifiable degree.
          Feeding off toxic madness,
          which then excretes chaos
          completely indifferent
          to the slaughtered rhymes and
          screaming reasons of human beings
.
​
​In "October 2023," author-poet-artist Aberjhani confronts the grotesque nature of war. The poem highlights war as a manifestation of madness and chaos, feeding on the suffering of humanity. The imagery of "toxic madness" and "slaughtered rhymes" speaks to the senseless destruction that war begets. The poem's tone is one of condemnation and despair, reflecting a plea for a different path, one that avoids the horrors of war.
​The philosophical underpinnings echo the works of scholars like Hannah Arendt, who explored the banality of evil and the idea that people can become complicit in acts of brutality when they surrender their individuality to the collective madness of war. With  its brevity and poignant language, “October 2023” encapsulates the sociological and philosophical critique of war as an irrational, destructive force that devours humanity.

POEM: THE HISTORY LESSON - 
RESILIENCE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT

          This morning bombs ruined
          the back yard. Prophecies and
          rumors of prophecies all came true.
          A despot bound for hell
          took the long way to a very bad day.
          A feather-throated songboy screamed
          madness from atop his platinum-plated cross.

          But the temple of your presence?
          It never shook once.

          Biblical atrocities stormed chaos
          from New York to Bagdad to Freetown.
          The sun and moon of your face refused
          to hide behind Armageddon.
          Wisdom gushed like diamonds from your brow:

         “Knowledge planted in truth grows in truth.
          Strength born of peace loses nothing to hate.”

 
          How many fears came between us?
          Earthquakes, diseases, wars where hell
          rained smoldering pus
          from skies made of winged death.
          Horror tore this world asunder.
          While inside the bleeding smoke
          and beyond the shredded weeping flesh
         we memorized tales of infinite good.

               (from ELEMENTAL, the Power of Illuminated Love)
​Aberjhani's "The History Lesson" takes a different approach from his same poem “October 2023” to the subject of war. This poem portrays a world in turmoil, and rife with "Biblical atrocities," yet the speaker turns to the presence of a guiding figure who remains unwavering. The poem is also different in that it was written to correspond with a painting by the artist Luther E. Vann (1937-2016) for the book ELEMENTAL, the Power of Illuminated Love (2008). By contrast, “October 2023” was written in direct response to news reports of Hamas’s attack upon Israel on October 7, 2023. 
The central message in “The History Lesson” is one of resilience, emphasizing the strength of the human spirit to withstand even the most catastrophic events. The juxtaposition of a world in chaos and the enduring wisdom and peace within the individual suggests that war may inflict external harm, but it cannot penetrate the core of human goodness. Or what the author has sometimes called “the essence of divinity that makes life possible.”
​
From a sociological perspective as well, "The History Lesson" reflects the adaptability of societies and individuals in the face of war. Societies can emerge from conflict with a renewed sense of purpose, strength, and unity. The philosophical aspect resides in the notion that inner peace and wisdom can transcend external chaos, underscoring the power of the human spirit to find meaning and goodness even in the most trying circumstances. 

COMPARABLE POEMS FROM CLASSIC LITERATURE

"The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot (1922): T.S. Eliot's poem is a timeless exploration of the disillusionment and fragmentation of society in the aftermath of World War I. It presents a haunting vision of a world in crisis, reflecting the societal disintegration and the search for meaning in a post-war landscape.

"The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred Lord Tennyson (1854): This poem, written in response to the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War, highlights the blind obedience and sacrifice of soldiers in the face of war. It can be compared to "October 2023" as it explores the devastating consequences of war while emphasizing the importance of critical thought in decision-making.
​
"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen (1920): This World War I poem reveals the horrors of warfare and the disillusionment experienced by soldiers on the front lines. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and can be compared to "The History Lesson" for its focus on the human experience in the midst of conflict.

COMPARABLE CONTEMPORARY POEMS

"Home" by Warsan Shire (2017): Shire's poem, which gained recognition during the Syrian refugee crisis, delves into the dislocation and trauma experienced by those fleeing war. It serves as a contemporary reflection on the consequences of war and the urgency of empathy and understanding.

"In the Event of My Demise" by Tupac Shakur (1991): Tupac Shakur's poem delves into the themes of mortality, social injustice, and personal transformation. It speaks to the pressing issues of violence and inequality in urban America, offering a contemporary perspective on the impact of conflict on society.
​
"The End and the Beginning" by Wisława Szymborska (1993): This poem by Nobel laureate Wisława Szymborska reflects on the aftermath of war and the cycle of destruction and reconstruction. It invites readers to consider the enduring resilience of human societies in the face of devastation.

In Poetic Conclusion

​The poems presented here by Aberjhani, as well as the additional historical and contemporary poems, offer valuable insights into the complex interplay of philosophy and sociology in the context of war. Poetry, with its capacity to encapsulate deep emotions and provoke contemplation, can serve as a means to question the senselessness of war and the resilience of the human spirit. In a world grappling with conflicts and crises, the power of poetry should not be underestimated, as it can inspire dialogue, reflection, and ultimately, the pursuit of peace as a more rational and compassionate path for humanity.

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