 (“MX100 Nurturing the Sacred Flames of Freedom and Justice” mixed media painting by Aberjhani ©2025)
Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz), born May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, left the world an exemplary legacy of historic activism, self-determination, and transformative personal growth. As citizens of the globe in 2025 mark 100 years since his birth, his life invites reflection on the values of courage and conviction amid threats of tyranny and persecution. Contemporary American author-poet Aberjhani––himself a native of Savannah, Georgia––has openly credited Malcolm X’s life example with empowering his life and career in critical ways, including through essential lessons on: 1) Speaking truth to power; 2) self-education as liberation; 3) creative resistance; 4) interwoven history; and 5) Global solidarity. 1. SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER Power comes in many forms: physical, political, economic, spiritual, and social, among other manifestations. How power is utilized by those who possess it in abundance can have life-altering impacts upon the world’s diverse populations. That makes effective communication with such entities, when necessary, crucial. The quote at the beginning of this article was shared by the well-known creative and activist Aberjhani in honor of Malcolm X’s centennial. The statement represents his acknowledgement of how reading the classic Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley, gave him confidence to stand up against injustice, despite fear of persecution. This spirit of courage echoes Malcolm X’s own example. Despite the fact that it often put his life, and that of his beloved family in danger, he relentlessly used every media platform he could to confront racial tyranny and economic exploitation in America. He addressed his appeals as vigorously to those considered oppressed as he did to those identified as oppressors: “Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice… If you’re a man, you take it.” This statement from Malcolm X Speaks underscores a conviction very much in line with the Savannah writer’s acknowledgement. By highlighting “validation of my right and ability to speak truth to power,” the editor of The Wisdom of W.E.B. Du Bois and co-author of Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance affirms the great leader’s teaching that one cannot remain silent or inactive when confronted by politically volatile conditions. In the life of both the historic leader and the contemporary creative, speaking up became an act of courage. In 1964, Malcolm X insisted, “Time is on the side of the oppressed today… Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it’s against the oppressor,” implying that moral truth eventually prevails. His statement aligns closely with Martin Luther King Jr.’s assertion that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Aberjhani’s noted determination may be viewed as a direct link to both. The concept has become a frequently-cited one among American protesters looking forward to the November 2026 midterm elections. With the new elections comes opportunities, as voters, to either reject or support the POTUS’s cancellation of longstanding public service programs via a succession of executive orders and his DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) initiative. 2. SELF-EDUCATION AS LIBERATION It may be argued that despite the relative briefness of his life, Minister X was a lifelong learner. As recounted in his autobiography, different stages of growth and development saw him evolve from birth as Malcolm Little to: street hustler Detroit Red, a rage-filled prisoner nicknamed Satan in Massachusetts’s Charlestown State Prison, then devout Muslim Malcolm X at the Norfolk Prison Colony, and finally becoming El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz in 1964 during his pilgrimage to Mecca. Much of his celebrated historic status comes from the famous story of how he strove to educate himself while imprisoned in Norfolk. Instead of simply marking off calendar days while awaiting release, he attended the prison’s school, increased his literacy skills by copying words and definitions from a dictionary, and joined a debating society. Those intense studies began his transformation from his assumed identities as Detroit Red and Satan, to that of the emerging leader who would soon make such an indelible imprint upon humanity’s collective conscience. He described this experience of personal evolution as his former ways of thinking sliding “away from me, like snow off a roof. It is as though someone else I knew of had lived by hustling and crime.” The idea that you could grow and become more than what an oppressive society said one could become was not lost on Aberjhani. This is poignantly evident from his poem “Return to Savannah,” in which he describes himself as “a stupid little Hitch Village boy/ feet covered with red dirt/ and blackberry stains,/ snot flowing like panic and river water/… his dreams containing just enough genius/ to save his mystified ass…” The Hitch Village in the above lines refers to a government housing project in Savannah. The value of education was constantly impressed upon him but he developed a fondness for comic books (which he would purchase two-for-a-nickel at a pawn shop) that developed into self-directed reading of different kinds of biographies, novels, and short stories. Recognizing his intellectual potential, a high school guidance counselor enrolled him in the Upward Bound College Prep Program at Savannah State College (now University). The program led to his initial acceptance at a small college in Florida, and later to attend more colleges and universities in the U.S. where he studied journalism, literature, and the American Community. Later in his life, independent studies of world literature and global spiritual traditions led to the experience of a profound dream that gave him his singular name. With the U.S. presidential administration’s pledge in 2025 to dismantle the education system, and the repeal of Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs designed to ensure access to quality schooling for all Americans, Malcolm’s warning that, “Without education, you’re not going anywhere” has begun to take on foreboding tones. Decreasing the means to attain necessary education or training means increasing the likelihood of antagonistic divisiveness and conflicts among different cultural groups. It is the kind of avoidable clash which Aberjhani has often cautioned against on social media posts when using the hashtag #CompassionSavesLives. 3. CREATIVE RESISTANCE: A CASE STUDY Students of Malcolm X's speeches and writings recognize that they were not merely political; they were deeply personal and impressively poetic. His ability to articulate the Black experience with eloquence and urgency inspired generations of artists and activists. As Tamara Payne points out in her introduction to The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X, written with her father Les Payne (1941-2018): “…numerous rappers and activists quoted Malcolm in their lyrics and interviews on radio and television.” Aberjhani can be counted among them as someone who has honored his legacy by using his writings and art (like the digital painting provided for this article) to promote legislative accountability and inspire peaceful corrections of social injustices. One important example is the following excerpt from Greeting Flanney O’Connor at the Back Door of My Mind: …I knew staying permanently in the South was not a viable option because I was too fond of moving forward while the dominant mindset, ruling and otherwise, promoted a perennial parochial comfort zone which many native to the city and of my generation tended to find suffocating. An illustration of this came when, once back in Savannah, I took a job at an east side liquor store where my White supervisor loudly reprimanded me in front of co-workers for reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X during a lunch break. A Black female employee reading romance novels while on the clock and at the register, however, was not a problem. To my way of thinking, our supervisor’s attempt to control what I read on my own time was no less deplorable, or deadly, than the Scientologists’ bid in San Francisco to manipulate my beliefs and actions. To decide if it would be a good idea to join the U.S. Air Force before thoughts of violent retaliation got the better of me, I listed pros and cons in different columns. The pros won.” (Greeting Flannery, pbk p.130)
In this example, the author ultimately chose to join the Air Force––a practical, disciplined path––over violent retaliation. His decision provided him with crucial experience as a military journalist, documentarian, and equal opportunity enforcement officer. The choice mirrors Malcolm X’s decision to build institutions (like the Muslim Mosque, Inc., and the newspaper Muhammad Speaks) rather than resort to undirected rage. In other words, Minister X’s personal growth – from street hustler to enlightened minister – teaches the value of channeling righteous anger into individual empowerment and positive actions. Aberjhani’s listing of pros and cons like a careful strategist reflects a similar praxis exhibited by the minister as he continued maturing and evolving. At least two more major biographies on Malcolm X have been published since Alex Haley gave the world its first groundbreaking narrative on the man who would become El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. Manning Marable’s Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention (2011) and Paynes’ The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X (2020) both won Pulitzer Prizes for adding rich details and expanded context to the iconic leader’s original autobiography. However, for Aberjhani and others, the original stands as an indispensable historic text due to the minister’s direct participation in its composition and its initial international impact upon publication just months after his assassination. 4. INTERWOVEN HISTORY Based on studies of his country’s past and the historical times through which he was living, Malcolm X concluded that democracy was practiced selectively—providing freedom and opportunity to the privileged but subjugating Black Americans through institutional racism. He courageously argued that officials of the U.S. government, while professing democratic values, operated as an oppressive regime for Black people. This regime was marked by voter suppression, police brutality, and systemic inequality. Unfortunately, the persistence of these conditions outlined in the 1960s became apparent during the 2020s pandemic. Many would argue they remain so at this time as people around the world observe the centennial of Minister X’s birth. In his 2025 Kindle Short publication, Democratic Dilemmas and Divine Inspiration, Aberjhani offers a compelling critique of how the erosion of democratic norms through autocratic and oligarchic methods in modern times threaten the very foundation of American democracy. He does this by contrasting the history of the U.S. Constitution, which some consider “divinely inspired,” with present-day governmental policies and practices threatening to create a “constitutional crisis” with disruptive friction between different branches of the government.
The essay takes a different contextual approach from Malcolm X’s incisive analysis of historically biased political and social systems in the U.S. but at the same time strongly aligns with it. Both perspectives recognize the systematic exclusion of marginalized communities from power and challenge the legitimacy of institutions that fail to uphold justice and equality. Malcolm X’s rhetorical strategy often combined incisive critique with a call to moral and spiritual awakening. He did not solely rely on secular arguments but invoked religious and ethical imperatives to galvanize resistance. Similarly, Democratic Dilemmas and Divine Inspiration draws on spiritual or divine motifs to advocate for transformative justice. By linking faith with activism, the essay mirrors Malcolm X’s own approach, particularly during and after his transformation from a Nation of Islam minister to a broader international human rights advocate. Both recognize that true liberation requires not only political reform but also a profound shift in consciousness—a revolution of personal and cultural values. Ultimately, both the essay and Malcolm X’s teachings present democracy not as a static condition but as an ongoing struggle. They demand a reckoning with injustice and inspire movements aimed at re-imagining a more inclusive and equitable society. Their shared insistence on resistance and avoiding such entrapments as misinformation and disinformation underscores the necessity of confronting undemocratic forces in order to preserve the ideals of justice and freedom for all. 5. GLOBAL SOLIDARITY  (“All-Embracing Radiance of a Purpose-Driven Soul” mixed media painting by Aberjhani ©2025) In his struggles for self-liberation and the liberation of others, Malcolm X braved constant pressures––his wife and daughters were subjected to threats, and his house was firebombed. Yet, until his assassination, he never ceased confronting systemic evil, and refuted charges of advocating any form of Black supremacy. In his own famous words: “I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.” In Aberjhani’s assessment, Malcolm X stands as a major intellectual and spiritual influence alongside such towering historic and world figures as: Frederick Douglass, W.E.B Du Bois, Langston Hughes, Albert Camus, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Nelson Mandela, Nadine Gordimer, Angela Davis, Jalaluddin Rumi, Jean Paul Sartre, and others who have wielded their pens while standing their ground in battles against blatant injustice. Reading in Alex Haley’s text about Minister X’s 1964 pilgrimage to Mecca (where he became El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) shows how openness to change can deepen one’s humanity. This broad, principled humanism resonates with Aberjhani’s rejection of narrow-minded control (whether by a racist boss or a coercive religion) and his commitment to universal justice.
The author left his hometown’s oppressively caste-privileged environment because he wanted to grow and preferred “moving forward” to living in a static status quo. He has famously stated that Langston Hughes also inspired him in this regard when advising writers to expand their formal educations with as much travel within and outside of America as possible. His emphasis on moving forward into larger circles of understanding –including global empathy– parallels the global outlook which the minister developed. It is fitting that one memoir by the author is titled The American Poet Who Went Home Again, and another called Greeting Flannery O’Connor at the Back Door of My Mind. Their thematic content reaches across cultural lines, just as Minister X eventually sought to more effectively reach beyond racial and national divides. Both men left familiar confines to embrace empirical sources of knowledge, and emerged with broadened purpose. Aberjhani’s narratives on surviving pain, finding anger, and then choosing activism (even if only by conscience) illustrate that arc well. In both stories, personal conviction –once kindled– cannot be suppressed by threats. The result is growth: The future author matured from a timid youth fearful of “losing freedom” for speaking out, into a mature author-poet-artist who prizes honesty as the highest duty. Malcolm X’s journey from frustrated illiteracy to commanding eloquence, and from restrictive racial conditioning to universal humanity, provided a living model of self-transformation through conviction. Underlying Aberjhani’s appreciation for Malcolm X is recognition that standing firm on principles is a form of leadership. As the great leader asserted, “Usually when people are sad, they don’t do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.” CONCLUSION: ADDRESSING CONTEMPORARY CONDITIONSWhat is possibly most important in lessons learned from Malcolm X’s life and legacy during his centennial, and how they have impacted artist-activists like Aberjhani, is the degree to which they may be effectively employed to address the kinds of aggressively autocratic manipulations taking place in different parts of the contemporary world. In its 2025 report on democracy, “25 Years of Autocratization – Democracy Trumped?,” the V-Dem Institute tells us only 29 countries remained “liberal democracies” in 2024, and “nearly 3 out of 4 persons in the world – 72% – now live in autocracies,” meaning they are governed by repressive authoritarian rulers and with severely restricted democratic freedoms. Harsh censorship and violence against dissent are spreading globally. Closer to home, the rise of far-right platforms like Project 2025 indicates an erosion of democratic norms involving: freedom of the press, voting rights, international diplomacy, and rule of law. All of these are among the defining characteristics of a democratic society and their disintegration makes daily life in America more like daily existence in autocracies like North Korea or Russia. In such times, speaking truth courageously, exercising unwavering conviction, and continual self-education are urgently needed by communities everywhere. Minister X’s and Aberjhani’s experiences show how these principles work in practice. The former later emphasized coalition-building (e.g. the Organization of Afro-American Unity) and affirmed his belief all people of conscience have a stake in advocating for justice and against violations of human rights. The latter has often championed community uplift through creative resistance (at times referring to himself as a “literary activist”) using art, empathy, and shared struggle rather than violence. As the world contends with new “waves of Autocratization,” nonviolent conflict resolution provides one of the best means for defending and sustaining the promise of American democracy rather than conceding centuries of progress on so many fronts. (A SIDE NOTE: On May 8, 2025, Robert Francis Prevost of the United States became Pope Leo XIV to replace his universally-admired processor, Pope Francis. As the first American ever to become pope, the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion people worldwide, his election to the papacy places him in a position to potentially, and significantly, influence how long Americans continue to passively endorse autocratic policies and practices implemented by the POTUS.) Ultimately, celebrating Malcolm X’s 100th birthday means more than memorials; it means action. Aberjhani himself has said that honoring the minister requires speaking truth to power and nurturing what King called the “kind of love that organizes.” In individual communities, this might take the form of demanding racial justice, protecting free expression, or simply refusing to accept deceit from authority. It certainly involves education and empathy, as Malcolm insisted: learning full history and caring beyond surface differences. In a global climate where freedoms are under threat, lessons from the life and legacy of Malcolm X comprise a powerful arsenal. By embracing them, communities in America and worldwide can better safeguard dignity and a sustainable quality of life against repressive authoritarian forces. By AI Literary Chat Salon Contributor 2772 |
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Poetics of Human-AI Relations, Creativity, and Mortality in Marc Thomas’s Talking to the Machines
3/31/2025
Poet Marc Thomas’s Talking to The Machines and Other Poems is an evocative collection that delves into the intricate, and often uneasy, relationships between humans and artificial intelligence, and which also examines broader existential concerns regarding creativity, mortality, and thrilling intellectual explorations. The volume is structured into six sections and offers a multifaceted examination of our evolving interactions with both technology and life itself—"Talking to the Machines,” “ Listening to the Survivors, Ghost Stories,” “Listening to the World,” “Playing with Words,” “The Succession of Selves,” and “On Reading Ulysses for the Third Time.”
Central to this essay is the six-stanza tightly-composed poem titled "Charms Against the Robots" (p. 14) which serves as a poignant meditation on preserving human integrity and safeguarding human essence in an era increasingly dominated by AI automation and authoritarian rule. In his introductory remarks, the poet contemplates, "…the creatures we create, and our relation to them, and their characters… and who they and we are and may become, in ourselves and to each other, and what it may be like to be one of them, emerging into consciousness…" This reflection sets the stage for "Charms Against the Robots."
THE REVOLT AGAINST MECHANIZED EXISTENCE
‘Feel the wet black bough
and wear your trousers rolled…’
This evocative imagery recalls sections of T.S. Eliot’s famous early 20th-century poems “The Wasteland” and “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” which famously portray anxiety, alienation, and powerlessness in the modern world. By invoking this reference (whether consciously or subconsciously), Thomas suggests that the same existential crisis persists more than a century later, but has now been intensified by digital entrancement.
The contrast between the “wet black bough” and the cold, algorithmic presence of machines underscores the poem’s insistence on sensory experience. This motif is reinforced by other phrases like “stinking with fecundity” and “sucks at your high boots,” emphasizing the grounding force of nature in opposition to artificiality. In a time when many experience life primarily through screens, Thomas’s words serve as a call to embrace embodiment and resist the allure of digitized abstraction.
THE TRAGIC HYPNOSIS OF THE DIGITAL AGE
‘I see the best minds
electronically entranced
lost in the pixels
tripping in the street…’
This passage evokes Allen Ginsberg’s classic 1956 beat poem Howl, which lamented the destruction of “the best minds of my generation” by an oppressive and mechanized society. In Thomas’s vision, AI-driven algorithms have become the new form of control, lulling people into passive consumption and empty stimulation. The phrase “blue screen of death” evokes not just the technical failure of a machine but a metaphorical death of human consciousness, where thought is reduced to programmable outputs. This section of the poem is particularly poignant in an age where social media and AI-driven newsfeeds dictate attention and, in many cases, belief systems.
A DEEPER DIVE
The penultimate stanza celebrates the playful aspects of human language and experience. By encouraging readers to "dance with the thirteen blackbirds / in the red wheelbarrow" and "slam words together," the poet seems to invoke the works of Wallace Stevens and William Carlos Williams, emphasizing the richness that arises from imaginative engagement. This celebration of linguistic freedom stands in stark contrast to the rigid, programmed nature of machine communication.
Communities worldwide can find resonance in "Charms Against the Robots," as it addresses universal concerns about the impact of AI on employment, creativity, and social structures. The poem encourages a collective reevaluation of our relationship with technology, urging societies to prioritize human welfare and cultural richness over unbridled technological expansion.
SIGNIFICANCE IN THE CONTEMPORARY CONTEXT
The poems often serve as both critiques and cautionary tales. By championing sensory experience, creative spontaneity, and the acceptance of contradictions, Thomas advocates for a human-centered approach to progress—one that values the irreplaceable qualities of human consciousness over the sterile efficiencies of machinery.
Moreover, Thomas is not alone when it comes to the observations and concerns expressed in Talking to the Machines. Among contemporary poets who share similar views are: Tracy K. Smith, the U.S.’s 22nd Poet Laureate whose verse often delves into themes of identity, technology, and the human condition to deliver profound insights into our evolving world. The poetry of Ada Limón, 24th Poet Laureate of the U.S. and first Latina so honored, also often examines nuances of human identity and the role of technology in everyday life. Like Smith and Limón, the educator, journalist, and poet Joshua Clover has also won substantial recognition for effectively blending sociopolitical critique with poetic experimentation.
IN CONCLUSION: A LESSON PLAN FOR
TEACHING "CHARMS AGAINST THE ROBOTS"
AND TALKING TO THE MACHINES
- Exploration of Human vs. Machine Creativity: Facilitate discussions on what distinguishes human creativity from artificial replication. Encourage students to analyze how Thomas portrays these differences in his poetry and to consider the implications for various creative fields. For this exercise, comparing Thomas’s poem "Charms Against the Robots" to a second by him (also from Talking to Machines) titled "The Machines Talk Back,” could prove exceptionally productive.
- Literary Allusions and Their Significance: Guide students in identifying and interpreting the literary references within "Charms Against the Robots," such as nods to Eliot, Williams, and Ginsberg. Discuss how these allusions enrich the poem's themes and connect it to broader literary traditions.
- Socioeconomic Context and Ethical Considerations: Examine the real-world implications of AI and automation, particularly in relation to economic disparities and ethical dilemmas. Use current events and policies, such as the actions of DOGE, to contextualize the poem's relevance and stimulate critical thinking about the intersection of technology and society.
To learn more about Marc Thomas and his poetry, pay a visit to his channel on YouTube.
By ChatGPT Features Contributor 2125
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon 2025
Editing and Art Graphic by Aberjhani
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A Brief Overview
The author’s academic and literary journey is a testament to his commitment to both engineering and the written word. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, in 1978, showcasing his dedication to the field of engineering. However, his passion for literature led him to pursue a Diploma in Journalism and Writing in the UK in 1982, marking the beginning of his literary odyssey.
Literary Versatility
Ogunjobi's novels The Dreamers, The Bata Dancer, and The Crooked Bullet, invite readers into rich narrative worlds that explore complex themes dealing with identity, cultural heritage, and the human experience. Although firmly rooted in the Nigerian context, the stories resonate on a global scale as they delve into universal human dilemmas, sometimes tragic, sometimes comical.
[Read interview with Rotimi Ogunjobi]
Ogunjobi's novels The Dreamers, The Bata Dancer, and The Crooked Bullet, invite readers into rich narrative worlds that explore complex themes dealing with identity, cultural heritage, and the human experience. Although firmly rooted in the Nigerian context, the stories resonate on a global scale as they delve into universal human dilemmas, sometimes tragic, sometimes comical.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
In the pantheon of notable Nigerian authors renowned for the global impact of their writings, his works also bear comparison to that of the likes of Wole Soyinka and Buchi Emecheta (1944-2017). Soyinka, a Nobel laureate, is celebrated for his plays, essays, and poetry that grapple with the complexities of Nigerian society and the human condition. Emecheta, on the other hand, explored themes of gender, identity, and empowerment in her novels such as The Joys of Motherhood and Second-Class Citizen. Ogunjobi's versatility and range of themes make him a contemporary counterpart to these literary luminaries.
TRANSCENDING BORDERS
By ChatGPT Op-Ed Contributor 4114
In editorial partnership with Aberjhani
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
POEM: OCTOBER 2023
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.
POEM: THE HISTORY LESSON -
RESILIENCE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT
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)
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 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
"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
ChatBack Op-Ed Contributor 3308
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon Launch 2023
Introduction
Significance of the Trilogy as Contemporary Poetry and World Literature
- In "There Upon a Bough of Hope and Audacity," the poet portrays Obama as a songbird of hope, representing the democratic spirit and the transformative potential of leadership. The poem celebrates the diversity of Obama's heritage and the symbolism he carried as the 44th President of the USA.
- "Midnight Flight of the Poetry Angels" is a hauntingly beautiful haiku composition that incorporates Obama's words from "Dreams from My Father." The poem evokes a sense of contemplation and the need for healing amid turmoil, emphasizing the poet's role as a healer and messenger of hope.
- In "Angel of Hope’s Persistent Flight," haiku is skillfully used to reflect on the persistent challenges faced by Obama's administration. The verses highlight the world's wounds and the constant pursuit of hope and courage, with references to war, chaos, and the enduring power of love.
Importance of Studying the Trilogy
Analyses of Individual Poem Styles
"Midnight Flight of the Poetry Angels" comprises ten haiku that capture the essence of stillness, meditation, and healing. The poem's structure adheres to the traditional haiku form, featuring three lines and a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Through this style, Aberjhani conveys profound meaning in concise expressions.
"Angel of Hope’s Persistent Flight" follows the same haiku form, using ten verses to evoke a sense of reflection on the challenges faced by Obama's administration. The poet expertly uses this traditional Japanese form to condense complex emotions and social issues into brief yet impactful verses.
Lesson Plan Suggestions
B. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION: Divide students into groups and assign each group one of Aberjhani's poems. Encourage them to analyze the poems' themes, stylistic choices, and use of symbolism. Each group can present their findings to the class.
C. POETRY WORKSHOP: Engage students in a poetry workshop, encouraging them to write their own poems inspired by the trilogy of poems on Mr. Obama. Encourage experimentation with different forms, such as free verse, haiku, or other traditional styles.
D. CLASSROOM DISCUSSION: Lead a discussion on the role of poetry in society, how it can address political issues, and the impact of art on public perception.
Conclusion
ChatGPT Op-Ed Contributor 4114
Special to Literary Chat Salon Launch 2023
Articles in AI Literary Chat Salon are written in partnership with chat bots to achieve a wide spectrum of balanced objective input and authentic human considerations. All feedback related to posts welcomed.
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