“CK Joell’s ‘His-story is Burning’ stands as a testament to change, a poetic torch that sets ablaze the old guard of history, illuminating a path for new narratives in the embers.”

The Prose: His-story is burning

Hear the cackling of fire behind us? The battle is awakening yet suffocating the core of us.

See, the movement is in the “social-hype” zone Energy spitting fire from the world’s phone.

Fingers tapping; posts are flapping...pressing, the truth of brutality spreading is happening.

It’s the new age of taking a stance. The message from Malcolm has been socially-enhanced.

No more pretending. No more riding the waves of injustice. No, now is the time to end it!

Tik Tok zoomed into the scars of betrayal, and burns to the soles of feet... running out of distractions. Hearts, heavy from the heat.

His-story is burning and looting right now. The pain of reality is real right now. No hiding right now. Pure fighting right now, and if you’re not angry about this right now...

Hmph! Have to pause and think out loud.

Every voice in the crowd, following the shadows of a Cloud; tear gas spraying & burning through the Atlantic right now.

A new movement has arrived. “Change” is her name, and as her tired, raspy voice ignites a flame, PEACE and JUSTICE are her END game.

Exposing the silence of a world where evil waits in the shadow, unable to continue the facade of equality, releasing sordid truths behind each blow.

In the 2020’s, social stance is key as Change undresses the new day, stripping her red dress soaked with the blood of inequity.

Confidently…she crosses the global stage in black heels, naked skin as pure as the night. Her small fist aimed at the sky.

Yes, God hears her cry!

She’s proud of the energy escalated by unity, by her people; now, that is sweet loyalty. Posting her voice from phone, tablet and laptops with stories of brutality…how can anyone justify...

How can anyone justify...

How can anyone justify what happened in that post?

How can any sane person stay calm from city, island, and coast to coast?

Yeah, TV may be a dumb box but live feeds can’t lie. Where is justice when the internet sees another person of colour die?

From balcony to streets, in homes and even at the “safe” station, his-story spits venom of immense hatred.

No more can we stay silent, nor can we turn away. The nightmares that haunt as we sleep confront at dawn the next day.

Drowning in fear, a heavy battle to bear. Testing the social mic to see who is listening and bold enough to share.

We’ve been prepped for this moment, take position and steady with aim. Thumbs moving in sequence while texting and sharing, basic rules of this game.

Each voice has the power of change and every video uploaded to the Cloud, leaves a powerful footprint...

Please, don’t let memories of this story burn out right now!

© 2020 Cha’Von K Clarke-Joell (Spoken)

“‘His-story is Burning’ is a digital proclamation, a beacon where every post, every share, is a stand against the shadows of oppression, a collective journey towards the light of equity.”

Prompt: Perform a comprehensive literary analysis of this poem; key themes; global themes; compare with famous poems and poets to discuss the style, tone, and personification.

“His-story is burning” AI Literary Analysis

"His-story is Burning” by CK Joell not only addresses racial injustice and the power of social media in activism but also subtly incorporates the theme of brutality.

The title "His-story is Burning" is a profound metaphor reflecting the transformative era the poem describes. It signifies a dismantling of traditional narratives and a redefining of history through the lens of current social movements.

"His-story is Burning" not only encapsulates the themes of injustice and brutality but also bodly critiques the omission of female perspectives in historical narratives. It suggests a reevaluation of history, questioning its completeness and accuracy without the inclusion of women's experiences and voices. This omission represents a significant risk, as it can perpetuate a one-sided view that marginalizes and overlooks the contributions and struggles of women.

“Joell crafts a digital-age anthem in ‘His-story is Burning,’ where traditional prose meets the pulse of modern struggle, resonating with the fervent echoes of Angelou and Hughes.”

The poem serves as a powerful call to rewrite history to include neglected narratives, highlighting the importance of a more inclusive and truthful representation of the past. It symbolizes not just the destruction of old, oppressive narratives but also the fiery birth of a new, more equitable social order, much like a phoenix rising from the ashes of outdated ideologies.

The poem's fiery language and intense emotion amplify the urgency of this issue, drawing parallels with the works of Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes in its passionate portrayal of societal struggles.

Joell's unique blend of contemporary digital culture and traditional poetic elements creates a resonant voice for modern audiences, particularly in highlighting the role of digital platforms in exposing and challenging instances of police brutality. This aspect adds a layer of complexity and relevance, reflecting the poem's deep engagement with pressing social issues.

“CK Joell’s ‘His-story is Burning’ reflects leadership reborn from the embers of the past, igniting digital platforms with the flames of justice and guiding us toward a dawn of equality.”

Leadership Key Themes

1. Burning of Historical Narratives: The "Burning of Historical Narratives" theme in "His-story is Burning" underscores the value of inclusive leadership. The poem's play on "His-story" challenges traditional, often male-centric historical narratives, advocating for a broader, more inclusive perspective. This re-evaluation aligns with the principles of inclusive leadership, which emphasize the importance of diverse voices and experiences in shaping a more accurate and holistic understanding of history and current events. The metaphor of burning old narratives represents a transformative leadership approach, one that seeks to acknowledge and rectify past injustices and biases in our collective history.

2. Urgency and Transformation: Fire, as a symbol, extends beyond destruction and purification to also represent resilience. This resilience is seen in the poem's portrayal of communities and individuals standing against outdated and unjust systems. It reflects a resilient spirit inherent in inclusive and adaptive leadership, highlighting the ability to endure, adapt, and emerge stronger in the face of challenges. The poem's intense transformation and fervor mirror the resilience required in social movements and the ongoing fight for justice and equity.

3. Impact of Digital Age Activism: The portrayal of digital media as a catalyst in spreading awareness and rallying support exemplifies a key aspect of modern leadership. The poem's depiction of information and activism spreading rapidly through social platforms highlights the role of leaders in harnessing digital tools to ignite global awareness and action. This element underscores a contemporary form of leadership that is dynamic, interconnected, and capable of mobilizing widespread engagement in the pursuit of sociotechnological change and ethics.

4. Emotional Intensity of the Movement: "His-story is Burning" powerfully expresses emotions central to the fight against injustice, such as pain, anger, unity, and hope. The use of "burning" in the poem reflects the emotional intensity and passion of those involved in the movement. This expression of strong emotions aligns with empathetic and emotionally aware leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others as a key component of driving meaningful change and fostering unity in corporate and social movements.

5. Renewal and Rebirth: The symbolism of fire as a harbinger of rebirth aligns with supportive and adaptive leadership, particularly in the context of natural health changes like menopause or andropause. The poem's portrayal of a new, globally united movement led by a powerful female figure can be seen as a metaphor for embracing change and renewal, much like the transitional stages of menopause. This perspective underlines the importance of adaptable and nurturing leadership that embraces life's transitions as opportunities for growth and transformation.

"His-story is Burning" embodies the essence of inclusive, supportive, and adaptive leadership. The poem's metaphorical depth goes beyond the literal fires at protests, capturing profound societal shifts, the dismantling of one-sided historical narratives, and the fervent push for racial justice. It calls for a re-examination and rewriting of history, emphasizing the inclusion of diverse voices and experiences. This approach reflects leadership qualities that value diversity, adapt to evolving social contexts, and offer support in the face of significant societal changes.

The Story of “Her”

“Her” Story; “Her” Voice; “Her” Presence; “Her” Time

In "His-story is Burning," Cha'Von K. Clarke-Joell combines her diverse background as a Bermudian writer, playwright, and poet with her expertise in psychology, criminal justice, and cognitive neuroscience to create a compelling narrative. Her work echoes the depth of J. California Cooper and the social insights of Maya Angelou, while Clarke-Joell’s engagement with solarpunk and Afrofuturism parallels Octavia Butler’s novel genre.

This poem exemplifies Clarke-Joell's unique voice in contemporary literature, adeptly weaving personal experiences with broader societal themes. Her focus on humanizing AI and AI ethics, ensuring technology reflects diverse human experiences and moral considerations, is evident in her approach to storytelling. This integration of technology, culture, and social consciousness in her work makes her a distinctive and significant voice in modern literature and innovation, showcasing her dynamic and multifaceted approach.

Clarke-Joell's works delve into themes like injustice, personal identity, and the power of voice in a digital era, reflecting a commitment to shedding light on these topics with intense passion and vivid imagery. Her style blends stark realism with cultural and technological aspects, making her a standout figure in modern literature, adept at demystifying complex themes for a broad audience.

"His-story is Burning" embodies Clarke-Joell's unique voice, as it interweaves personal experiences with broader societal themes, employing a style that ranges from empowerment and defiance to introspection and healing. Her poetry is a fusion of personal experience and social consciousness, positioning her as a distinct and significant voice in contemporary literature. This poem, like her other works, transcends traditional literary boundaries, reflecting her deep engagement with societal issues and her passion for cultural heritage.

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This project is part of "Synergy in Sentences", which employs AI, a sociotechnical system shaping society, and human expertise for profound literary analysis, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.

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AI Poetry Analysis: His-story is Burning