Key quotations

Dem tell me…dem tell wha dem want to tell me

Loaded word and repetition; The use of the noun ‘dem’ has undertones of disrespect and creates a distance between the speakers and the writers of white history he condemns. Repetition of ‘dem’ throughout builds up and creates an angry tone, conveying the speaker’s negative feelings towards those with the authority to present a one-sided view of history

Bandage up me eye with me own history / Blind me to me own identity

Metaphor and alliteration; A metaphor for him not being able to learn about or celebrate his history. The verbs ‘bandage’ and ‘blind’ have connotations of violence and restrictions. They convey the pain caused by being cut off from his history. Alliteration of the harsh ‘b’ sound reinforces the idea that the speaker feels this is unpleasant

Of mountain dream / fire woman struggle / hopeful stream / to freedom river

Natural imagery; used to describe nanny de maroon conveys his deep respect for her

A healing star / among the wounded / a yellow sunrise

Imagery; Mary Seacole is associated with images of life and hope

But now I checking out me own history / I carving out me identity

Loaded verb; the loaded (has an underlying meaning or implication) verb ‘carving’ has hints of rebellion and shows the need to fight to discover his identity and share it with others. ‘Identity’ is the final word in the poem as if to emphasise its significance

“Toussaint de beacon”, “Fire-woman”, “yellow sunrise”

Imagery of fire and light used in all three stanzas regarding black historic figures: