Checking Out Me History

“dem tell me dem tell me wha dem want to tell me”

use of the noun “dem” has connotations of disrespect and creates a distance between the speaker and the writers of white history he condemns. also builds an angry tone

“bandage up me eye with me own history/ blind me to me own identity”

Metaphor for him not being able to learn about his history. “blind” and “bandage” have connotations of violence and restriction.

“of mountain dream/ fire woman struggle”

nature imagery used to describe Nanny de Maroon conveys his deep respect for her

“but now i checking out me own history / i carving out me identity”

identity is the last word of this poem which could convey its significance. Loaded verb “carving” has connotations of rebellion and shows the need to fight for information about his history