Abort by Phoenix James

Abort

We as man have become the robots and the androids we long sought to create to aid and to serve us
We exist now only to maintain and improve on the technological systems, machinery and electronics we’ve caused to exist
We are all now the maintenance workers and systems operators of them
We’ve taught them all we know
And enabled them to become faster than us and smarter than us
To even think for us
And in the process have allowed ourselves to become docile and dumb
We mighty, masterful, majestic, magnificent men once upon a time are now merely mechanical
Who now know only of the mechanics of the mechanisms we’ve made
Mightier than ourselves
Which now own us
And are the owners of our minds
See what we have become
Minute and minuscule microcosms of our former magnitude
Now consumed in the wizardry of circuitry
And ruled by our own embellished and fancified yet perishable and destructive, ill-formed finery
It is we that are at fault
We’ve come to naturally worship the functionality of man made accessories More than nature and mankind itself
And the human functioning people we once functioned as
We’ve fashioned ourselves into superficial cyborgs
Dependant on silicon and cellular communication
Our now neglected, ill-treated, broken down, corrupted, fried up, malfunctioned and fragmented faculties fail us
We’ve transformed ourselves into mentally manipulated mules
Driven by our own foolery
And so, the once wise, we now arrive as fools
Downgraded but updated to the latest upgrade
So now we’re disguised as cool
Redefined but no longer designed to concentrate in school
Or learn at the rate that we used to
We’ve high priced gadgets and lowered IQ’s
We’ve traded in our minds for more time
Our knowledge for technology
So of course, at the flick of a switch, the touch of a finger tip, everything appears to be working properly
Where was I?!
We’ve given all of our memory and smartness to these gadgets and devices
It is we that are now dependant on them for our speed, functionality, knowledge and intelligence
We are now merely the aids and servants of them
Slaves to them
Moving forward and backward only under their supervision
Assisting their system and working only to serve and improve them
All in order to have a life
All in order for us to live or to feel alive
If you are still there
And you can still think for yourself
Without the aid of them
Please…
Before it’s too late…
Abort.

© Phoenix James. All rights reserved.

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THE POET PHOENIX JAMES

THE POET PHOENIX JAMES is a British-born, award-winning poet, author, spoken word recording artist, and multidisciplinary creator whose dynamic career spans literature, performance, film, fashion, music, and independent media. Widely recognised for fearless expression and genre-defying artistry, Phoenix James has built a powerful creative legacy that bridges page, stage, studio, screen, and digital platforms. He is a pioneer of live spoken word performance in the UK before the era of camera phones, and is known as a foundational figure in the UK and global spoken word movements. He is often mentioned alongside pioneering spoken word artists like Linton Kwesi Johnson, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, Patience Agbabi, Lemn Sissay and Salena Godden for his foundational contributions to the UK’s live poetry and spoken word scene. MONIKER AND EARLY CAREER Early in his career in 1998, Phoenix James performed and released work under the moniker Phenzwaan, a name associated with several of his earliest spoken word albums and recordings. This period marked the foundation of his evolving artistic voice and experimentation within the spoken word and poetry scene. WRITER & POET Phoenix James is the author of 20 published books, exploring love, identity, vulnerability, power, masculinity, and spiritual and philosophical inquiry. His first limited edition printed poetry collection, To Whom It May Concern, was published in 2003. His work spans poetry, prose, philosophy, essays, and creative storytelling. His available book titles include, in order of publication: Love, Sex, Romance & Other Bad Things Route to Destruction Delirium of the Wise Don’t Let the Daffodils Fool You Call Me When You’re Free Far from the Outside The Ones We Didn't Kill Lessons from Everywhere Another One for Burning A Long Bright Cold Dark Summer Shame Point Zero The Sandbag Theory Soft, Sexy & Wet Below Base Level To Catch A Passing UFO Now We're Truly Beautiful We All Should Be Amazed Before When It's Time Amidst Time That Waits Time As Always Was SPOKEN WORD RECORDING ARTIST Phoenix James has released 18 spoken word albums, crafting sonic experiences that blend poetry, music, ambient textures, and emotion-driven performance. His current albums include, in order of release: Phenzwaan Now & Forever: The Definitive Collection A Patchwork Remedy for A Broken Melody FREE Haven for the Tormented With All That Said Remixes Vol: 1 Remixes Vol: 2 Light Beams from the Void The Love So Far Early CD Album Releases: Phoenix James released a number of CD albums between 2000 and 2006 under his early moniker Phenzwaan. These include, in order of their release: The A.R.T.I.S.T. (debut album) Meditations of A Cosmic Wordsmith We Will Survive Phenzwaan Live @ The Spitz Inevitable Mystique Like A Phoenix Alchemy Fluid Vol: 1 Alchemy Fluid Vol: 2 Solidified These early works represent his foundational spoken word and musical expressions prior to the digital era, showcasing his pioneering contributions and artistic evolution. With over 1,000 videos on his YouTube channel and more than 70 spoken word singles available on streaming platforms including YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, Phoenix James' work continues to influence global audiences through digital distribution. FILM & TELEVISION Phoenix James made his first BBC television appearance performing poetry in 2004, marking an important step in bringing spoken word poetry to broader audiences through mainstream media. Since then, he has appeared in and worked on several high-profile international film and television productions, including: Skyfall (James Bond) Star Wars: The Force Awakens Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Impossible Cleanskin Multiple BBC dramas and documentaries He has also written, directed, and produced independent films, such as the acclaimed mock-documentary Love Freely but Pay for Sex, which further solidifies his legacy in independent media. FASHION & MODELLING Awarded Best Male Model by Fashion TV in 2007, Phoenix James has worked in editorial, runway, and brand campaigns that blend storytelling with style and presence. COMMUNITY, COMMENTARY & LEGACY Phoenix James has produced live events, hosted spoken word showcases, and delivered workshops empowering creative voices. Beyond creation, Phoenix James nurtures emerging voices and preserves his artistic legacy for future generations. As a cultural commentator and philosopher, his work interrogates themes of intimacy, race, masculinity, freedom, and creative autonomy. ACADEMIC & EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCE Phoenix James’ work is used in academic institutions and educational establishments around the world for teaching, research, and cultural study. His writng, philosophy, poetry, recordings and performances are referenced in courses on modern literature, race and identity, spoken word history, and performance art. His contributions continue to be studied for their originality, social commentary, and cultural significance. LASTING IMPACT Phoenix James continues to champion self-publishing, ensuring full creative ownership and artistic freedom. His ongoing project, The Complete Works, is dedicated to archiving and preserving his vast creative output for future generations. His legacy is built not only on the impact of his words and work but on the pioneering spirit that made space for others to follow. Phoenix James is an unstoppable ecosystem of fearless creative expression, a living, breathing force, documenting the beauty, relentless struggle, and uncompromising raw humanity of a life unfiltered. Phoenix James lives in London, England and enjoys movies, music, plays, good food, long walks, and travelling. Sign up to his website Newsletter Mailing List to stay up to date with Phoenix James news and new releases.