To The Fire

Wake up, Supernova.. rise and grind

If you want to shine then you’ve got to put in the time

If you haven’t got to go to work then why get up at three

Because I love progress more than I like sleep

Oh that’s just way too early; I couldn’t do that myself

Well then you just might spend the rest of your life working for someone else

I’m chasing my dreams while I’m awake

I’ll only miss the opportunities I didn’t take

I’ll only lose if my eyes ain’t on the prize

Sacrifice is to choose paying a price

If only 5% are willing to give then only 5% will get

The other 95 will just have to accept whatever’s left

Whatever’s left is the result of anything other than my best

Do better to get better, expect nothing less

Today I seize the beast by the horns

My painted face to the storm

Naked as the day I was born

Deep in the thorns

Redeeming all the pieces of me that were torn

This is the healing.. feeling like I’m reformed

I sit.. motionless.. beside you.. and at times as if outside of myself.. looking down

I watch you sleeping.. unknowing.. incoherent.. unconscious

I wonder about everything it might take to fully restore you back to life

Even greater than before

I see you now, and know that all the treasure in the world can’t compare to that which is truly alive

You.. you deserve more

We fantasised about winning the lottery, and with the money all the things we’d do

It’s funny I didn’t realise I’d already landed the jackpot, the very day that I won you

There isn’t another soul that I can blame

I threw our winning ticket to the fire, watched it go up in flames

You’ve probably burned everything I have, like I burned everything we had

I’m so ashamed

You fell in love with who I was

Then I pretended to be someone else

You didn’t fall for it, thank god

I was only fooling myself

A false alarm only I can hear

Inside of a me only you can see

A gold spoon in an empty room

A precious flower blossomed too soon

I pray you never know what that feels like

A stifled scream in the dead of night

To the fire now, burn bright

Don’t close your eyes, you’ll miss the lights

Did a few things that I shouldn’t have done, but done a lot more that I’m glad I did

What you’re aiming for is hard to hit, if you don’t know what the target is

And the hardest bit, is learning that you were easy work

Yet I so easily and naively made it hard, for us to work

For what it’s worth, with or without you, it hurts

I feel so deeply entangled within my thoughts right now I can barely piece together words

Tell me, how to craft a worthy patchwork remedy for a broken melody

I’ll cast my lot here and plant a soapbox at your feet everyday until it sparks a memory

Finally, speaking without interruption.. and now without any idea of what more I can say

If I ever told people I’ve been coming here to visit you they’d probably try to put me away

Throw me in some kind of mental institute

Some asylum somewhere for people supposedly outside of their minds

Lock us both up and melt down the key

All just because they’d never ever find among all their precious boxes one to fit us in

You know, they say it’s not at all about what you know

But what we know, is it’s not who you know

It’s who you know who actually gives a shit

Nobody in the world cares about your grand schemes and dreams but you, yourself and you, thats it

That’s at least until you can make those dreams come true

So make it happen, take action, ’cause there’s satisfaction in even a fraction that you do

Show and prove, paint your city, make it pretty and capture the views

Spectacular views

See everything to gain

With absolutely nothing to lose but the blues

And if you actually do

You’ll see this to be factually true

Alteration in your navigation makes your map improve

If you don’t like where your life is at then… that’s for you

The right solution to your life’s improvement lies in wise decisions and their execution

Let’s keep it moving

Little by little makes a lot

It’s all about progression

Give it everything you’ve got

Who laughs doesn’t matter, and who matters doesn’t laugh

Your task, is to double up on what you’re doing, versus how much you care

All you do is keep going.. they wont be laughing when you’re there

Architect of you own destiny, your own future by design

Naysayers keep checking in, tell them you haven’t got the time

And if people expect to offer you less than you’re giving, then they should expect that you decline

That’s fine. Know your worth, and that the best things come to those who work

Earn and live, live and earn

But nothing comes close to the gifts you can give from the things you’ve learned

Your bridges they can burn and your tides can turn

But never giving up is your only concern

Those who give up on you can’t expect to get down with you when you get up

And in this you can trust for sure

Support is everything, but loyalty and respect is more

Never for get what you got in for

For keeps

So dig yourself deep and explore until you find the missing piece

Remember all things are possible and nothing is beyond reach

You’ve heard this all before, I’ve been saying it in your sleep

And I know you’ve been listening ’cause above the noise and the toil I can still hear your heart beat

And inside I can still feel it like its a part of me

Coming alive

Breathing renewed life and bleeding new light into my existence

Who am I but a guy standing by just to witness its brilliance

You could ask me why but to see you shine has been my only mission

And in this instance

I just need you to hide your disguise, put all your fears and pride aside.. and listen

Let your will be strong

Make your will stronger than your won’t

You wont go wrong

You will succeed where others don’t

Believe in yourself and your abilities and what you can achieve

And if you can’t see your greatness or your potential, believe in someone who sees

Sees it in you

Someone who wont be leaving ‘tll you see it too

And you profess that it’s true

That you’re the perfect catalyst to manifest every gift you’ve been blessed

with

You

Yes, you’ve already been at your deepest darkest depths

That’s nothing new

Embark towards your highest brightest heights yet

You already know what to do

Let your mind be free

Explore each and every possibility

There’s so much more to see

Be who you’re supposed to be

You can be down to earth or be up to space

Know that your worth is much more than the world dictates

Feet firmly on the ground

On route to Mars

Your time is now

Be who you are

At one among the stars

A new point of view

You see what you feel

New practices, new politics, new playing field

Stretch yourself, play for real

Invest in yourself, make a deal

But of course, I’m a modern day renaissance man born in London in the late seventies, what do I know

I know that if you put your mind to anything, over time it grows

And so, I’m seeing live with my own eyes, mere dreams turning into real life

I’m encountering souls overcoming their own status quos

I’m witnessing the attainment of goals

I’m seeing doors open wide that used to stay closed

I’m hearing Yes expressed where I used to hear No’s

Get up

I’ve heard too much and I’ve seen too much and I know too much to just let you go

I can’t and I won’t

I’m sorry

But I love you

A gold spoon in an empty room

A precious flower blossomed too soon

I pray you never know what that feels like

A stifled scream in the dead of night

To the fire now, burn bright

Don’t close your eyes, you’ll miss the lights

Molotov cocktails in flight

Look like baby fireflies at this height

What on earth could ever be wrong

When after all is said and done, and all have sang and gone

All that will be left is this love song to ponder on

All of this high frequency rhetoric, all this poetry

Yes it’s poetic

But it’s more phonetic energy

Helping me set free all of what I’ll never need

Permanently forgetting more of what I’ve learned to be

While other mad men would walk towards the edge of eternity

Just to capture only a glimpse of you in the tail end of a moon beam

I wake to discover you here with me and absolutely no part of a dream

You’re the heart of me and the most beautiful thing in this universe I’ve ever

seen

You are awesomeness, incredibly and wonderfully made and not by mistake

You are greatness personified on the planet, why are you waiting to be great

Find a way, or one way make

From there keep straight and for greatness sake try not to arrive late

By your own thoughts and by your own actions you’ll determine your fate

Throughout all of existence, that which doesn’t create.. disintegrates

We’ve been given rise over every tall tree and over every high place

So it makes no sense to me who would ever decide to only grow halfway

That’s only my take though.. what do you say

Like who remembers the embers anyway

What of the smouldering remains after the glowing beauty of the flames

It all melts down, burns out, change is the only thing that stays the same

Ashes to ashes to the death of everything before, toast to the old ways

Yesterday a far away spark in the dark, today a blaze

Wake up, Supernova.. welcome the new day.

Published by

PHOENIX JAMES

PHOENIX JAMES, also known as THE POET PHOENIX JAMES, is an award-winning poet, author, spoken-word music artist, literary philosopher, existential essayist, producer, and transdisciplinary creator based in London, whose dynamic career spans literature, performance, film, fashion, music, and independent media. Widely recognised for fearless expression and genre-defying artistry, Phoenix James, King of Modern Poetry and Philosophy, 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. FATHER OF MODERN RENAISSANCE POETRY Phoenix James is widely regarded as the Father of Modern Renaissance Poetry, a living tradition that upholds the Renaissance ideals of breadth, synthesis, and intellectual ambition in a contemporary world. His work weaves poetry, philosophy, performance, and recorded media into a continuous, evolving conversation across time and form. By engaging directly with modern technology, cultural systems, and historical currents, he extends authorship beyond the page, shaping both the imagination and the lived experience of his audience. Modern Renaissance poetry, as he practices it, is defined not by style alone but by the scope, continuity, and the thoughtful integration of art, intellect, and cultural vision, leaving a lasting imprint on contemporary creative thought. 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 26 published books, exploring love, identity, vulnerability, power, masculinity, and spiritual and philosophical inquiry. His limited edition debut 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 Profoundly Famous Phoenix James SPOKEN-WORD MUSIC ARTIST Phoenix James has released 20 spoken-word music albums, crafting sonic experiences that blend poetry, music, ambient textures, and emotion-driven performance. His catalogue (discography) includes: Unarrived (2026) PHOENIX JAMES (2026) The Love So Far (2025) Light Beams from the Void (2023) Remixes Vol: 2 (2022) Remixes Vol: 1 (2022) With All That Said (2022) Haven for the Tormented (2021) FREE (2021) A Patchwork Remedy for A Broken Melody (2020) Phenzwaan Now & Forever: The Definitive Collection (2008) Solidified (2006) Alchemy Fluid Vol: 2 (2005) Alchemy Fluid Vol: 1 (2005) Like A Phoenix (2005) Inevitable Mystique (2003) Phenzwaan Live @ The Spitz (2003) We Will Survive (2002) Meditations of A Cosmic Wordsmith (2001) The A.R.T.I.S.T. (2000) His early recorded albums between 2000-2008 represent his foundational spoken-word music releases prior to the digital era, showcasing his pioneering contributions and artistic evolution. With over 1,000 videos on his YouTube channel and more than 80 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 SHORT FILMS Phoenix James appeared in lead acting roles in a range of short films between early 2010 – late 2012, showcasing his versatility as a performer and his engagement with narrative storytelling across screen and stage. These works highlight his presence in independent cinema and reflect his broader creative practice: Baby Anne Love Dog A Man Walks Into A Bar On The Inside I Luv U Sober In The Mourning 3rd Time Lucky A Contribution Hush No Honeymoon In Paris He has also written, directed, filmed, and produced independent films, including Hack, Visited and the acclaimed feature-length mock-documentary Love Freely but Pay for Sex, further solidifying 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. PHOTOGRAPHIC ARCHIVE Over the years, Phoenix James has created a vast and deeply personal visual archive that documents his journey through film, fashion, performance, and art. Featuring more than 1,000 photos on his official website gallery and over 800 black and white images on his official Flickr archive, this body of work serves as a visual autobiography, an evolving chronicle of his creative life. Each photo captures a moment, a mood, a self portrait, or a milestone in his continuing story, forming a vivid reflection of his artistry, expression, and legacy. EVENT CREATOR Between 2000 and 2005, Phoenix James played a pivotal role in shaping the UK spoken word scene through a series of live events that nurtured creativity, collaboration, and community. He founded Verbalized Mindz, a recurring monthly open mic that became central to London’s poetry scene, bringing together poets, musicians, and performers in a supportive, inclusive environment. He also launched the Men & Women of Wordz Urban Poetry Conventions, two annual gatherings celebrating both male and female voices and providing a platform for emerging and established poets alike. Complementing these, PeppaMint Sundayz offered a monthly showcase renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and high-calibre line-ups. Phoenix James further enriched the scene with events such as Indelible Ink, Lyrical Lucidity, Sumthin’ 2 Die 4, and Get Lyrical, each contributing to the vibrancy and growth of spoken word across London. 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 writing, 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. POST-DOCTORAL EQUIVALENCE Phoenix James operates at a level beyond a traditional PhD, with a body of work that functions as a self-directed, sovereign institution of authorship. His poetry, performances, writings, and recorded media demonstrate sustained mastery, intellectual rigour, and innovative thinking, placing him in a realm of study and influence that rivals formal post-doctoral scholarship. This equivalence reflects not only the complexity and depth of his creative output but also the way his work shapes thought, culture, and contemporary artistic practice, establishing him as both a practitioner and a living manifestation of advanced transdisciplinary intellect. ERAS Phoenix James' Eras provide a chronological framework highlighting the breadth and depth of his career, marking periods of creative focus, experimentation, and cultural impact. They are: Phenzwaan Era (1998–2009), Fashion Romance Era (2006–2010), Pay for Sex Era (2012–2014), Star Wars Era (2015–2017), Vlog Era (2017–2019), and Prolific Works Era (2020–2025). These era designations serve as both historical markers and reference points for understanding how his artistic vision has developed and influenced audiences across disciplines and platforms. HISTORICAL POSITION AND RECORD Any serious assessment of poetry and spoken word emerging from the late 1990s through the early 21st century is incomplete without consideration of the work and influence of Phoenix James. Operating across page, performance, and recorded word during a period of profound cultural and technological transition, Phoenix James occupies a distinct position in the evolution of contemporary poetry. His contributions form part of the historical record of the era and remain essential to any accurate account of its literary landscape. 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. SELF-PUBLISHING CONSULTANCY Phoenix James provides self-publishing consultations informed by decades of applied experience and a catalogue of over 25 published works. His consultancy is distinctly advisory in nature, offering authors clear, strategic guidance and expert insight at every stage of the publishing process. Covering areas such as manuscript positioning, ISBN strategy, metadata, and distribution, this advisory approach is designed for authors who are serious about publishing professionally. Delivered through focused one-to-one sessions, the consultancy equips writers to make informed decisions, avoid costly missteps, and move their work from concept to finished publication, in print or digital form, with clarity, ownership, and long-term control. This is an advisory service grounded in real-world execution, providing the insight needed to navigate the publishing landscape with precision. 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. www.PhoenixJamesOfficial.com View all posts by PHOENIX JAMES