Roots and Wings

POETRY

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These poems are not just words on a page; they are footprints in soil and feathers in flight.

In Roots and Wings, The Literacy Guy, Dr Zidane X. Salmon, traces the tender, turbulent journey of a little Black boy from the vibrant shores of the Caribbean to the complex terrain of the United Kingdom. This striking debut collection is both a love letter to home and a brave reckoning with displacement, identity, and transformation.

Each poem is rich with rhythm, memory, and cultural pride grounded in the soil of ancestry yet reaching boldly toward possibility. Through vivid imagery and unapologetic truth-telling, Salmon explores what it means to belong, to resist, and to rise as a young Black man navigating two worlds.

From the sting of racism to the balm of community, from inherited wisdom to the longing for freedom, The Roots and Wings is a testament to resilience and becoming. These verses will speak to anyone who has ever straddled borders, geographical, emotional, or spiritual and wondered if they were enough.

This is more than poetry. This is a flight from root to sky.

The Literacy Guy is the alter ego of Dr Zidane X. Salmon, a Jamaican teacher of English now residing in the UK. Raised in Jamaica, Dr Salmon pursued his studies at the Mico University College, where his passion for education blossomed. An advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), he works closely with various organisations to uplift and inspire individuals, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His mission is to break down barriers through advocacy, charity, and volunteerism, dedicating himself to making a lasting impact on the communities he serves.

Dr. Salmon’s journey as an educator is as celebrated as his literary endeavours. He was awarded Buckinghamshire’s New Teacher of the Year 2024 and was a finalist for Potential Unlocked Teacher of the Year 2025.

This collection is a reflection of Dr Salmon’s belief in the power of words to inspire change and offer hope. It is meant for anyone who has ever felt the weight of the world on their shoulders, especially those who identify with the struggles and triumphs of the little Black boy.

The Literacy Guy began his journey as a writer in secondary school, where his love for poetry, particularly dub poetry, began to take root. His passion for the arts led him to join the drama club, where he honed his skills in theatre arts. This collection is just the beginning of what Dr Salmon promises will be many more works to come.

Dr Salmon holds a PhD (Honoris Causa), MA, and BEd, and he continues to inspire his students and readers alike to pursue their dreams and stay true to their voice.

Dr Zidane X. Salmon (The Literacy Guy) is a Jamaican-born educator, poet, and advocate for equity and empowerment. A passionate voice for the underrepresented, his poetry explores identity, resilience, and the human experience. Based in the UK, he teaches English and champions youth development through education, charity, and the arts. His work reflects a deep commitment to cultural pride and personal growth. This debut collection captures his lyrical insight and unwavering hope.