Her words touch me as women, poet, and author. “People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”Īnd, taking the line from that last quote above, Maya Angelou did and still does make me feel powerful. “I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.” If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” How could that be? Because, words – in her quotes, poems, and books – could reach through to the ageless heart of many people. She had a way of connecting with both young and old – there was no age limit to who she could reach. Many times her quoted words have left me breathless. Her Motivational Quotes are as Brilliant as Maya Angelou Poems You too can expand how you see yourself, using Maya’s many accomplishments as an example. Yes, I wrote two poetry books, but I still can blog and write fiction too. It is a reminder that you are not restricted to one thing. These accomplishments were diverse and yet still connected under her platform of resilience, leadership, and unapologetic confidence. Did I also mention that former-President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010?
As if this was not enough, she was a teacher of American studies at several post-secondary institutions and also a screenwriter. Starting her career as a dancer and singer, she would go on to publish amazing poetry and prose. The range of roles and accomplishments she achieved is not lost on me. Photo by York College ISLGP, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr. Her words slide effortlessly across the page while depicting such struggle – the irony is not lost on me. She understood that the abuse is something we need to confront and used words of poetry to do so. Her confident voice tells of how she has refused to be held down by racist attitudes, with such a personal tone to this poem that commands you continue to read it.Ī Brave and Startling Truth – This poem has strong imagery and speaks to how she was not afraid to tackle controversial issues. The words dance a fine line between bitter, oppressed, and sass. Still I Rise – This poem reminds us to never give up, no matter what is thrown our way. I plan to share this analysis soon here on the blog.
#Maya angelou poems about life full#
Two years ago, I wrote a full analysis of the Maya Angelou poem. It captures the city of New York so well and the line “stretching into dawn” has many layers of meaning. Here some of my favorite poems from her:Īwakening in New York – This is my top pick for her poems. While she may be best known for her 1969 autobiographical book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” I can’t say enough how much her poetry has resonated with me. She spoke and wrote words that made me stop and ponder about life, as well as helping me to realize that female poets can achieve so much.
This African American woman has been a personal literary hero of sorts for many years now, as part of a select group of authors I look up to. Today, I realize that my time is better used rejoicing for her brilliant mind that she shared in books, public speeches, and interviews. When she passed away in 2014, I remember being so overcome with sadness and writing many of the following words on my poetry blog. Below are my favorite Maya Angelou poems in this tribute from the heart. She also spoke her mind intelligently as a civil rights activist and refused to be held down as a woman. Maya Angelou is a woman I admire for so many reasons.
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