This is an exquisitely beautiful collection of poems.

Time and again, I found myself having to set it aside, for it had the power to draw tears from my eyes.

The emotions and themes within these poems are not only deeply moving but also incredibly relevant in today's world.

They touch on the human experience in a way that is both profound and relatable.

Whether you are seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a moment of reflection, this collection of poems has something to offer.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who has a love for poetry and a desire to explore the depths of the human spirit.

It is a truly remarkable work that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this collection of poems and embark on a journey of self-discovery and emotional connection.

You won't be disappointed.

It was okay.

At first glance, this statement might seem rather平淡无奇. However, upon closer inspection, it holds a certain degree of ambiguity.

"Okay" can mean different things to different people. It could imply that something was satisfactory, but not necessarily outstanding.

Maybe it was an average experience, or a situation that met the basic requirements.

On the other hand, "okay" could also suggest a sense of resignation or acceptance.

It might indicate that although things weren't perfect, they were good enough for the time being.

In conclusion, the simple phrase "It was okay" can carry a variety of meanings, depending on the context and the perspective of the person using it.

It serves as a reminder that our perceptions and interpretations of events can vary greatly.

Maya Angelou's collection "Celebrations" contains poems that are closely associated with significant public and private events.

Most of these works carry a powerful message of peace and healing, striving to foster an environment where all individuals are treated equally.

Some poems, like the birthday poem "Continue" for Oprah Winfrey, celebrate particular individuals.

Angelou, being an accomplished speaker, was frequently invited to read her poems at important occasions.

She read "On the Pulse of Morning" at the 1993 inauguration of President Clinton, and in her poem "A Black Woman Speaks to Black Manhood" which she read at the Million Man March in 1995, she served as a spokesperson for African-Americans.

For the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, Angelou's "A Brave and Startling Truth" is dedicated to the hope for peace and "A climate where every man and every woman/ Can live freely without sanctimonious piety/ Without crippling fear". Her works have had a profound impact and continue to inspire people around the world.

Maya Angelou reading her own masterful poetry?

Oh, yes please!! She is truly a remarkable poet with an extraordinary gift.

Her words have the power to strip your soul bare, laying it all out in the open for everyone to see.

She reveals your deepest vulnerabilities, making you face the parts of yourself that you may have been trying to hide.

Her poetry can bring you to tears, touching your heart in ways that few other things can.

But what's even more amazing is that after all that, she leaves you with hope and a higher sense of purpose.

It's as if she has taken you on a journey through the darkest parts of your soul and then led you out into the light.

There is simply nothing better than experiencing the magic of Maya Angelou's poetry in this way.

It is a truly transformative and life-changing experience.

I don't typically engage in reading poetry or listening to audiobooks, which are two of the activities in this reading program. However, I believed that an audiobook would be a great way to experience a poetry collection. So, I decided to look for a poetry collection by an African American author to complete another activity. Immediately, Maya Angelou came to my mind. The choice of "Celebrations" was outstanding. These poems were composed for different celebrations, such as Bill Clinton's inauguration, a National Christmas Tree lighting, a Bar Mitzvah, Mother's Day, Christmas, and memorial services for Luther Vandross and Barry White. The entire audiobook is just 42 minutes long, but I took my time, playing one or two poems at a time. Most of the time, I listened with my eyes closed, and I could envision what Maya Angelou was expressing. I'm not the kind of literary person who selects significant passages and explains their meaning, but many of her words truly struck a chord with me.

I found this experience to be quite enlightening. It made me realize that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones and trying new things can lead to unexpected discoveries. Although I don't usually read poetry or listen to audiobooks, this activity has shown me the beauty and power of both. I will definitely consider exploring more poetry and audiobooks in the future.

Overall, I'm glad I participated in this reading program and had the opportunity to listen to Maya Angelou's "Celebrations." It was a wonderful and memorable experience that I will cherish.

The lineup of reasons for these poems is truly bonkers. It ranges from Clinton's inauguration to Oprah's birthday and even to the United Nations' 50th Anniversary.

However, upon closer inspection, it makes perfect sense. Angelou has an extraordinary ability to observe and articulate human behavior. She can capture the nuance of its beauty as well as the cracks in its cruelty.

Moreover, she speaks of legacy in a way that implies there is potential for a global community. We are but a tiny, wonderful blip in the universe, according to her. Her perspective is not overly optimistic but rather filled with hope.

She is acutely aware of how much damage humanity can inflict upon itself and the surrounding nature and universe. Nevertheless, she firmly believes that we can trend upward.

Perhaps we may not witness our species crossing the finish line to True Greatness within our lifetime. But that's precisely why Angelou notices the progress of other things, like the length of a root or the smoothness of a rock in the stream.

Angelou is seeing all, eon by eon, one poem at a time, and through her words, she offers us a unique and profound perspective on the human experience.

Rereading:

There are truly some remarkable individuals who possess the extraordinary talent to convey a common human experience and dispense wisdom that is essential for everyone to hear and abide by, all within just a few lines of verse. Only a select few can achieve this feat. I believe Mary Oliver, I suspect Amanda Gorman, and one of the absolute best, Maya Angelou, are among them. This particular audiobook is one that I frequently return to, as it manages to pack an incredible amount of depth and meaning into a relatively small space.

Original Review:

This was my first genuine introduction to Angelou's poetry, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was thought-provoking, intelligent, and even more enhanced when listened to as an audiobook, with the author herself reading it. Her voice added an extra layer of authenticity and emotion to the words, making the experience truly unforgettable. I would highly recommend this audiobook to anyone interested in exploring the power of poetry and the profound insights it can offer.

I have always been puzzled as to why people publish Maya Angelou's poems with such an abundance of white space. However, I have a profound appreciation for her work. Her poetry is spiritual, powerful, and beautiful.

It has the ability to touch the deepest recesses of the soul and evoke a wide range of emotions. I remember being particularly moved by the poem that was written for Oprah's birthday. It was a piece that I initially thought would have no relevance to my own life. But as I read it, I found myself identifying with the words and the sentiments expressed.

It was as if Maya Angelou had somehow tapped into something universal within me. Her poetry has this remarkable quality of being able to speak to people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or experiences. It is a testament to her talent and her ability to connect with others on a profound level.

I'm not especially religious. My beliefs lie in food, funny videos, and myself. I'm among the many who grew up in opposition to the religion they were expected to believe in and follow.

However, there's a new addition to this list of beliefs, and it's this book and Maya Angelou. It serves as a reminder, a potent one at that, that there is no room for complacency when it comes to peace. Peace is truly hard work. It requires constant nurturing and attention. It is louder than the sounds of war and bombs, and it is of utmost necessity.

This book embodies hope. In these times when both peace and hope seem so distant, this is an instance where one can say that the written word has the power to literally transform the world. Hopefully, in the not-too-distant future, we can reach a more joyous place of peace and unity in our world. With more people reading or listening to this, perhaps we can move closer to that goal.

There are an abundance of poems in here that I truly love to quote and share.

It contains the best selection of words regarding life, peace, love, marriage, God, and the acceptance of others.

The profound and beautiful expressions within these poems have the power to touch the hearts and souls of readers.

I firmly believe that a significant portion of America should take the time to read this collection.

It could potentially bring about a positive change in people's perspectives and attitudes, promoting a more harmonious and understanding society.

By delving into these poems, individuals may gain new insights and a deeper appreciation for the various aspects of life and human relationships.

It is my hope that this wonderful collection of poems will reach a wide audience and have a lasting impact on those who read it.

One of my all-time favorite poems is "Amazing Peace."

It offers such a beautiful and profound perspective on the world and the ways in which we, as human beings, impact it.

I first came across this remarkable piece while using the app Libby.

Ever since then, I have been filled with an intense desire to explore Maya Angelou's beautiful body of work more deeply.

Her words have the power to touch the soul and make us think about our place in this world.

"Amazing Peace" is just a small sample of her genius, and I can't wait to discover more of her poems and the wisdom they hold.

I believe that by delving into her work, I will gain a greater understanding of the human experience and be inspired to make a positive impact on the world around me.

I've never been super into poetry. It has always seemed a bit of a mystery to me, something that I could appreciate on a surface level but never really fully understand. However, this year, I've decided to make an effort to get into it.

I recently came across a poetry collection that really caught my attention. I liked it not only for the beautiful words and imagery it contained but also because I had the opportunity to listen to it as an audiobook narrated by the amazing Maya Angelou. Her voice added a whole new dimension to the poems, bringing them to life in a way that I never thought possible.

As a result of this experience, I think I might try to read all poetry books through audio from now on. I believe that listening to the poems being read aloud can help me to better understand the rhythm and flow of the words, as well as the emotions that the poet is trying to convey. It also makes the experience more immersive and engaging, allowing me to truly lose myself in the world of the poetry.

I'm excited to see where this new way of experiencing poetry takes me and I can't wait to discover more wonderful collections and poets along the way.