I recently discovered the wonderful collection of poems titled CELEBRATIONS by Maya Angelou on the Libby app. It's an amazing resource as you can check for your local library on the app and access a plethora of great books for free!

A beautiful way to start the new year!

Maya Angelou was and remains a national treasure. Her works have touched the hearts and souls of countless people around the world. These poems, in particular, have a special charm. They will bring a sense of peace, not only because of their profound and meaningful content, but also when we imagine the soothing, calming voice of the incredible author as she recites them.

As we enter 2024, may celebrations fill our days with joy and laughter. May peace prevail in our hearts, in our relationships, and in the world around us. And may prayer be a constant companion, guiding us through the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. Let us embrace this new year with open hearts and minds, and let the spirit of Maya Angelou's poetry inspire us to live our lives to the fullest.

A collection of poetry by Maya Angelou

is a remarkable literary treasure. It offers a captivating journey into the profound and evocative world of her words.

Reading through this collection was not only interesting but also my very first exploration into the work of this renowned poet.

Each poem seems to tell a story, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind and eliciting a wide range of emotions.

Maya Angelou's unique style and powerful language draw you in and make you feel as if you are experiencing her life and thoughts along with her.

It is a truly enriching experience that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for the art of poetry and the genius of Maya Angelou.

This collection is definitely a must-read for anyone who has an interest in poetry or wants to discover the beauty and power of words.

OMG, I loved the poem “When Great Trees Fall”!

This poem truly touched my heart. The imagery it creates is so vivid and powerful. When I read it, I could almost see the great trees falling, and it made me think about the significance and impact of such an event. It makes me reflect on the cycles of life and how even the mightiest things can come to an end. The words in the poem seem to flow so beautifully, as if they were carefully crafted to convey a deep and profound message. It's one of those poems that you can read over and over again, and each time you discover something new and meaningful. I can't wait to share this poem with others and see how it affects them as well.

I highly recommend giving this poem a read if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed!

A collection of 12 socially engaged poems has been read or presented publicly at different moments in time. These include events like the Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Washington DC, the Million Man March, and Oprah's 50th birthday.

Some of the poems in this collection are truly remarkable and will leave you completely breathless, as if you are grasping for air. One such example is "When Great Trees Fall". However, a few of the other poems didn't quite have the same impact on me. I felt that they were a bit contrived and lacking in authenticity.

Despite this, the collection as a whole offers a diverse range of perspectives and voices on social issues. It serves as a reminder of the power of poetry to engage with and comment on the world around us. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or simply interested in social change, this collection is definitely worth exploring.

Highly recommend listening to the audiobook version where Angelou herself reads these poems. Her voice brings a unique charm and authenticity to the words. It is as if she is sharing her deepest thoughts and emotions directly with the listener. The cadence and rhythm of her reading add another layer of depth to the already beautiful poems.

When listening to the audiobook, one can fully immerse in the world that Angelou has created. Her powerful and passionate delivery makes the poems come alive in a way that reading them silently cannot. The listener can pick up on the subtleties of her intonation and the emphasis she places on certain words, which further enhance the meaning and impact of the poems.

In conclusion, the audiobook version of Angelou's poems is a must-listen. It offers a truly unforgettable experience that allows the listener to connect with the poet and her work on a deeper level. So, if you haven't already, give it a try and prepare to be moved by the beauty and power of Angelou's words as she reads them herself.

If ever this nation shall fall, and the literature of our people is curated amongst the rubble,

it is my sincere hope that amongst the archives the voice of Maya Angelou is immortalized as amongst the best we the American people had to offer.

She was humble, yet brilliant. Her works were not only inspiring but also filled with hope. The rawness of her prose was as honest and insightful as that of an oracle.

She fearlessly spoke of what must be done for the good of all men, women, and children. She conveyed realistic plans for peace while firmly refusing to justify or forget the past.

With great pride, when people ask me what is the best America has to offer in terms of written language, I unhesitatingly bring forward her poems. Her words have the power to touch hearts, open minds, and inspire change. They are a testament to the beauty and power of the English language and a shining example of the best that American literature has to offer.

A short collection that is deeply concerned with peace and healing has emerged.

These works are soft and gentle reflections on various aspects of humanity, such as pride and the profound sense of connection that binds us all.

The collection includes poems that were written for special occasions like the tree lighting and Oprah's 50th birthday.

It offers a truly wonderful treat for a winter afternoon.

As you peruse through these poems, you will find yourself immersed in a world of tranquility and self-discovery.

The words seem to dance on the page, evoking emotions and memories that you may have long forgotten.

Whether you are seeking solace in a time of stress or simply looking for a beautiful way to spend an afternoon, this collection is sure to delight and inspire you.

So, curl up with a warm blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and let the magic of these poems transport you to a place of peace and healing.

All poetry is indeed meant to be read out loud, but this is especially true for Angelou's works.

Her poems are characterized by their straightforward nature, which makes them easily accessible to readers. They are also joyous, filled with a sense of celebration and hope. What's more, they are full of power, capable of moving and inspiring the audience.

Most of Angelou's poems were written for a specific occasion, which adds an interesting layer to their meaning. It gives the reader a glimpse into the events and emotions that inspired the poet.

Among this collection, "Prayer" is probably my favorite. It has a simple yet profound message that touches the heart. The words seem to flow effortlessly, creating a beautiful and moving piece of art.

Overall, Angelou's poetry is a treasure trove of inspiration and beauty, and it is well worth exploring.

The Pop Sugar Challenge 2020: book by a WOC

At this moment when the world around us is in such chaos, it seems extremely appropriate to read and reflect. This is a short collection of poetry by Maya, yet it is a powerful one. I have always been in admiration of how she utilizes her voice as a means to bring forth various issues. In this particular collection, she shows that there is a glimmer of hope at the end of a dark period. As our country engages in protests and makes it known to the world that we cannot remain silent, some passages truly resonate with me. It is as if Maya's words are a source of inspiration and strength during these tumultuous times. Her poetry has the ability to touch our hearts and make us think deeply about the issues that matter. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always a possibility of a better tomorrow.

Because she did it again.

Plain, simple, yet elegant. That's Maya Angelou.

Maya Angelou was a remarkable woman with a talent that knew no bounds. Her words had the power to touch the hearts and souls of people from all walks of life.

She had a unique ability to tell stories that were both profound and relatable. Whether it was through her poetry, her memoirs, or her speeches, she always managed to convey a message of hope, strength, and love.

Her work was a testament to her resilience and her unwavering belief in the human spirit. She showed us that no matter what life throws our way, we can always rise above it and find our own voice.

Maya Angelou will always be remembered as one of the greatest writers and thinkers of our time. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

These poems are undoubtedly wonderful and exquisitely written.

Each line seems to be carefully crafted, carrying a depth of emotion and a beauty that is truly captivating.

The use of language, the rhythm, and the imagery all combine to create a powerful and engaging reading experience.

However, there is one aspect that I find a bit distracting. The references to Oprah and the Clintons.

While I understand that these references are perhaps meant to make the poems more timely and relevant to the current cultural and social context, for me, they have the opposite effect.

They pull me out of the immersive experience of reading the poems independently and make me focus more on the external figures being referenced rather than on the essence and meaning of the poems themselves.

It's a bit of a shame because otherwise, these poems have so much to offer and could have been even more impactful without these somewhat extraneous references.