The poems in this collection were composed for particular occasions.

For instance, her nephew's bar mitzvah, the passing of Barry White, and a United Nations summit.

The poems carried lofty ideals and good intentions. They were of a general and sweeping nature.

I have always been a reader desiring to sense the poet's presence. However, I felt that this was lacking in most of these poems.

Nonetheless, it is an enjoyable and effortless read, and can be easily quoted.

The audiobook version was read by the author herself. This added a renowned weight to the words.

It gave me a kind of enjoyment that would have been absent if these were merely poems on a page written by someone else, detached from the presence of Maya Angelou.

Overall, despite the lack of a certain connection in the written form, the audiobook version enhanced the experience and made it a memorable one.

My favorites in here were:

Continue (to Oprah on her birthday), which is a beautiful and touching piece that shows the deep connection and admiration.

Amazing Peace (a Christmas poem for all peoples), this poem has such a powerful and moving message that it makes me cry every single time I read it. The words seem to touch the very core of my being and bring a sense of peace and hope.

And the best of all, A Brave and Startling Truth. This work is truly remarkable. It contains profound insights and a call to action that challenges us to look beyond our differences and come together as one. It has the ability to inspire and motivate us to make a positive change in the world.

These are the pieces that have had a lasting impact on me and continue to be sources of inspiration and reflection.

Absolutely beautiful ❤️❤️

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. It can describe a breathtaking sunset, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

It could refer to a stunning piece of art, with every brushstroke carefully crafted to convey emotions.

Or perhaps it's a person, their smile lighting up a room and their presence captivating all those around them.

Beauty has the power to inspire, to move us, and to make us feel a sense of wonder.

It can be found in the simplest of things, like a flower blooming in a field or a child's innocent laughter.

When we encounter something that is absolutely beautiful, it has the ability to touch our hearts and leave a lasting impression.

We should always take the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, for it is a precious gift that enriches our lives.

What a great challenge it is to search for words that are truly worthy of this remarkable poet.

When read by the one and only, her words have the power to dance gracefully in my ears for an incredibly long time.

That, without a doubt, is the kind of poetry that is truly worth celebrating.

And among all of her wonderful works, my absolute favorite is the poem titled “Mother”.

It seems to capture the essence of motherhood in a way that is both profound and moving.

The words seem to paint a vivid picture in my mind, allowing me to feel the love and warmth that a mother gives.

It is a poem that I can read over and over again, and each time I discover something new and beautiful about it.

It truly is a masterpiece.

Collections of poems written by Maya Angelou are truly remarkable. They celebrate a variety of events, such as the first Inauguration of William Jefferson Clinton. On the occasion of Oprah Winfrey’s 50th Birthday, this particular collection spoke to me deeply as I am also approaching 50. There are also poems for the lighting of the National Christmas tree in Washington, DC, and one that was read by the poet at the Million Man March. These poems deserve to be read and re-read over and over again. My personal favorites are “In and Out of Time” and “When Great Trees Fall,” which are dedicated to Bernice Johnson Reagan of Sweet Honey in the Rock. Sometimes, a poem is exactly what one needs to touch the soul and bring inspiration.

I also had the pleasure of listening to the CD, which was read by the author herself, while I was commuting. It added a whole new dimension to the poems, bringing them to life in a way that was more magical than when I simply read them in my head on my own. Especially when Maya Angelou calls out, “Good morning,” at the end of “On the Pulse of Morning,” it gives a sense of hope and a new beginning.

I listened to this on audio for a reading challenge.

I have a deep love for Angelou's poetry as well as her memoirs. However, it was quite challenging to focus and completely immerse myself in these poems when listening via audio.

When I engage with poetry, I have a preference for reading it out loud. This allows me to fully appreciate the rhythm and flow of the words. Sometimes, though, I find that I need to re-read certain sections or see the words on the page to truly experience the full impact of the poetry.

Basically, through this experience, I have learned that audiobooks of poetry are not really suitable for me. This makes it rather difficult for me to rate the poetry accurately.

Some of the poems in this collection stood out as being truly beautiful and profound. There was one poem on motherhood that really struck a chord with me. On the other hand, there were also some poems where I was just eagerly waiting for them to end as I couldn't maintain such intense focus.

Overall, I would rate this audio experience of Angelou's poetry as 3 out of 5.

There are so many beautiful messages in this. It is truly wonderful to see and read them all. Each one seems to carry a unique charm and meaning. And loved hearing Maya’s voice! Her voice is like a gentle breeze that caresses the ears and brings a sense of calm and comfort. It has a certain quality that makes you stop and listen intently. Whether it is her words or the tone in which she speaks, it all combines to create a very special experience. It is as if her voice has the power to transport you to another place, a place filled with warmth and love. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to hear her voice and be a part of this beautiful moment.

I firmly believe that this particular one stands out as my absolute favorite among all of her poetry books.

The words within it seem to flow effortlessly, creating a seamless and captivating reading experience.

It is incredibly easy to follow along, as if the poet is gently guiding the reader through her thoughts and emotions.

Each line feels like a carefully crafted gem, shining with its own unique beauty and significance.

The rhythm and cadence of the poetry add an extra layer of charm, making it a joy to read aloud or simply to soak in quietly.

This book has truly touched my heart and soul, and I find myself constantly coming back to it, eager to explore its depths and discover new meanings with each reading.

It is a testament to the author's talent and creativity, and I am grateful to have found such a wonderful piece of literary art.

Some of these poems are truly magnificent.

Each and every one of them, as they are poems she composed for various events such as funerals, vigils, rallies, birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs, and holidays, makes me deeply reflect on the poet's role within the context of the community.

The poet seems to have a unique ability to capture the essence and emotions of these different occasions through her words.

Her poems not only serve as a form of artistic expression but also as a means of bringing people together and providing a sense of comfort, inspiration, or celebration.

They have the power to touch the hearts and souls of those who read or listen to them, and to create a connection between the poet and the community.

It is truly remarkable how her poetry can have such a profound impact on the community and how it can play an important role in shaping and strengthening the sense of togetherness within it.

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4.5

These are not the only wonders of the world.

When we come to it, we, this people, on this minuscule and kithless globe. We are the ones who reach daily for the bomb, the blade and the dagger, yet at the same time, we petition in the dark for tokens of peace. We, this people on this mote of matter, have cankerous words abide in our mouths, which challenge our very existence. However, out of those same mouths come songs of such exquisite sweetness that the heart falters in its labor and the body is quieted into awe. It is truly a paradoxical and remarkable state of affairs. We are a species capable of both great destruction and profound beauty. Our actions and words can have such a vast impact, both on ourselves and on the world around us. We must strive to find a balance, to use our power and creativity for good, and to let the songs of peace and love drown out the cankerous words of hate and violence.