Beautiful, prayerful poems.

Angelou's use of repetition is like a meditative mantra, drawing the reader in and creating a sense of rhythm and calm.

These poems are richly imbued with the beauty and wonder of the natural world, as well as a hard-won belief in the supernatural transcendence of words and of God.

Her words seem to reach out and touch the divine, as if she is in direct communion with the spiritual realm.

The repetition serves to emphasize the importance of these themes, driving them home with a powerful force.

Whether she is writing about the changing seasons, the power of love, or the mystery of faith, Angelou's poems are a testament to the human spirit's ability to find meaning and beauty in even the most difficult of circumstances.

Her work is a source of inspiration and comfort, a reminder that there is always hope and that the power of words can transcend the limitations of the physical world.

What a powerful voice this woman has!

I found myself compelled to watch several videos of her live readings today, including Clinton's inauguration and a UN event. As I did so, I gained an even deeper appreciation for the literal power in her diction and oratory.

This book likely contains some of her best, well-known, or most public works, but it was disappointingly short. Short, yet not lacking in substance. I am left with a voracious appetite for more! More!

I long to hear more of her words, to be further inspired by her powerful delivery and the ideas she so eloquently expresses. Her voice has the ability to move and captivate, and I cannot get enough. I eagerly anticipate what else she has in store for us, hoping that there will be more opportunities to experience the magic of her oratory.

Listening to Maya Angelou read her poetry on audiobook is truly an enchanting experience that can set a wonderful tone for the entire day.

This short audiobook, which lasts only about 40 minutes, is a gem. The words come alive as Angelou's voice weaves through the verses, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion.

Hearing the author herself read her work makes it even more special. It feels as if she is sharing her most intimate thoughts and feelings directly with the listener.

The beauty of her poetry, combined with her powerful delivery, is simply captivating. It has the ability to transport you to another world, to make you feel and think in ways you never thought possible.

I highly recommend giving this audiobook a listen. It may just change your perspective on how you start your day and open your eyes to the magic of poetry.

While I didn't have a deep connection with her more abstract works, whenever a poem of hers truly reached me, it had a profound impact. "Celebrate" was composed for someone else's birthday, yet it gave the impression that it was just Maya Angelou and I engaged in an intimate and heartfelt conversation. Here is an excerpt for you:

To be who and how you are,

To astonish a mean world

With your acts of kindness.

To allow humor to lighten the burden

Of your tender heart.

In a society dark with cruelty,

To let the people hear the grandeur

Of God in the peals of your laughter.

Her words in this poem seem to resonate with a universal truth. They encourage us to embrace our true selves, to show kindness in a world that can often be unkind, and to find humor and joy even in the face of difficulties. Maya Angelou's poetry has the power to touch our souls and inspire us to be better people.

Reflections and lessons learned:

“A rock, a river, a tree…”

Not many individuals have the remarkable ability to convey the harsh and unvarnished realities of the world with such authenticity and candor. Yet, they manage to do so while also infusing their words with a deep sense of understanding, a clarity of emotion that is palpable, and most significantly, a glimmer of hope.

This is truly the mark of an icon, someone whose work not only reflects the essence of the human experience but also extends invitations to others to be a part of something greater.

Such individuals have the power to inspire, to make us think, and to encourage us to look beyond the surface and see the beauty and potential that lies within.

They remind us that even in the face of adversity, there is always a glimmer of hope, and that we have the strength within us to overcome any obstacle.

We can learn a great deal from these icons, and their words and actions can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance as we navigate our own lives.

My first encounter with Angelou!

I love, love, loved her narration.

It felt really deep and whole, as if it was coming directly from the heart of the poet herself.

This is a nice, quick collection that isn't too dense.

It has just the right amount of poetry, making it accessible and enjoyable for readers of all levels.

Angelou's words have a way of touching the soul and making you feel a range of emotions.

Whether it's through her powerful descriptions or her poignant reflections, she has the ability to transport you to another world.

I highly recommend this collection to anyone who appreciates beautiful writing and wants to experience the magic of Maya Angelou.

It's a truly remarkable piece of work that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

Listening to a book podcast about poetry truly had a profound impact on me.

It ignited within me an intense urge to begin delving into the world of poetry.

And what better way to start than with one of the most highly listened to works?

I had the pleasure of experiencing it through audio, with the author herself reading.

Oh, what a joy and treat it was to hear her words spoken in her own voice.

Her voice was so beautiful, filled with emotion that it truly brought the poetry to life.

I found myself completely captivated, and I just couldn't get enough.

I love, love, love this one.

It has definitely inspired me to read more poetry and explore the wonderful world of words and emotions that it has to offer.

I can't wait to see what other treasures I will discover as I continue on this literary journey.

Oh Mother Maya, you were truly one of my very first literary loves.

This collection is simply beautiful. I must admit that when I heard your voice speak these words, it made me pause.

It was not an easy task to get through it because your voice had such an impact on me that it made me tear up every single time.

However, this collection most definitely deserves a round of applause and will have a special place on my bookshelf.

Note: I rarely ever read via audiobooks. In fact, this is only the second audiobook I’ve ever read.

I just had a feeling that I would love it, and indeed I did. But if given the choice, I’d much rather have a hardcover copy.

The physicality of a hardcover book, the feel of the pages, and the ability to flip through them at my own pace is something that I truly cherish.

Nevertheless, this audiobook experience with Mother Maya’s words was still a remarkable one.

The first poem in this collection truly swept me away. It had such a profound impact that it demanded to be remembered.

Moreover, the entire book seems to ask to be read numerous times over, perhaps intermittently throughout a lifetime.

Thank you, Maya. Your work is like a ministry, touching the hearts and souls of those who encounter it.

It has the power to transport us to different worlds, make us feel a range of emotions, and inspire us to look at life from new perspectives.

Each time we read it, we discover something new, something that we may have missed before.

It is a gift that keeps on giving, and for that, we are truly grateful.

Maya's words will continue to resonate with us, long after we have turned the last page of the book.

So I listened to this book (read by Angelou herself) while taking a sunset stroll through the trees.

At first, I was being overly analytical, which was rather silly considering that I don't have a deep knowledge of poetry or what constitutes good poetry. I wasn't really that into the poetry at that moment.

However, then I came to the realization that I was being foolish. I decided to just let the words wash over me, much like the beauty of the trees. And that's when the magic began to happen.

I experienced a sense of transcendence and other wonderful things. It was truly good.

The combination of the beautiful sunset, the peaceful stroll through the trees, and the powerful words of the poetry created a unique and unforgettable experience.

It made me appreciate the power of language and how it can touch our souls and transport us to another realm.

I'm glad I decided to let go of my analytical mindset and just soak in the beauty of the moment.

It was a reminder that sometimes, we need to stop overthinking and just allow ourselves to be fully present in the here and now.

Overall, it was a great experience that I will cherish and remember for a long time.

I grabbed this for Poetry Appreciation Month (or something

Audiobook read by the author -

Okay, I am officially addicted to audiobooks. There is something truly special about listening to an author bring their words to life.

And when it comes to an author reading their own poetry, it is especially appealing. It adds a whole new layer of depth and emotion to the words.

This brilliant, fascinating author in particular is a joy to listen to as she reads her poetry. Her voice is like a gentle breeze that carries the words right into your heart.

This collection contains "On the Pulse of Morning," one of my favorites by Angelou. The way she reads this poem makes it even more powerful and moving.

I find myself getting lost in the rhythm and flow of her words, and before I know it, I have finished the entire audiobook.

I can't wait to listen to more audiobooks read by this author and discover new works of poetry.