She is a truly beautiful poet.

Her words have the power to transport readers to another world, a world filled with emotions, dreams, and vivid imagery.

With each poem, she weaves a tapestry of thoughts and feelings that touch the hearts of those who read them.

Her beauty is not just physical, but also lies within the depth of her creativity and the elegance of her expressions.

She has a unique way of seeing the world, and through her poetry, she shares her insights and perspectives with the rest of us.

Whether it's a love poem, a meditation on nature, or a reflection on life, her words always have a profound impact.

She is a talented and inspiring poet, and her work will continue to be cherished for years to come.

Classic and timeless!

These words hold a special charm that can never fade. Classic pieces have the power to transcend generations and remain relevant and beloved throughout the ages. They possess a certain elegance and quality that sets them apart from the fleeting trends of the moment.

Whether it's a classic novel, a timeless piece of music, or a beautiful work of art, these creations have the ability to touch our hearts and souls in a profound way. They evoke emotions and memories that are unique to each individual, yet still have a universal appeal.

The beauty of the classic and timeless lies in its simplicity and authenticity. It doesn't try to be something it's not, but rather it embraces its true nature and shines through with a quiet confidence. These pieces have withstood the test of time and continue to inspire and delight us, proving that true art and beauty are indeed eternal.

"Poesia Completa" by Maya Angelou was published in Brazil by @Astralcultural with the translation of Lubi Prates. My first linear reading of the complete work lasted several months, from November 2020 to June 2021. I received a copy courtesy of the publisher.

I made a point of emphasizing that it was the first reading because I'm sure it won't be the only one. Even before reaching the last page, I had already randomly revisited some poems, letting the words of Mrs. Angelou reach me and work their magic.

Most of the time, these words brought uncomfortable questions that made me get up from my comfortable armchair in search of answers and more information about the topics addressed.

It wasn't always that I obtained answers, and that hurts. But if it affected me in this way, how much more painful is it for people who are directly related to the events cited there?

It is a work that涵盖 many topics and different periods of the author's career. Not all of her poems pleased me, but I was captivated by the majority.

I highlight: "Eles voltam para suas casas", "Nós vimos além da nossa aparência", "Minha culpa", "Sozinha", "Mulher fenomenal", "O dinheiro da assistência social da mamãe", "Trabalho de mulher", "Ainda assim eu me levanto", "A vida não me assusta", "Fome", "A última decisão", "Nascida assim", "Pastor não me envie".

Regarding the edition: I missed an introduction to the work with a brief biography of the author. And, I know that the book is already large - 336 pages - but the experience of reading poetry is always richer when the text is presented bilingually.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQRZ6BUj31Q/

Some were good, while others were bad.

Or perhaps it was more of a situation where some were just okay, but some were absolutely bloody amazing.

I would highly recommend reading those from 'And Still I Rise' and then continue from there.

This collection of works offers a diverse range of perspectives and emotions.

The good pieces may provide valuable insights and inspiration, while the bad ones can serve as learning experiences.

The okay ones might be a bit mediocre, but the truly amazing ones have the power to move you deeply.

By starting with 'And Still I Rise', you can get a taste of the author's style and themes, and then explore further to discover more hidden gems.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this collection and embark on a literary journey.

You never know what amazing things you might encounter along the way.

We, this people, on this small and drifting planet,

exist in a world full of contradictions. Our hands have the power to strike with such abandon that, in a twinkling, life can be sapped from the living. It is a terrifying thought that we possess such destructive capabilities. However, those same hands can also touch with such healing and irresistible tenderness. With a simple touch, we can bring comfort and hope to those in need. It is in these moments of tenderness that we see the true potential of humanity.

Out of this chaos and contradiction, we learn an important lesson. We are neither devils nor divines. We are a complex mix of good and evil, capable of great acts of kindness and great acts of destruction. It is up to us to choose which path we will follow. Will we use our hands to build or to destroy? Will we touch others with tenderness or with violence? The choice is ours, and it is a choice that will determine the future of our small and drifting planet.

Ah, poetry at its absolute finest! I took my time, allowing each and every poem to gently seep into me. This was truly the perfect way to consume this remarkable book. The way Maya Angelou connects with her readers through her words is simply astonishing.

Each poem has the power to evoke a strong feeling within us - empathy, as we understand the experiences she shares; empowerment, as we are inspired by her strength and courage; anger, when we witness the injustices she describes; and excitement, as we are carried away by the beauty and passion of her language.

It really blew me away. I found myself completely immersed in her world, feeling every emotion as if it were my own. Maya Angelou's poetry is a gift that keeps on giving, and I am so grateful to have discovered it.

I rarely read poetry as I find it difficult to establish a connection with it. However, this particular collection, presented in audio format and performed by the author herself, has had a profound impact on me. The experience of hearing her words in her own voice is truly moving. It has given me the opportunity to explore some of her less well-known works. Some of my personal favorites include "Sounds Like Pearls", "Poor Girl", and "On Reaching Forty".

I was also pleasantly surprised to hear her actually sing parts of several spirituals that served as the inspiration for the poem she composed for Clinton's inauguration.

The audiobook version, which I purchased on a sale rack years ago in CD format (ISBN 0375420177), has been a wonderful find. Just now, while looking it up online in the hope of obtaining some audio samples to link to, I was astonished by the prices. Nevertheless, it appears that it is commonly accessible at public libraries, as per WorldCat.

This book fulfills the Fifth Task of the Twelve Tasks of the Festive Season book challenge, which requires reading a book written by an African-American author or set in an African country.

It would be wonderful to get hold of this volume. I firmly believe that it would be truly fabulous.

However, I have just read the poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." (Which came first, the book or the poem?) here https://allpoetry.com/I-Know-Why-The-...

I didn't find the book angry in most parts. Although, considering Angelou's life experiences, she had every right to be.

But this poem is extremely angry, just as Angelou had the right to be. It is also powerfully emotional, and I truly adored it. It definitely deserves a 5★ rating. The poem seems to capture the essence of Angelou's struggles and her fierce spirit in a way that is both moving and thought-provoking. It makes me want to explore more of her works and understand the depth of her emotions and the significance of her words.

What I find truly fascinating about poetry is its inherent quality of never being completely "read." It's like the Akshaya Patra in the Indian Epic Mahabharata, an "Inexhaustible Vessel" that continuously supplies food no matter how often one approaches it. Similarly, a poetry book offers a never-ending source of intellectual nourishment. Each time I revisit a favorite poem, I discover something new and fresh to appreciate.

After reading the first part of Maya Angelou's biography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, I was deeply impressed by her boldness and candor. This led me to pick up her book of poetry. In her works, Maya doesn't shy away from the fact that she's black. Instead, she embraces it, along with all the painful historical baggage that comes with it.

Her poem Africa is a powerful remembrance. It vividly描绘s the past, with its tales of violence, rapes, lynchings, and mutilations. However, it doesn't stop at just remembering the pain. It also shows how the past has been absorbed and sublimated in the psyche of the people. What is celebrated here is the endurance of a race that has been forced to live without basic dignity for countless years.

The poem Song for the Old Ones further explores this theme. It shows how the resilience of a people has kept the race alive. The old men in the poem, with their withered flanks and pleated faces, have endured so much. Yet, they continue to speak in voices that shred facts and sounds. Their submission, as they say, has made the world go round.

The woman in the poem Our Grandmothers also represents this strength. She stands centered on the world's stage, singing to her loves, beloveds, foes, and detractors. Despite being perceived and deceived, she refuses to be moved. This is the power of silent resistance, of suffering converted to strength.

Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman is a celebration of femininity. The woman in the poem is not conventionally beautiful, but she is confident and powerful. She walks into a room with grace and charm, and men are drawn to her like honey bees to a hive. Her inner mystery is what makes her truly special.

Finally, the poem Willie tells the story of an old man who is largely unknown and unappreciated. But despite his physical limitations and the hardships he has endured, he has a smile that carries a timeless wisdom. He represents all those who have suffered and yet continue to persevere. His spirit lives on in the songs of children and the rustle of autumn leaves.

Overall, Maya Angelou's poetry is a powerful and moving exploration of themes such as race, gender, and human endurance. It invites readers to look beyond the surface and discover the hidden depths within.

Good is a simple yet powerful word. It can describe a wide range of things, from a delicious meal to a kind gesture. When we say something is good, we are expressing our approval and satisfaction.

Good can also refer to a person's character or behavior. A good person is someone who is honest, kind, and helpful. They have a positive attitude towards life and are always willing to lend a helping hand.

In addition, good can be used to describe a situation or outcome. For example, a good job, a good relationship, or a good result. When we achieve something good, it gives us a sense of accomplishment and happiness.

Overall, good is a word that represents the positive and the desirable. It is something that we all strive for in our lives, whether it is in our personal or professional relationships. By being good and doing good, we can make the world a better place.

Maya Angelou has always had an impeccable way of telling stories. She does it through the authentic, unfiltered comings and goings of daily life. Those who have walked down the same path of challenges and stereotypical judgementalism can truly connect with her words. Even after her passing, her voice still resonates powerfully. It carries relevant messages that define the times we currently live in so poetically.

A few of my favorite poems in this collection are "Still I Rise," "On Aging," "Caged Bird," and her unforgettable POTUS inaugural poem, "On the Pulse of Morning." These poems are not just words on a page. They are a reflection of her spirit and her beliefs.

Maya Angelou's voice resounds with daringness and boldness in her advocacy for Civil Rights, freedom, and justice. She takes a stand for the marginalized and touches the hearts of all of mankind. This collection of poetry is truly a recommended read. It has the power to inspire, to move, and to make us think about the world we live in.

"I Sit a Throne Upon the Times"

Begin at the Ending. 'On The Pulse of Morning.' This is truly where it all commences. Maya Angelou had an uncanny ability to sense the very essence of people. Her poetry, much like all her writing, emerged directly from her heart. She penned with a profound depth that strikes a chord with readers from every conceivable walk of life. She was indeed a 'Phenomenal Woman.' Everything that preceded and lay between those two remarkable poems serves to affirm the unwavering honesty with which she shared her innermost thoughts and feelings.

Still I Rise
For Us, Who Dare Not Dare
Woman Me
Song for the Old Ones
America
Africa
My Arkansas
Mourning Grace
When I think About Myself
Momma Welfare Roll
A Georgia Song
Impeccable Conception
Caged Bird
Starvation
Contemporary Announcement
The Last Decision
Worker's Song
Human Family
Man Bigot
Is Love
Forgive (Virginia)
Insignificant
These Yet to be United States
Televised
London
Savior
Our Grandmothers (I Shall Not Be Moved)
Preacher Don't Send Me
In My Missouri
When Great Trees Fall
and many more.... These are merely some of the ones that I cherished the most.

This hardback collection was brought into the world in 1994. However, the 5 individual books that were gathered within it were originally published in: '71, '77, '78, '83, '90. And 'On The Pulse of Morning' was presented live at the 1993 Clinton Inaugural. I will now leave a couple of quotes and allow Maya to speak for herself. She always had a way of doing that so eloquently.

" Fall gently, snowflakes
Cover me with white
Cold icy kisses and
Let me rest tonight.

Sun, rain, curving sky
Mountain, oceans, leaf and stone
Star shine moon glow.
You're all that I can call my own."
- Excerpt from Woman Work

"The liquid notes of sorrow songs."
" Sing me to sleep, Savannah."
" Cry for our souls, Augusta"
" Dare us new dreams, Columbus."
O Atlanta, O deep, and Once-lost city, Chant for us a new song. A song Of Southern peace."
-all from A Georgia Song

" Even minimal people can't survive on minimal wage." - from They Ask Why