The Detached

We die,

welcoming Bluebeards to our darkening closets,

Stranglers to our outstretched necks.

Stranglers, who neither care nor

care to know that

DEATH IS INTERNAL.

We pray,

savoring sweet the teethed lies,

bellying the grounds before alien gods.

Gods, who neither know nor

wish to know that

HELL IS INTERNAL.

We love,

rubbing the nakednesses with gloved hands,

inverting our mouths in tongued kisses.

Kisses that neither touch nor

care to touch if

LOVE IS ETERNAL.

We are detached from the true essence of life, death, prayer, and love. We allow the forces of darkness and falsehood to enter our lives without resistance. We are blind to the internal nature of these profound experiences. We go through the motions, but our hearts are not truly engaged. We need to wake up and realize that the answers we seek are within us, not in the external world. Only then can we break free from this detachment and embrace the fullness of life.

I don't possess a large number of poetry books. However, this particular one is among the few that I have, and it stands out as a rare jewel within my collection.

My all-time favorite poem from this book is "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings". What makes this poem truly special is that its meaning varies for each individual reader.

Some may interpret it as a powerful commentary on the human condition, highlighting the struggles and yearnings of those who are confined or oppressed. Others might see it as a celebration of the indomitable spirit that refuses to be silenced, no matter the circumstances.

For me, it serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom and the lengths we must go to achieve it. It also makes me reflect on the power of words and how they can touch our hearts and souls in ways that we never thought possible.

This poem is not just a beautiful piece of literature; it is a profound and thought-provoking work that has the ability to inspire and transform us.

**Title: PERFEITA**

PERFEITA is a word that holds a special charm. It represents the idea of something being perfect, flawless, and without any defects.

When we think of PERFEITA, we envision a state of excellence that is difficult to achieve but highly desirable. It could refer to a perfect relationship, a perfect work of art, or a perfect moment in time.

The concept of PERFEITA also implies a sense of completeness and harmony. It suggests that everything is in its right place and functioning optimally.

However, achieving PERFEITA is not easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and a pursuit of excellence. It means constantly striving to improve and refine ourselves and our work.

Despite the challenges, the pursuit of PERFEITA can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It allows us to reach our full potential and create something truly remarkable.

In conclusion, PERFEITA is a powerful and inspiring word that reminds us of the importance of striving for perfection in all aspects of our lives.

Oof. There is truly some profound and weighty material within these pages. Decades have elapsed since these poems were penned, yet (unfortunately) the topics and content remain distressingly relevant and present in our society today.

Some particularly poignant lines that immediately caught my attention were:

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Even the most minimalist of people
find it impossible to survive on a minimal wage.

This line highlights the harsh reality that many individuals face, where even those who strive to live simply struggle to make ends meet due to the inadequacy of low wages.

Another powerful line was:

So, I'll believe in Liberals' aid for us
When I see a white man load a Black man's gun.

This statement speaks volumes about the deep-seated mistrust and skepticism that exists within certain communities towards the promises and actions of those in power. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues of inequality and discrimination that continue to plague our world.

These poems offer a raw and unfiltered look at the social and economic challenges that many people endure, and they force us to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface of our society.

"We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike"


Review:
I have never delved into a book of poems before, thus I find myself at a loss when it comes to penning a review for one. There is no traditional plot or character development to dissect and comment on. Instead, it is simply the profound heart of a poet that commands admiration.

Maya Angelou was truly an extraordinary woman, and her poems have endured the test of time. Prior to reading this particular book, I was aware that she was a poet, but I had never fully grasped the essence of her artistry. She was not merely someone who jotted down a few rhyming lines and then ceased after achieving some measure of attention with a handful of poems. Before perusing this volume, I fancied myself somewhat familiar with Maya Angelou's poetry. However, to my surprise, this book contains over 150 poems, and I was only acquainted with a mere 10.

I have a penchant for reading poems, yet I do not love every single one. I confess that I did not take to some of Maya Angelou's poems, perhaps due to the idiosyncratic way they were composed or because they lacked an immediately discernible beat or rhythm. Nevertheless, there were several poems within this collection that I thoroughly relished. These include When I Think About Myself, Alone, America, Lord In My Heart, Take Time Out, Phenomenal Woman, Still I Rise, Caged Bird, Changes, and Human Family.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Since the dawn of collective human conscience, even long before we unearthed the secrets of writing and reading, humans have unfailingly expressed their profound feelings in the form of words that dance in rhythm, or perhaps more accurately, in the guise of poetry.

Maya Angelou, with her innate sense of sudden sentimental tenderness, has the remarkable ability to draw you into the very heart of a situation within a mere second. Her poems are not just a jumble of words; rather, they are a masterfully manipulative stream of soft strokes that paint vivid pictures in the mind. This book houses a comprehensive collection of her poems, and it is truly a work of brilliance. Her renowned poem collections such as "Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie" and "Still I Rise" are veritable masterpieces of elegance. After delving into her work, I am left with a profound sense of sensibility. In fact, I am so inspired that I have decided to pen a blog about it.

Personally and with a heart full of gratitude, I thank Maya Angelou for penning these astonishing short poems and sharing them with the world. May she rest in eternal peace in the afterlife.

I only had a passing familiarity with her most famous poems before. However, as I delved deeper into her collection, I was filled with awe. Her works are truly remarkable,展现出了多种特质。 She is savvy, able to convey complex ideas with ease. Her political poems are direct and thought-provoking, making the reader stop and consider the issues at hand.

Her poems are also poignant, tugging at the heartstrings and eliciting strong emotions. And yet, there is a barbed quality to some of her works, as if she is using her words as a weapon.

Of all her poems, my favorite is Continue, which is her birthday poem to Oprah. It is a beautiful and inspiring piece that captures the essence of their friendship and the power of perseverance. Reading this poem makes me feel uplifted and motivated to keep going in my own life.

In conclusion, her poetry is a true treasure, and I am grateful to have discovered it. I look forward to reading more of her works and exploring the depth and breadth of her talent.

Gentleness and roughness, beauty and ugliness, happiness and sorrow, brightness and darkness - what a bitter-sweet heart touching flow of words are all these poems!

Remembering

"Soft grey ghosts crawl up my sleeve

to peer into my eyes

while I within deny their threats

and answer them with lies.

Mushlike memories perform

a ritual on my lips

I lie in stolid hopelessness

and they lay my soul in strips."

Accident

"Tonight

when you spread your pallet

of magic,

I escaped.

Sitting apart,

I saw you grim and unkempt.

Your vulgarness

not of living,

your demands

not from need.

Tonight

as you sprinkled your brain-

dust

of rainbows,

I had no eyes.

Seeing all

I saw the colors fade

and change.

The blood, red dulled

through the dyes,

and the naked

Black-White truth."

These poems seem to paint a vivid picture of the complex emotions and experiences that we encounter in life. The contrast between the gentle and the rough, the beautiful and the ugly, the happy and the sorrowful, and the bright and the dark is truly captivating. They make us think about the nature of our existence and the many contradictions that we face. The memories that haunt us, the accidents that change our lives, and the truth that we sometimes try to hide from - all these are explored in these powerful lines. It is as if the poet is laying bare his or her soul, sharing with us the deepest and most intimate parts of their being. These poems are not just words on a page; they are a reflection of the human condition, a reminder of the beauty and the pain that comes with being alive.

A beautiful collection of poems by the wonderful and amazing poet, the late Maya Angelou.

Maya Angelou was an extraordinary wordsmith. Her poems were like precious gems, shining with wisdom, emotion, and truth. Each line was carefully crafted to touch the hearts and souls of her readers. Her work covered a wide range of themes, from love and loss to empowerment and self-discovery. With her unique style and powerful voice, she was able to convey complex emotions and ideas in a way that was both accessible and profound.

Her collection of poems is a testament to her talent and creativity. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature. Whether you are looking for inspiration, comfort, or simply a beautiful piece of writing, you are sure to find it within the pages of this collection. So, pick up a copy and let the words of Maya Angelou transport you to a world of beauty and wonder.

A beautiful collection of poems by the wonderful and amazing poet, the late Maya Angelou.

Phenomenal.

Her poetry is truly timeless. It has this remarkable quality of speaking to such universal experiences that resonate with people from all walks of life. At the same time, she fearlessly delves into exploring her identity and place as a Black woman.

While several of the poems were deeply religious and didn't particularly speak to me on a personal level, I can still objectively appreciate the sheer craftsmanship that went into her poetry. The way she weaves words together, the rhythm, the imagery - it's all a testament to her talent as a poet.

Her work is a beautiful blend of the personal and the universal, and it has the power to touch the hearts and minds of many. Whether one relates to the religious themes or not, there is no denying the artistry and significance of her poetry.

I truly adored Maya Angelou's poetry. Her works were filled with such intense emotions and were so eloquently expressed. She was unafraid to speak her mind and celebrate every individual. Her poetry was a powerful force that could touch the hearts of people from all walks of life. It was a celebration of life, love, and the human spirit. Reading her poetry was like taking a journey through her soul and experiencing all the joys and sorrows that she had endured. It was an absolute must-read for anyone who wanted to understand the power of words and the beauty of the human experience. Maya Angelou's poetry will continue to inspire generations to come and will always be remembered as some of the greatest works of literature.

This book is a remarkable collection of poems penned by the renowned Maya Angelou. In this review, I am focusing specifically on the poem "Phenomenal Woman."

"Phenomenal Woman" is a truly inspiring piece that beautifully articulates the essence and power of women. It vividly describes how a woman can exude an air of strength and allure, captivating the attention of those around her with just a simple walk into a room or the confident way she stands.

The poem serves as a powerful reminder that women are phenomenal beings. We are strong, capable of taking on multiple responsibilities. We can care for others, manage our homes and families, and still pursue successful careers. Women have the remarkable ability to do it all and be so much to so many people.

This poem has a profound impact on me, making me feel empowered and strong. It gives me a sense of pride in being a woman and reminds me of my own capabilities.

I would highly recommend this poem to young women in the age range of 17 - 25. At this stage of life, we often need to be reminded of just how capable and in control we are. "Phenomenal Woman" can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, helping young women to embrace their power and potential.