This poem is truly delightful and heartwarming. It beautifully conveys a message and the true meaning of Christmas, at least as I understand it. Angelou speaks to us about Christmas, this wonderful time of the year. It is a time when hope is reborn in our hearts, a time when kindness prevails and flourishes above hate. It is a time for peace to be louder than violence, for peace to reign in all of our hearts, opening the way for love, understanding, and respect.

I really loved this poem! The only drawback is that it is quite short, leaving me longing for more of Angelou's amazing words that can truly touch one's heart.

"In our joy, we think we hear a whisper. At first it is too soft. Then only half heard. We listen carefully as it gathers strength. The word is Peace. It is loud now. Louder than the explosion of bombs. We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence. It is what we have hungered for. Not just the absence of war. But true Peace. A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies. (...). We (...) Implore you to stay awhile with us. So we may learn by your shimmering light. How to look beyond complexion and see community. It is Christmas time (...). On this platform of peace, we can create a language. To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other. (...). Peace, my sister. Peace, my soul."

This poem reminds us of the importance of peace during the Christmas season and beyond. It encourages us to strive for a world where kindness, love, and understanding prevail.

This little book is truly a gem.

It contains a collection of beautiful poems that revolve around the themes of peace and kindness towards others.

Although it doesn't have a strong emphasis on Christmas, it still manages to touch the heart and soul.

As I read each poem silently, I could almost hear the powerful and inspiring voice of Maya Angelou reciting them.

It's an amazing experience that makes me feel calm and positive.

This book is a wonderful way to start my day, filling me with hope and love for the world around me.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a little inspiration and a reminder of the importance of peace and kindness.

A small-sized gift book of a single poem, such as Angelou's The Pulse of Morning which I highly recommend, caught my eye as I was browsing at the library.

The poem, printed on nice quality paper without the adornment of a photo or illustration, truly shines. I could almost envision the poet reading it aloud, and I suspect that if I searched, perhaps there is a video of her doing just that somewhere. I have a vivid memory of hearing her read her poetry on TV for Clinton's inauguration.

This poem is an invitation, not just to the believer but also to the non-believer, and to the various named faith traditions. It is all wrapped up in an invitation to peace. Although it is a Christmas poem that mentions Christ, it is by no means solely about any one faith or any one season. I will most likely look for a copy of this to own and read again, as it has left a profound impression on me.

I believe that such a simple yet powerful poem has the ability to touch the hearts of many and bring a message of hope and peace in a world that often seems divided. It serves as a reminder that we are all connected and that we should strive for unity and harmony.

Overall, this small gift book has become a precious find for me, and I look forward to exploring more of Angelou's works in the future.

Update 09/07/2022:

So, I may have been too harsh in my original review. Since then, I’ve reread this poem and a lot has changed in almost 6 years. In 2016, I had just graduated college with an English degree and perhaps judged a little too harshly. While I still stand by what I’ve said, I also want to point out that any piece of writing that preaches peace is of great importance. Maya Angelou is a staple in the world of black literature and feminism. Iconic is truly the only word that comes to mind. I’ve reread the poem a few times tonight (oddly out of nowhere) and I’m so appreciative of what Miss Angelou aimed to do: spread the word of peace during a joyous season, regardless of race, religion, beliefs, and non-beliefs. That is powerful! It is precisely what is needed in a world full of anger, hate, and prejudice. For those of us with a platform like Miss Angelou once had, spreading peace is crucial. For that, I’m incredibly grateful to all who do so. I’ve made some observational changes. Although I still stand by my initial thoughts, I’ve also updated how I view this poem after reading it in the present (which I guess is now the past as of twenty minutes ago).

Original Post 11/22/2016:

This poem was written as a celebration of peace and Christmas and read by Maya Angelou at the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the White House in 2005. So I'm not really mixed on this poem, but I have to say a few things: Firstly, of course the poem sounds good as when words are combined in a well-written manner, they'll always sound good (hopefully). But that's not sufficient. There is so much a writer can do with form and language to transform a poem from good to SPECTACULAR. This poem falls short in many ways, but intention is not one of them. The message is so very clear (maybe too clear to label as poetry and not spoken word) and that's where some of my criticism stems from. I'm used to reading poetry and searching for meaning rather than having the meaning presented on the surface. To me, that's more like spoken-word, which you would hear in a coffee shop or as this poem was read aloud at the White House. Secondly, I think that because of Maya Angelou's reputation as an activist along with her numerous publications as a poet and author, she is able to write in simplistic terms and everyone will label it as poetry and/or good writing. Though not bad, I look for more than just words on a page that sound nice when it comes to any form of writing, especially poetry. For me, most of the poem is "right there," meaning I don't have to look beyond the surface for a deeper meaning. Yes, it's essentially beautiful as it is an all-inclusive poem for different religions and backgrounds and calls for world peace, but that alone is not enough for me when it comes to poetry. I like to be surprised. I like to feel the words flow through my veins, bumping along the way, causing my skin to protrude outward rhythmically as it makes its way to my heart. So far, Maya isn't meeting my expectations. I adore her for all she's done in her life and for the woman that she was. But the poetry I've read so far, save for the poems during my childhood that are very faint in my memory, just haven't had the desired effect on me. The same goes for her writing style in her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, though the content is powerful and heart-wrenching. I may find many things I dislike in Miss Angelou’s writing as it pertains to the style I’ve grown accustomed to and love, but I must remember she is writing from a different background, in a different time, in a style that is true to her. I really need to revisit her memoir and maybe this time actually write a review for it. I really love coming back to old reviews to see where I was when I wrote them and where I’ve gotten to today. A lot has changed, and I’m always of the mind that a person’s thought process, likes/dislikes, personality, ideas, criticism is always in a perpetual state of change. At what rate that change occurs is unknown. Some people stick to the way they have thought for years. I do not. I’m always a work in progress. Humans exist and experience, and experiences change us.

As a child growing up in a deeply religious family, my father had a wonderful tradition. Every Christmas Eve, he would read the story of Jesus' birth from the Bible. It was a magical moment that filled the air with a sense of wonder and spiritual significance.

However, as an adult, I have distanced myself from religion. Yet, I found myself missing that special tradition of reading to my kids on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, my mother, with her kind heart, gave me this book, keeping that in mind.

This book is truly perfect. It manages to convey all the right messages without being overly religious. In fact, it can fit in seamlessly with almost any religious tradition. It is concise and easy to read, making it suitable for both children and adults. It doesn't shy away from the theme of peace, which we all seek and are often grateful to find during Christmas.

The message of this book is beautiful and serves as a great reminder of what makes Christmas so special. It brings back the warmth and joy of the holiday season, and I'm excited to share it with my children on Christmas Eve.

What a gorgeous and perfect and extremely timely book!

It is truly a remarkable piece of work that holds great value and significance.

This book should not only be read but also put into practice every single year. In fact, it would be even better if we could put its teachings into practice every single day.

The concept of peace is emphasized throughout the book, and it is a message that we all need to hear and embrace.

Peace. Peace. Glorious Peace.

May this peace be with you and yours always.

Let us all strive to achieve this peace in our lives and in the world around us.

By reading and implementing the lessons from this book, we can take a step closer to a more peaceful and harmonious existence.

So, pick up this book, read it, and start putting its teachings into practice today.

You will be amazed at the positive impact it can have on your life and the lives of those around you.

**"Gorgeous Illustrations: A Visual Feast"**

Illustrations have the power to bring stories and ideas to life in the most captivating way.

They are not just mere pictures but a form of art that can convey emotions, set the mood, and engage the viewer on a deeper level.

Gorgeous illustrations, in particular, are a treat for the eyes.

They are filled with vibrant colors, intricate details, and unique styles that draw you in and make you want to explore every corner of the image.

Whether it's a beautifully illustrated children's book, a stunning graphic novel, or a captivating magazine cover, these illustrations have the ability to leave a lasting impression.

They can transport you to different worlds, introduce you to new characters, and make you feel a range of emotions.

So, the next time you come across a piece of art with gorgeous illustrations, take a moment to appreciate the talent and creativity that went into it.

Let your eyes feast on the beauty and allow yourself to be inspired by the visual masterpiece.

Amazing Peace is a visually stunning and beautiful book. The colors are muted yet still vibrant, creating a captivating atmosphere. The gold lettering in the title stands out, adding a touch of elegance and style.

This book is a remarkable collaboration between Maya Angelou and illustrators Steve Johnston and Lou Fancher. The poetry and pictures blend seamlessly, with the words touching the heart and the textured pictures enhancing their magic. It is truly a book that has the power to bring people together and make them forget their petty differences.

The book is a powerful call for peace, regardless of one's location in the world, nationality, or beliefs. The illustrations, which are lifelike and detailed, accompany the poem with a realistic yet dreamy and fantasy-like appeal. Additionally, the book comes with a CD on which Angelou herself reads the poem. Her deep, loud, emotional, and meaningful voice brings the words to life, expressing every word in a way that only a creative soul can.

This is truly a special book with a special message. Its straightforward and inspirational nature will surely touch readers and make them think about their own actions. It has the potential to change the world for the better by influencing people to act more kindly towards others. There is always room for change, and the world is definitely ready for peace. As the title suggests, a peaceful world would be truly amazing. We can all do our part, just like Maya Angelou, especially during the holiday season.

Review By Amber Whitman-Currier

Into this climate of fear and apprehension,
Christmas enters like a ray of hope. The world seems to be笼罩 in a cloud of uncertainty and worry, but Christmas brings with it a glimmer of something better.

I suspect we need it more this year than ever.
The events of the past year have been challenging, to say the least. People have faced hardships, loss, and fear. But Christmas reminds us that there is still beauty and joy in the world.

Hope is born again in the faces of children...
As they wake up on Christmas morning, their eyes filled with excitement and wonder, we are reminded of the power of hope. Children have an innate ability to see the good in the world, and their joy is contagious.

And, wouldn't this be nice?
In our joy, we think we hear a whisper. At first it is too soft, almost imperceptible. But as we listen carefully, it gathers strength. We hear a sweetness in the air, a word that fills our hearts with warmth and comfort.

The word is Peace.
It is loud now, louder than the explosion of bombs. It drowns out the noise of war and conflict, and brings a sense of calm and tranquility. We deserve it, don't we? After all the pain and suffering, we long for a world at peace.

Now... what can we do to make it happen?
We can start by spreading kindness and love. We can reach out to those in need, and offer a helping hand. We can listen to each other, and try to understand different perspectives. And we can all do our part to make the world a better place.

All the earth's tribes loosen their voices
to celebrate the promise of Peace. Let us join together, in unity and harmony, and make this Christmas a time of peace and joy for all.

I feel truly uplifted and a sense of greater peace has washed over me after reading this short and yet profound poem.

It is August, a time far removed from the Christmas holiday. But can one read "a Christmas poem" during this time? Absolutely! The yearning for peace is not something that should be confined to just once a year.

The closing words of the poem were a simply beautiful ending. They read: "Peace, my brother. Peace, my sister. Peace, my soul." These words seem to carry a weight of significance and a longing for a harmonious state within ourselves and with those around us.

They remind us that peace is something that we should strive for continuously, regardless of the time of year or the circumstances we find ourselves in. This poem has served as a gentle reminder that peace is always within our reach if we only open our hearts and minds to it.

It has left me with a sense of hope and a determination to seek peace in all aspects of my life.

In our joyous moments, we often think we hear a soft whisper.

At the beginning, it is so faint that it can hardly be detected. Then, it is only half heard.

As we listen intently, it gradually gathers strength.

And we start to perceive a certain sweetness.

The word that emerges is peace.

Amazing Peace is truly the ideal way for a family to commence its holiday season.

In her concise yet beautiful prose, Ms. Angelou serves as a reminder of what truly matters during this time.

It's not about the flashing lights, the brightly colored packages, or even the associated stress.

Quite simply, it is about "We look at each other, then into ourselves, and we say without shyness or apology or hesitation: Peace, My Brother. Peace My Sister. Peace My Soul."

I can't envision a more wonderful family Christmas tradition than devoting an evening to sharing this book and CD with one another.

It would create a warm and harmonious atmosphere, fostering a sense of unity and love within the family.

This simple act has the potential to make the holiday season even more special and memorable.

Maya Angelou presents a festive, more or less religious, and very well-written homage on peace.

Her work, Amazing Peace, is a remarkable piece that combines elements of celebration and spirituality.

Although it may not be everyone's personal favorite, it is difficult to envision a more fitting poem for a White House tree-lighting ceremony.

The ceremony, which is steeped in tradition and significance, calls for a poem that can capture the essence of peace and unity.

Maya Angelou's words have the power to touch the hearts and minds of those in attendance, and to inspire a sense of hope and optimism for the future.

Her use of language and imagery is both beautiful and profound, making Amazing Peace a truly remarkable piece of poetry.

Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, it is hard to deny the impact that this poem has had on the White House tree-lighting ceremony and on those who have heard it.

It is a testament to the power of words and the importance of peace in our world today.

3,5*