Maya Angelou is an extremely renowned and influential poet. However, unfortunately, her poetry is not for me.

I do, nevertheless, have a great deal of love and admiration for the woman herself.

Maya Angelou's life experiences were rich and profound, and she was able to express them in her works.

Her poetry often delved into themes such as race, gender, and identity, which are of great significance.

Although her poetry may not resonate with me on a personal level, I can still appreciate the beauty and power of her words.

I respect her for her courage in sharing her stories and for her contributions to the world of literature.

Maya Angelou will always be remembered as a remarkable poet and a strong, inspiring woman.

Even though her poetry may not be my cup of tea, I am glad that she existed and that her works are available for others to enjoy and learn from.

Short poems about being black and a woman are truly powerful and inspiring.

My favorites among them are:

Woman Work, which beautifully captures the essence of a woman's various responsibilities and the strength she shows.

One More Round, perhaps symbolizing the perseverance in the face of challenges.

Ain't that Bad? makes us question our perceptions and find the silver lining.

Life doesn't Frighten Me gives us the courage to face the unknown.

Call Letters: Mrs. V.B. might have a story hidden within its title.

Caged Bird is a poignant reminder of the struggle for freedom.

Weekend Glory could be about finding joy and fulfillment in the simplest of things.

And of course, 'Still I Rise' is an anthem of empowerment.

The lines like "You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise." are so impactful.

It shows the indomitable spirit of a black woman who refuses to be broken by the hardships and prejudices she faces.

She rises above it all, bringing with her the gifts and hopes of her ancestors, and成为 the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise, I rise, I rise - these words echo with determination and strength.

I love her deeply and passionately.

Her presence in my life has brought a new kind of light and warmth.

Every moment spent with her is precious and filled with joy.

I can't imagine a day without her by my side.

The way she smiles, the way she speaks, everything about her just makes my heart skip a beat.

I am completely and utterly in love with her.

She is the most important person in my world, and I will do everything in my power to make her happy always.

As I look at the image of her, it reminds me of all the wonderful times we have shared and all the memories that will last a lifetime.

I love her more than words can say, and I know that this love will only grow stronger with each passing day.

I really have to recite it in English!

Gorgeous

The word "gorgeous" is truly a captivating one. It evokes images of extreme beauty, splendor, and magnificence. When we describe something as gorgeous, we are expressing our admiration for its outstanding visual appeal. It could be a breathtaking sunset that paints the sky in a riot of colors, a stunning piece of jewelry that sparkles and shines, or a luxurious and beautifully decorated room. Gorgeous can also refer to a person's appearance, such as a model with a flawless complexion and a glamorous style. It implies a level of attractiveness that is not only physical but also has an air of charm and allure. In essence, the term "gorgeous" is reserved for those things that leave us in awe and make our hearts skip a beat.

Just like moons and like suns,

Which rise and set with unwavering regularity,

With the certainty of tides that ebb and flow,

Just like hopes that springing high within our hearts,

No matter what challenges or difficulties come our way,

Still I'll rise. I'll rise above the ashes of failure,

Rise above the pain of disappointment,

Rise above the limitations that others try to impose on me.

I am like a phoenix, rising from the flames stronger and more determined than ever.

With each setback, I'll find the strength within me to pick myself up and keep going.

For I know that just as the sun will rise again tomorrow,

So will I rise, shining brightly and achieving all that I set out to do.

Waterstones had a hardback sale, and as my acquaintance with Maya Angelou was mainly from RuPaul's Drag Race snatch game episodes, I thought it was high time I delved into some of her writings.

To be frank, I thoroughly relished this collection. There were numerous moments that elicited laughter, and on occasion, actual shivers ran down my spine. To be completely honest, one or two poems went right over my head. I truly adore how humorous and witty Maya Angelou is. Her words have a charm and a power that draw you in and make you want more.

Now, I can't wait to get my hands on her memoirs. I'm eager to learn more about her life, her experiences, and the events that shaped her into the remarkable writer she became. I'm sure her memoirs will be just as captivating and inspiring as this collection of poems.

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops,

Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

’Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame

I rise

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise. This powerful poem expresses the indomitable spirit of the speaker. Despite being written down with lies, trodden in the dirt, and facing various forms of oppression, the speaker refuses to be broken. The use of vivid imagery, such as "walking like I've got oil wells" and "laughing like I've got gold mines," shows the speaker's confidence and resilience. The repeated refrain "I rise" emphasizes the speaker's determination to overcome all obstacles and rise above the pain and shame of the past. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit and a call to action for all those who have been oppressed to rise up and claim their rightful place in history.

Maya Angelou is a remarkable figure whose writings possess an extraordinary charm.

She has the ability to convey something tender and profound within her works.

Her words seem to come alive, especially when one listens to them in her (recorded) voice.

The combination of her powerful prose and her unique vocal delivery creates a truly captivating experience.

It is as if she is sharing her deepest thoughts and emotions directly with the listener.

Her writings touch on a wide range of themes, including love, loss, identity, and empowerment.

Through her words, she has the power to inspire, uplift, and educate.

Maya Angelou's works are a testament to her talent and her ability to connect with people on a deep and meaningful level.

Her writings will continue to be cherished and studied for generations to come.

Am I a poetry person now? This was beautiful.

I found myself asking this question as I delved deeper into the world of poetry. The beauty I encountered was not just in the words themselves, but in the emotions and images they evoked.

Each line seemed to hold a hidden meaning, waiting to be discovered. The rhythm and flow of the verses were like a gentle breeze, carrying me away to a different place and time.

Poetry has the power to touch our souls and make us see the world in a new light. It can express the inexpressible and give voice to our deepest feelings.

Maybe I was always a poetry person, but just didn't know it until now. Or perhaps this newfound appreciation is a result of my recent exploration.

Either way, I am grateful for the beauty that poetry has brought into my life. It has opened my eyes and heart, and I look forward to continuing this journey of discovery.

In my pursuit of reading poetry, I chanced upon numerous articles proclaiming Maya Angelou as an essential read in the realm of verse.

Consequently, when I discovered this collection available at my local library, I resolved to give it a try - and I am极其glad that I did!! How I managed to live a life ignorant of THE Maya Angelou is beyond my comprehension!

If you are seeking the gratifying, rhyming kind of poetry, she has penned it. If you are in search of strength and resilience, she has written it. If you are looking for black celebration and representation, she has composed it. Such potent messaging! Highly, highly recommended! I will be making it my mission to work through her works!!

My favorites in the collection were:

• Phenomenal Woman

• Just For a Time

• On Aging

A couple of quotes:

“You were a precious pearl
How I loved to see you shine,
You were the perfect girl.
And you were mine.
For a time.”

“You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”

These quotes truly capture the essence and power of Maya Angelou's poetry. Her words have the ability to inspire, uplift, and make us reflect on our own lives. I cannot wait to explore more of her works and be further enlightened by her wisdom and talent.

\\n   “You were my early love / New as a day breaking in spring / You were the image of / Everything / That caused me to sing” \\n (Just for a time)


\\n   “My spirit is the surge of open seas / … / I am the rustle of autumn leaves” \\n (Willie)

I truly cherish the little moments in my life when I make the decision that it's time to sit down and immerse myself in reading some great poetry. These beautifully composed poems have an amazing ability to bring me an abundance of joy and peace within those precious moments. I had initially planned to list my favorite poems from this collection, but I found that I loved almost all of them. The sheer depth and profoundness of these poems had such an impact on me that they brought tears to my eyes. And the beautiful lyricism that accompanied each poem was like the perfect cherry on top, enhancing the overall experience and making it truly unforgettable.