And Still I Rise

You may attempt to pen my story in history with your bitter and twisted falsehoods. You might even trample me into the very dirt. But, like dust that refuses to be suppressed, I will rise.

Does my boldness and sassiness perturb you? Why are you overcome with such gloom? It's because I walk with the confidence as if I have oil wells pumping right in my living room.

Just as the moons and suns follow their certain paths, and the tides rise and fall with predictability, just as hopes spring eternal and high, still I will rise.

Did you envision seeing me broken, with a bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders slumping down like teardrops, weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness irritate you? Don't take it too hard. Because I laugh with the joy as if I have gold mines being dug right in my own backyard.

You may try to wound me with your words, cut me with your eyes, and even kill me with your hatefulness. But, like the air that cannot be contained, I will rise.

Does my sexiness unnerve you? Does it come as a shock that I dance with the grace as if I have diamonds at the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's disgrace, I rise. Up from a past that is deeply rooted in pain, I rise. I am like a vast black ocean, leaping and wide, welling and swelling with the power of the tide. Leaving behind the nights of terror and fear, I rise. Into a daybreak that is miraculously clear, I rise. Bringing the precious gifts that my ancestors bestowed, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise.

I didn't understand the translation at all.

While the English texts seem much more powerful and poignant!

It's really frustrating when I can't fully grasp the meaning of the translated words.

I feel like I'm missing out on a lot of the essence and beauty that the original English might convey.

Maybe I need to work harder on improving my language skills to be able to better appreciate these powerful and poignant English texts.

But for now, I'll just have to keep trying and hoping that I'll eventually get a better understanding.

Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to read and understand English texts with ease and truly feel the power and poignancy within them.

Until then, I'll keep plugging away and doing my best to improve.

When I read poetry collections, I dog-ear the pages that touch me. I have dog-eared 95% of the pages of this collection, so I can deduce that Maya Angelou has touched my heart deeply.

Bravo to the bilingual Points edition, to the preface and the translation details at the end of the reading, which allow us to shed light on the author's life, the writing context of the poems, and the choices at the French translation level. However, if you can, read these poems in the original version and aloud.

I am still in shock from the words.

[…] “When the Sun rises
I am the time.
When the children sing
I am the Rhyme.”

The power of Maya Angelou's poetry is truly remarkable. Each word seems to carry a weight and a meaning that goes beyond the surface. As I turn the pages of this collection, I am constantly being moved and inspired. The way she weaves words together to create beautiful images and emotions is simply masterful.

The bilingual edition is a great addition, as it allows readers to not only enjoy the poems in English but also understand the nuances of the French translation. The preface and translation details provide valuable insights into the author and her work, making the reading experience even more enriching.

Overall, I highly recommend this poetry collection to anyone who loves literature and wants to be touched by the beauty of words.

“They accuse me of living from day to day, but who are they kidding? So are they.” This statement really caught my attention. It made me think about how often we judge others without realizing that we ourselves are doing the same.

The book I want to talk about has a very unique structure. Every poem in it is dedicated to someone, which gives it a personal touch. The author has written these poems in a very special and interesting way. The language used is vivid and the imagery is powerful, making the poems come alive on the page.

The poems themselves are very beautiful. They touch on a variety of themes, such as love, loss, and hope. Reading them is like taking a journey through the author's emotions and experiences. I was really moved by some of the poems and found myself coming back to them again and again.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry. It is a wonderful collection of works that will touch your heart and make you think. Whether you are a seasoned poetry reader or just starting out, you are sure to find something to enjoy in this book.

These poems were truly beautiful. They had such an impact on me that they absolutely rocked my world. I have a deep love for Maya Angelou and I am eagerly anticipating reading more of her remarkable work.

It has become my goal this year and for the years to come to read a significantly larger number of diverse authors. And who could be a better choice to start the year with than Maya Angelou? Her words have the power to touch the soul and inspire. I am excited to explore the different voices and perspectives that other diverse authors have to offer. By reading widely, I hope to expand my understanding of the world and gain new insights. Maya Angelou serves as a wonderful starting point on this literary journey, and I look forward to the many adventures that lie ahead as I discover the works of other talented and diverse writers.

You may shoot me with your words,

as if they were bullets meant to wound. You may cut me with your eyes,

those sharp gazes that seem to slice through my soul. You may kill me with your hatefulness,

letting that venomous emotion seep into every pore of my being. But still, like air, I'll rise.

No matter how hard you try to bring me down, I will not be defeated. I will rise above your words, your eyes, and your hate. I will soar like a bird, free and unencumbered by your negativity. I am stronger than you think, and I will not let you break me. So go ahead, shoot, cut, and kill. But know that I will always rise.

This abridged reading from the full collection was truly a gem that I had been longing for. It presented some of Angelou's most uplifting and self-affirming poetry. As I listened, I was completely captivated by the author's rich voice, which carried the words with such rhythm, pacing, and emotion. It was as if she was right there in the room with me, sharing her deepest thoughts and feelings.

The experience of listening to this audiobook, via Audible, was nothing short of perfection. Each poem seemed to transport me to a different world, filled with hope, courage, and self-love. I found myself nodding along, feeling inspired and empowered by Angelou's words.

This audiobook is not just a collection of poems; it is a journey of self-discovery and growth. It reminds us that we are all capable of great things and that we should always believe in ourselves. I would highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who is looking for a source of inspiration and motivation.

Great Read of Course

Reading is an essential activity that enriches our minds and broadens our perspectives.

It allows us to explore different worlds, learn new ideas, and gain valuable knowledge.

A great read can transport us to far-off places, introduce us to fascinating characters, and make us feel a wide range of emotions.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an informative non-fiction book, there's always a great read out there waiting for us.

We should make reading a regular part of our lives and take the time to discover the many wonderful books that are available.

So, pick up a book today and embark on a journey of discovery and adventure.

You never know what amazing things you might find.

I'm not entirely certain whether I'm capable of penning a review on this particular piece as I consider myself an amateur when it comes to the realm of English poetry.

The work was somewhat entertaining, yet it didn't seem to offer much depth. I struggled to look beyond the words the author used to construct each line.

Most of the time, the words felt empty, and at other times, they appeared shallow. However, in the end, I realize that my opinion may not hold much weight for others.

In conclusion, I would say give it a try and then let me know what your thoughts are!

Overall, I would rate it a 6 out of 10.

I truly had a great affection for this book of poetry.

The alliteration present in the verses was simply captivating. It added a musical quality to the words, making them flow smoothly and rhythmically.

The empowerment of Black culture and women culture was another aspect that I adored. It was inspiring to see the celebration of these identities and the strength that was being conveyed.

Angelou's no-holding-back attitude in her writing was also very appealing. She didn't shy away from expressing her emotions and thoughts, which made the collection of poems all the more powerful and moving.

Among the many wonderful poems in And Still I Rise, my favorites were "Where We Belong, A Duet", "Phenomenal Woman", "Willie", "The Traveler", "The Memory", and of course, "Still I Rise". Each of these poems had its own unique charm and message, and they all left a lasting impression on me.

I would highly recommend this book of poetry to anyone who is looking for something that is both beautiful and meaningful.

Beautiful!

Beauty is a concept that has intrigued and inspired humanity throughout the ages. It can be found in the most unexpected places and takes on many different forms.

A beautiful sunset painting the sky in vibrant colors, a majestic mountain range reaching towards the heavens, or a delicate flower blooming in a field. These are just a few examples of the beauty that surrounds us in the natural world.

But beauty is not limited to nature. It can also be found in art, music, literature, and the human spirit. A masterful painting, a hauntingly beautiful melody, a thought-provoking novel, or a kind and compassionate act can all be considered beautiful.

Beauty has the power to move us, to inspire us, and to make us feel a sense of wonder and awe. It enriches our lives and makes the world a more wonderful place to live in. So, let us take the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and be inspired by it.

"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 (...)"

"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."

This powerful and inspiring poem exudes a feminine and confident energy that is truly captivating. It is ahead of its time, as it speaks to the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity. The words seem to jump off the page, filling the reader with a sense of empowerment and determination. It is a reminder that no matter what obstacles we face, we can always rise above and overcome. The use of vivid imagery, such as "trod me in the very dirt" and "shoot me with your words," adds to the impact of the poem, making it a truly unforgettable piece of literature.

"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 (...)

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.”



How the feminine and confident energy exuded from this book is just sending me shivers. Indeed ahead of its time.