“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.” - Maya Angelou
The infamous feminist and activist Maya Angelou
She was a powerful force to recon with and to know
Her feminist and civil right beliefs were strongly expressed
As she bravely spoke her mind to try put injustices to rest
For today’s blessing I turn once again to Maya Angelou
whose words speak to people of all faiths and religions…
from Judaism to Islam to Christianity
May we be blessed not to die
without having done something wonderful for humanity.’
May we be blessed to acknowledge all the wonders in our life
that have, for us, thus far accrued…
and to begin each day with a word of thanks…
and thoughts of gratitude.
Today I’m thankful for history…
when it’s an honest unobstructed view
and for the poetry and wisdom
of Maya Angelou
Who hoped for the day…
as I do
when we are blessed to see
Native American
and black history
taught from one book…
An honest and accurate book on U. S. history.
(Response to And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou)
Refusing to ever descend after
My mother, grandmother, great grandmother
Have all endured broken wings
To ensure that I would one day be able to catch wind
I rise
Because Maya said so
Explaining to me my existence
Is never burden
Not curse
No, I am heavenly
Her voice like gospel
And I will always respond to good news
I rise
Because I was birthed from dead flames
So you’re damn right I’ve been through hell
I rise
Because too many
Will find satisfaction in my downfall
I’ve been hunted like duck season
Aiming at my every move, so yes
They will be upset when I make it out alive
I rise
Cuz I know no other direction
Built into me like going south for winter
Internal compass passed down
Through North Star guidance
This is instinct
There is nowhere to go but
Up
The woman wrote unapologetically
of who she was, and
what she longed for
Told us how she saw life
expressing joy from her being
down deep in her soul
from her soul, I tell you!
The woman wrote passionately
about who she was, and
what she longed for
Made us appreciate the nuances
of every chosen word
bubbling up like cool water
in the heat of the day, I tell you!
The woman wrote simplistically
about who she was, and
what she longed for
Gave us those simple words
that tell a simple truth
from her innermost being
never another like her, I tell you!
written December 2, 2021
I know why the caged bird sings
He sings to let us know
We are still here
That we will survive
I know why the caged bird sings
To tell our people
Don't let them get you down
Don't ever let them make you quit
Ever
He sings to show
The power of your heart
That no matter the pain and anguish
We will forge on
That we will cross that bridge of woe
From the day we were dropped on Plymouth rock
Until we saw Bro. Floyd and Sis. Taylor murdered
Our voices WILL continue to rise
We know why the caged bird sings
Thank you Mama Angelou
(c)kingpen2021
the onion in father's hands didn't have time to cry,
with his fist punched it on the corner of the table, spread salt and
ate it with sheep's cheese,
(like the builders of the pyramids, my dad was paid in onions)
the onion in my mother's hands was sweet and made many leaves,
spring of spring she shared it throughout the village,
people were wondering: how does not bring tears,
every time I have an onion in my hand I think,
to clean it with my hands,
cut it with a knife, or
punch with a fist,
the onion in my hands
is waiting
My assignment drill, exercise, practice…
I live-Is to live this life, life that I live;
I die-To be a sinner first straight out of the womb;
I live-To repent one day before my doom;
I die-My skin shall dry out, my blood will stop its flow;
I live-My teeth will yellow, my legs will bow;
I die-Memories will I forget, I live yet so I die;
I live-My eyes rings under them, hair receding;
I die-This life’s part dreaming, Salvation entreating;
My assignment-As my flesh digress, I live yet die first…
I die-Help! Me Oh! Lord my God I rebuke this curse
I live-Death has no hold of me, you see spiritually heaven home I be
This the beginning and completion of my Assignment
11/23/19
Written by James Edward Lee Sr. 2019©
Based on The Lesson by Maya Angelou
Written for class November 19, 2019 assignment (WIPS)
North Omaha Writers Group (NOW)
The first time I saw you
I was a child watching Roots.
No knowledge of the poetry
or autobiography pursuits.
The first poem I heard by you
was "And Still I Rise'.
As a young adult in search of
purpose it came as no surprise.
With every interview, book,
and poem I could take in.
In an odd and distant way,
you became teacher and friend.
Several chances I had to meet you,
but I was always too afraid.
Because of you and some others too
My love for poetry will never be swayed.
"So correct is Maya Angelou,
“Nothing will work unless you do”
Sweat and hard work is not enough,
You need to be strong and mentally tough
Strong in integrity and motivation,
With focus and determination
Self worth and happiness are also key,
To have that balance in “me”
To insure what I claim for me,
I am capable to share with “we”
Hard to give when you are broken,
Or to receive by the same token
So each day accept who you are,
Knowing that life leaves a few scars
As we seek to define,
Where our priorities align
Decisions are always hardest,
When you’re at your weakest
Or confused by your emotions,
Which hinder our forward motion
Toward that which we want,
Because indecision haunts
Be motivated instead, to explore,
What you really want and more
Believing that you will get through,
Because everything works when you do"
Maya
Truthful, enthusiastic, prolific, kind
People will never forget how she made us feel
If you do not like something, she said, change it.
An American poet, singer, poetess
She published seven autobiographies
Pouring her pain out to help others.
Helping us to do the same
Angelou
she was the paragon of allure, exquisiteness, charm and glamor
to the point people felt a hint of discomfort at first but not for long
her charisma made people adore her and feel they belong
- erudites invented the word pulchritude especially for her -
the masses flocked to learn the details of her ‘blazing eight’
all waiting with bated breath for her promised revelation
she shared her poems and they listened with great infatuation
rhymes of humor, honor, trust, peace, love, hope, gratitude and fate
AP: 1st place 2025, 2nd place 2021, 3rd place 2025
Submitted on July 10, 2018 for contest RHYME TIME 5 - LUCKY EIGHT sponsored by LAURA LOO - RANKED 2ND
Dedication and Tribute to Maya Angelou
What if in a cage, I had been a bird,
Feelings crushed when never heard
Standing there singing so all alone
Reached maturity and fully grown.
Could see cage, and its each gild
At giving him birth mother was thrilled
Taking a first anguished breath of air
Hoping many more would be there.
If cow or horse would be fenced in;
Bird's life in cage did begin and end;
Each day bird awoke with much rage
Forever having to live in a gilded cage.
Jim Horn
Black history month is almost all over.
Maya Angelou
One day there was a creation from God
A star for all ages to cast a light
She knew not her time and what was to bestow
Born of depravity with demons anew
She ventured in life to immoral means
A courtesan to the lower class
And soon to be a Poet of fame
To sing and act and someday teach
An aid to the poor
With generous largesse
To affect and effect the masses on Race
In a land where her books were banned
In this tribute to the Grand Dame of life
Her words will be etched in eternity
And we will hear when the church bell rings
For she knew why the Caged Bird sings
A tribute to a great poet, Maya Angelou
Any verse poem 200 words or less Contest
Sponsored by Laura Loos
February 13, 2017
Mind full of wisdom, strength, hope and encouragement
Always gave inspirational talks and speeches
Yielding a transformed generation
And we shall forever treasure her contribution
A poet, actress, author, dancer, and singer
Never gave up on her dreams and ambitions
Getting through with her desire and aspire
Eternity In heaven
Like all others who left a mark on this earth
Oh God grant her
Ultimately for a life well lived
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