Hailed as a global renaissance woman, Dr Maya Angelou is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Her voice is one of the most influential of our time. She is a poet that truly inspires me. Having read her autobiographies and seeing her life reflected in her poetry is empowering, fascinating, heart-warming and thought provoking. For more info on her biography, click HERE.
One of my favourite poems from Maya Angelou is entitled “Caged Bird“. There are powerful themes portrayed in this piece. It’s empowering and I love it!
Caged Bird
The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and is tune is heard
on the distant hillfor the caged bird
sings of freedom
The free bird thinks of another breeze
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom
I love Dr Maya Angelou’s work as it empowers me to speak truth through my poetry writing and it reminds me to be fearless in the way that I project my voice on paper and through my poetry performances. She is truly an inspiration to me! You can find more information about her extraordinary life experiences on her official website: OFFICIAL WEBSITE | Dr Maya Angelou
Creative Talanoa 
Maya Angelou is HUGE inspiration for a lot of women around the world, including me. My favorit quote is: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Indeed she is! I love that quote! So true!
I adore Maya Angelou. She really knows how to get inside your head and make you think, and she understands human emotions better than a lot of so-called head shrinking “experts”.
I absolutely agree with you on that.
Her work is truly timeless, authentic, and inspirational. Great post and quotes!
Thank you! There will only be one Maya Angelou 🙂
Fabulous! yes I remember this poem I think I have heard it twice before and all related to Education! Love it I have to agree with Miss. Someday!
I hope to always be mindful of those that need to be freed from all metaphors of bondage!
Thank you Sis! Yes, that quote is powerful!
I agree. I’ve done the same with the autobiographies (but I stopped after the 3rd or 4th). It gives me a good sense of her when I read the poems – although her poems do this as well, but I feel it gives me a truer understanding of the meaning behind what she writes or has written.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Indeed her autobiographies provided the behind the scenes insight into her poetry. And I agree with you, Maya’s poems are able to articulate her personal experiences beautifully. I appreciate the follow back. Thank you 🙂
thank you for sharing and visit on my page =)
i will look for her, as my one and only inspiration character so far is Jalaludin Rumi =D
Thank you for visiting my page. I will check out Jalaludin Rumi. Wishing you a wonderful 2012! 🙂
Thanks for post \o/
You’re welcome. Enjoy your weekend. 🙂
Thanks for liking my post and following my blog.
You’re most welcome Stephen. Thanks for stopping by and reading. God bless xox
I’m not following you because you followed me – it’s because you are inspired by a woman I truly admire. And that means I need to pay attention to you too 🙂
Aww thank you Stephen. I am humbled by your kind words. Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog and for also following me too. I appreciate it very much. Have a fab weekend! 🙂
Thank you for stopping by recently. I always love popping in to “see” you because there is always something so inspiring so I thank you my friend … birds free from cages is the theme for me at the moment and I have a scarf and a new piece of ark work with birds outside the cages … and often when I pray destinies open it is a bird cage with an open door that I “see” to declare into … many many blessings, God is Good!
You’re most welcome! 🙂 It’s always lovely hearing from you. Your kind words are much appreciated, thank you! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Please take photos of your art work, I look forward to reading about it and seeing the images. Have a wonderful week! Many blessings and love xox
I fully agree with all you wrote. Dr. Maya Angelou – one of the best poets ever and one of my favorites, too! Take care. Sincerely, Connie Webb
She is like Picasso, “One Of A Kind”. Thanks for sharing the article. Thanks for also visiting my site! Have a blessed weekend!
You said it perfectly! Thanks for visiting my blog. Enjoy the new week. God bless xox
One of the greatest…..
Absolutely 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Jenny. Have a great new week. God bless xox
You too…;)