As some of you know, Dr Maya Angelou is a woman that I hold utmost admiration for. Previously, I have shared a couple of her poems on this blog: Caged Bird AND Phenomenal Woman (<— click on the titles and it will take you to the blog posts). Today, I would like to take this opportunity to share another one of my favourites from this amazing woman. Enjoy! 😉
Still I Rise
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 back yard.
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
Check out the video link: Dr Maya Angelou’s reciting “STILL I RISE”
Also, read more about this extraordinary woman: OFFICIAL WEBSITE | Dr Maya Angelou
Creative Talanoa 
I’ve admired Dr. Angelou since. “I know why the caged bird sings” She is part of the reason I have taken the middle name “Maya” She has suffered but never hold hate in her heart. She also promotes women to love themselves no matter what. I applaud you for applauding her Aloha
Thank you Marilyn for taking the time to visit and leave a comment. I truly appreacite it. Many blessings & love xox
Malo aupito Maryanne, for sharing this amazing poetry, its inspiring and beautiful, ofa atu
Thank you Limiteti for visiting. I’m glad that you have enjoyed reading this poem. ‘Ofa lahi atu xox
She is such an inspiration and every girl should read her
lovely poem you shared,i used to read her poems to girls in my class often
this,caged bird,phenomenal woman..oh she has done so much for women
Thanks for this beautiful post 🙂
You are absolutely right Soma, she is an inspiration indeed. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Have a wonderful weekend. Love & hugs xox
Powerful stuff – thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hi Stuart, thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. This poem is indeed a powerful one. Have a fab weekend. 🙂
She’s been a favorite of mine for years. I just love her!
Hi Jeannie, thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Maya is definitely one of a kind. Enjoy your weekend.
Sorry I was distracted there I meant to say what a wonderful woman!!
Hehe! That’s ok. Thank you so much for visitiing my blog and leaving your message. And yes, I agree with you, she is a wonderful woman indeed. Have a great weekend. God bless xox
She has been a favorite of mine, too, wonderful post, Maryanne, thanks for sharing! xo
Hi Lauren, thank you for your kind words and for also visiting my blog and leaving your comment. I truly appreciate it. Have a blessed weekend with your family. Love & hugs xox
Had to read this again. One of my favorite poems. Thanks for sharing it!
Aww thanks for stopping by to read it and to also leave a comment. I truly appreciate it. Many blessings & love xox
wonderful post, Maryanne. I’m familiar with their writing and she is a fabulous poet.
Hi Francina, thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it very much. She is indeed a fab poet. Enjoy your weekend with your loved ones. Many blessings & love xox
Empowering poetry Maryanne , ofa atu God Bless