I’m not a huge fan of poetry, maybe because it feels less accessible to me than other forms of writing. But I love Poetry Fridays, because the aficionados among us are teaching me how to crack them open. (For instance, Jeannine Atkins showed me How To Paint The Portrait of A Bird this morning. That poem sings to me, it surely does.)
Over time, I’ve accumulated a small collection of poems that resonate with me, for whatever reason. Here, Maya Angelou — one of my favorite authors — reads one of my all-time favorite poems, Still I Rise. Penned in 1978, it resonates in these difficult times like it was written just yesterday. The imagery is exquisite. The message? Universal, transcendant, triumphant.
I love that poem so much!
Ah, me too! And I can’t imagine anyone reading it better than Maya herself.
Hadn’t heard this in awhile. Thanks so much for posting it. Beautiful and uplifting, always!
Thanks, Jama. I think it’s healthy to acknowledge that life isn’t all Goodness and Light, that even the holidays aren’t all glittery-perfect. And still, we rise. 🙂
I’ve had that experience, too, of poetry that seems to have most doors shut and windows locked, and that’s not my cup of tea. I try to leave some mystery when I write, but balance it with clarity. Work that takes a while — so I could relate to all that waiting for the bird in the poem!
And what a great contribution to Poetry Friday is this poem from one of our national treasures. I’ve twice had the great privilege of hearing Maya Angelou in person, striding across a stage, waking up us all with her honesty and hope. Thank you!
Your poetry is exquisite, Jeannine, and very much accessible. I love it so very much.
I saw Maya Angelou speak in San Diego. As with her gorgeous writing, I was transfixed by her presence…the world around me just disssolved, and I was carried away to another place.
Beautiful, just beautiful. And Maya Angelou’s reading goes right to the heart, doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing this today.
It’s gorgeous, Lorraine! I’m inspired by Maya Angelou’s story…the fact that she’s dedicated her life to spreading hope and joy. Her writing is so honest, so beautiful and true.
I got your package–THANK YOU! Though I wish we could have shared it together, the tea was delicious. And your daughter’s hummingbird painting was gorgeous, as were the sentiments inside. Truly, it’s one of the most beautiful, expressive cards I’ve ever received, and I will treasure it always.