Friday, 29 October 2010

Still I Rise

To finish celebrating Black History Month we've a poem by one of my favourite poets. Maya Angelo. Here are my favourite verses from this poem.

Still I Rise

You may have written me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

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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?



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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.


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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.

Maya Angelou


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6 comments:

  1. I adore Maya Angelou - she's a complete inspiration, and this is my favourite of her poems - thank you!

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  2. I love Maya, she is such a treasure! I heard her read this poem once, so every time I read it I can hear her fantastic voice saying the words. It makes it that much more powerful and beautiful.

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  3. Am feeling a bit downtrodden myself today and this poem has buoyed me up. Thanks.

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  4. wonderful wonderul poem - have you seen the brilliant reading of it she does which is on youtube?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqOqo50LSZ0
    amazing voice reading amazing words, from the heart.

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  5. Powerful post. And you have selected wonderful images for emphasis. Off to check out Jane's YouTube link as well. Happy reading!

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  6. So glad you liked this poem too. I've just listened to Maya on you tube - fantastic. Thank you Jane for telling me about it.

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Ooh how lovely more stripes on the page...
Thank you for taking the time.