An inspiring feminist piece full of Strength, Resilience, and Determination.
Welcome!
All I will say (because I have no interest in starting or becoming a part of any kind of drama) is that regardless of what your skin color is, where you came from, your religious beliefs, your political position, your preferred pronoun—regardless of everything on the outside—we are all stuck in this sh!t together.. so, as far as I’m concerned, we’re all equal..ly screwed.
Moving on.
I came across Maya Angelou years ago and couldn’t get over just how strong of an emotional reaction her work elicits.
Her writing is powerful, raw, and absolutely stunning—a voice that won’t be ignored.
I hope you love this as much as I do.
Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread 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.
Thank you for stopping by!
Many prayers that you’re all safe, healthy, keeping warm, and having a wonderful February.
Until next time!
I’m always looking for new poetry to fall in love with.. do you have any recommendations?
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Thanks for sharing that poem, Sheri. Every time I read it, it gives me the chills. So powerful and moving. And great intro. Lol. Aaah, to being screwed together. 🙂
This is definitely one of those poems that hits you hard, there’s just so much feeling and strength in it.
And thank you, I’m glad you liked that.. it’s hard to have an opinion these days without inviting drama. 😆
Lol. Yes, Lots of drama these days. I thought the poem was beautiful as well as powerful.
Drama is such a nice way to put it.
I’ve read this before, and it always gives me chills. Her words are so moving, and I’m incredible impressed. I recently read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and it makes her poetry feel even more powerful. I’m going to have to read a bit more of her poetry. Thank you for sharing this!
I know, right? I hadn’t thought of it in years and then, out of nowhere, I stumbled across it again and still—it hits hard.
And I haven’t read that one.. I’ll have to check it out, thanks!
Have you heard Ben Harper’s musical version? It’s very moving.
No, I haven’t.. but I’m intrigued. I’ll have to check that out.