stanza from Maya Angelou’s anthem of a poem, Still I Rise
Out of the hut’s 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.
It was in 1969, that the world would begin to ponder the question, Why does the caged bird sing? Maya Angelou was an accomplished performer way before then – a stage actress, touring Europe in a production of the acclaimed Porgy and Bess, a songstress, recording her first studio album in 1957, and a dancer, teaming up with the legendary Alvin Ailey, no less, scorching the streets in a calypso. But in 1969, Maya Angelou would become a star. The release of the autobiographical I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings stunned the literary world, remaining on The New York Times bestsellers list for two years. A revealing look into a challenged life of a young African American woman, battling racism and nearly succumbing to the trauma of rape. And while the subject matter was the foundation of Caged Bird, it was her breathtaking style of writing that would captivate generations. Its poetic flow and literary nuances, added such depth to the raw, non fictional story, that was her childhood life, made it read more like a sweeping epic and felt like a tragic symphony, with a promising end.
Maya Angelou’s Insomnia
There are some nights when
sleep plays coy,
aloof and disdainful.
And all the wiles
that I employ to win
its service to my side
are useless as wounded pride,
and much more painful.
Maya Angelou’s rise in stature was neither forced nor free. She would accept every challenge. An activist during the civil rights era and a voice of the Women’s Rights Movement, but she understood what her contribution to society would be, and embraced the mastery of words, delivering them as gifts of strength, perseverance, truth and life to each of us. She understood the importance of the written-word and how it could transform sorrow into fight, and how it could uplift the soul, giving reason to hold on, even when there seemed to be no reason to do so at all. I can still hear, as I stood among a million men in Washington, D.C., her majestic voice floating in midair, capturing our attention in a rhythmic dance, forcing us all to take notice. Not just in her words – historic and strong as they were, but to give assurances, that we remembered she was there.
excerpt from Maya Angelou’s Million Man March Poem
Clap hands, let us come together and reveal our hearts,
Let us come together and revise our spirits,
Let us come together and cleanse our souls,
Clap hands, let’s leave the preening
And stop impostering our own history.
Clap hands, call the spirits back from the ledge,
Clap hands, let us invite joy into our conversation,
Courtesy into our bedrooms,
Gentleness into our kitchen,
Care into our nursery.
Maya Angelou will always be remembered because she is everywhere. Her legacy of words, her fight for equal rights, her courage in battling through severe childhood trauma, her deliverance of On the Pulse of Morning at the Presidential Inauguration of William Jefferson Clinton, her regal display of humility as an icon of literature, and her calmness in accepting the 2011 Presidential Medal of Freedom, from the nation’s first Black President, even though, the knowing, that her life had come full-circle, must have been overwhelming.
Why does the caged bird sing? That is a question that every man and every woman must answer for themselves, because we sing at different times and for different reasons. But, do not waste too much time thinking about that caged bird. Find out what makes you sing and do it every day.** But if and when we understand the meaning of our life, and fear attempts to invade our happy space, read a poem left behind by Maya Angelou, not just for its literary value, of which it is great, but for the tranquility in the passing of the baton in the circle of life, for we will be holding a contribution from a legend.
– Kendall F. Person, thepublicblogger
** {except from Kendall F. Person’s An Angry World}
Reblogged this on Aui's Den.
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Great post! Her story is moving.
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I have been quoting her for years but only recently read my first Maya Angelou book, “All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes”. I just love how she expresses herself. Like Yvonne says, “a fierce, yet gentle and humble spirit.” aptly describes her. What I admire about her the most is her honest self assessment. She lived in a time when things were not fair, but like MLK, it was a time to “overcome” not with bitterness and hate but with firm, forward movements. How can you not admire and respect her?
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I never had the chance to read any of her work.I will include it on my reading list as I was so inspired reading this post. Thank you for sharing this one!
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You’re welcome!
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Pingback: the Singing Caged Bird is Free | joliesattic
Thank you! I passed this on…Reblogged http://www.allysonadams.com
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Reblogged this on Allyson Lee Adams and commented:
What an inspiration Maya Angelou has been! Thanks Kendall!
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Thank you for finding me. I’m glad I found you. Maya still inspires from heaven. Peace. http://www.peaceisawomansjob.com
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You left 3 comments over a year ago and i did not respond to even one. Please accept my most sincere apologize, as i have no idea how I miss such a gracious guest. So glad you enjoyed the tribute to Maya Angelou and thank you for your expressed enjoyment. You are appreciated very much.
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It’s my lucky day! Maya Angelou’s book arrived from the UK and I discovered you, Thank you
Kendall
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What an absolutely beautiful thing to say. You are appreciated so very much. Welcome to The Neighborhood.
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Good to hear from you Kendall
Finished the book: I know why the caged bird sings, which helped me to decide: if reincarnation is true, I’ll queue up in the line where passes for men are distributed!
Elizabeth-Dea
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Thank you for following my work at Ceciliayu.com and for respecting the works of this wonderful African american first lady of the Arts! Love Cecilia
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Reblogged this on Trudi's Treasures and commented:
Stuck in my swirly thoughts, unexpressed and tangled, then found this follower who played this reminder…
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Hello Kendall, thanks for following my blog. Although I wish I discovered yours sooner. Rest in peace Maya, truer words were never spoken.
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“Why does the caged bird sing? That is a question that every man and every woman must answer for themselves, because we sing at different times and for different reasons. But, do not waste too much time thinking about that caged bird. Find out what makes you sing and do it every day.”
Thank you for expressing my motivation for starting my own weblog.
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You are so very welcome. Motivation is shared among us. I receive it from words like yours and people like you. Welcome to The Neighborhood.
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Reblogged this on lorencarle and commented:
Clap hands, let us invite joy into our conversation,
Courtesy into our bedrooms,
Gentleness into our kitchen,
Care into our nursery.
Kendall, thank you for sharing these words of Mother Maya’s. Though I have never heard or read them before, they ar familiar to me and i am grateful for them having been uttered. I’m sure that they have contributed to the rich cultural loam that has nourished me as a man (as has I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings). I cherish these words now in fatherhood. I was going to write on the challenges and joys of being a dad, but I think this sums it up for me for today.
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Great piece Kendall!
Maya’s words could ignite in one’s heart a gentle fire.
Some of those words could make frayed hearts get even calmer.
Many of her words have lifted us all ever so higher…
…And taken us all to a realm that is definitely better!
Rest well Mama Maya as you transit to that eternal home where all of this world’s sojourners will someday retire!
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A very well said homage to a beautiful soul. Maya Angelo has been one of my inspirations; her poetry I always find amazing. I hope you don’t mind me sharing a poem I originally composed as my own way of paying a tribute to her:
Rest In Peace Maya Angelo: A Poem
I noticed why
My thoughts wander
In the still point
Of the sea and sky,
The strong current
Of your vitality
Exactly the distance
Of a sharpest focus
Found me in the eyes
Where words
Washed you up like music
Creating pulsing waves
In this graceful exit
Of the still beautiful,
Reverberating song.
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So eloquently said for a beautiful soul and spirit. Her body may be gone, but like you said, her words, spirt and energy live on in the body of work she’s left behind. We were so lucky to have had her and for so long. 🙂
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Such a fitting title…The Singing Caged Bird Is Free. Thank you for posting this tribute to a queen. Also, thank you for visiting my blog SongwritingAtlanta.com
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Such an eloquent homage to one of the greats of our time.
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Reblogged this on HealthyLiving4BodyMindSoul and commented:
What an inspiration she was….
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So sad to hear of the death of Maya Angelou. She was such a wise person and magnificent writer. I came across this quote of hers many years ago and have tried to apply it to my life since. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.”
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Pingback: the Singing Caged Bird is Free | P's Pet Peeves and Passions
Well written biography
Maya Angelou’s anthem of a poem,
Still I Rise
Out of the hut’s of history’s shame, I rise.
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain, I rise
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I really enjoyed reading this article. It gave more insight into the life Dr. Maya Angelou led before, during, and after her literary journey. I will disagree with focusing on the song that the caged bird sings. I think we should also take a look at the reasoning why the bird is caged and what the bird had to produce to live. However, that is another conversation. Thank you again for the article.
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Thank you for adding your voice to this forum. I think your angle about the cage bird is perceptive and insightful. I often say that while I may present a topic within a post, the real wisdom, and knowledge is found down here in the forum where everyone has a voice. You are appreciated and welcome to The Neighborhood.
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Reblogged this on MARSocial Author Business Enhancement Interviews.
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Reblogged this on From the Artists Studio and commented:
lovely epitaph for a legend such as Maya Angelou.
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She went to live at last, we stay behind, dying…
I am honoured to have been her contemporary.
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Excellent piece on an amazing Woman. Really like your style of writing
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She was amazing and thank you for such kind words. You are appreciated and welcome to The Neighborhood.
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She was so evolved spiritually. I am certain she’s in a beautiful place. She most definitely made her mark.
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She inspired us in every aspect with her written words! The world has lost an iconic voice and inspirational woman. May her Soul Rest in Peace. Most I like of her writings: “Still I Rise” 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. These words are not only reflecting on the sufferings of Africans, but for all people oppressed.
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About mart sertich “confide in me”music,if you listen carefully ,,,he is not singing to someone else, but it is an internal dialogue,the core of centreship
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Reblogged this on attic room and beyond and commented:
because this is my favorite Maya Angelou poem.
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Reblogged this on MARKETING | Social > Mobile > Digital > Data > Direct and commented:
RIP
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Miss her.
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Hi Kendall,
The music is very touching and a wonderful tribute to a true icon of our time. She has moved us further along the road to a better future.
Leslie
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Well done Kendall. We will miss her!
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Reblogged this on Floyd, Times Are Changin and commented:
Like a jig saw puzzle when we learn what each piece revealed.
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Yes another fantastic piece about a fantastic person. We are blessed in one way, that truth is easier to imagine when poet’s pen and type-struck bloggers repeat the clarion call for justice to one and to all.
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Awesome tribute to a legendary of our time Kendall! Such an icon with a fierce, yet gentle and humble spirit. She inspired many and though her legacy will remain strong and live on for many generations to come, she will be greatly missed. Thanks for sharing.
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An outstanding tribute to a stunning star. May Maya Angelou always burn bright.
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