Michelle

The Great poet
 * Maya Angelou **



Biography: Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St.Louis, Missouri on April 4th, 1928. She grew up in St.Louis and Stamps, Arkansas. She's an author, poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer, singer, and civil rights activist.She is best known for her autobiographical books such as .... All Gods Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986) The Heart of a Woman (1981) Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas (1976) Gather Together in My Name (197?) She's a very talented and gifted poet (etc.) and she will always be known as one of the greatest poets alive.

Favorite Poem:

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I walk into a room <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Just as cool as you please, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">And to a man, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">The fellows stand or <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Fall down on their knees. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Then they swarm around me, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A hive of honey bees. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I say, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It's the fire in my eyes, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">And the flash of my teeth, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">The swing in my waist, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">And the joy in my feet. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm a woman <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Phenomenally. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Phenomenal woman, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">That's me.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Men themselves have wondered <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">What they see in me. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">They try so much <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">But they can't touch <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">My inner mystery

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">When I try to show them <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">They say they still can't see. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I say, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">It's in the arch of my back, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The sun of my smile, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The ride of my breasts, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The grace of my style. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I'm a woman

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Phenomenally. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Phenomenal woman, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">That's me.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Now you understand <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Just why my head's not bowed. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I don't shout or jump about <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Or have to talk real loud. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">When you see me passing <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">It ought to make you proud. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I say, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">It's in the click of my heels, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The bend of my hair, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">the palm of my hand, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The need of my care, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">'Cause I'm a woman <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Phenomenally. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Phenomenal woman, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">That's me.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">media type="file" key="Michelle.mp3" width="240" height="20"

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The reason why this poem is one of my favorite poems written by her is because this poem seems as if it was made to make other women feel good about themselves. It makes women proud to be women and it gives them the confidence to be themselves and allows them to speak their minds more easily. This poem is also my favorite because it brings out the inner-layer of beauty that women have. It makes you see the true beauty in women and their speciality of being what they are.Sure women aren't perfect but this poem can make you feel differently.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Poet's Style:

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I think the poet's style in this poem are usually encouragement poems, poems that make each indivisuable feel good about themselves. Her peoms give people courage, confidence, and it makes us proud to be who we are. Maya Angelou poems will always be helpful and unique in many creative ways.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Poet's analysis

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Still I Rise

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">You may write me down in history <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">With you bitter, twisted lies <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">You may trod me in the very dirt <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">But still, like dust, I rise

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Does my sassiness upset you? <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Why are you beset with gloom? <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">'Cause I walk like I got oil wells <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Pumping in my living room

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Just like moons and like suns <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">With a certainty of tides, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Just like ropes springing high, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Still I rise

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Do you want to see me broken? <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Bowed head, lowered eyes? <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Shoulders falling down like teardrops <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Weakened by my soulful cries

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Does my haughtiness offend you? <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Don't you take it awful hard <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">'Cause I laugh like I got gold mines <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Diggin' in my own backyard

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">You may shoot me with your words <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">You may cut me with your eyes <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">You may kill me with your hatefulness <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">But still, like air, I rise

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Does my sexiness upset you? <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Does it come as a surprise <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">That I dance like I've got diamonds <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">At the meeting of my thighs?

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Out the hut of my history's shame <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I rise <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Up from a past that's rooted in pain <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I rise <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I'm a black ocean. Leaping and wide <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Welling and swelling I bear in the tide <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Leaving behind nights of terror and fear <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I rise <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I rise <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Bringing the gifts that my ancestor gave <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">And I am the dream and the hope of the slave <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I rise <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I rise <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I rise

In this poem the poet's purpose is to prove to a person who is unjust to her that no matter what they do or say she's going to do what she has to do to get her education and be the best she can be. It's not a good idea to let someone else opinion ruin what you think of yourself. Words do hurt but they can't bring you down to the point where you have no hope in yourself. No matter how bad people may criticize you, you are always going to be a valuable person and this poem gives you the confidence and mental strength to feel that way. To me, I've noticed that most of Maya Angelou poems are poems to make everyone feel good about themselves. Her poems bring out the value in a person that not many people, including yourself, may see in you. Her peoms are perfect for giving yourself confidence to believe in yourself and they're very useful for finding the exceptional things about being YOU. I'll always have respect for Maya Angelou and her magical poems. She's truly a one of a kind poet.