The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at for further information. SIEGEL: Maya Angelou died today at the age of 86.Ĭopyright © 2014 NPR. Maya Angelou evokes natural forces 'Just like moons and like suns, / With the certainty of tides,' to demonstrate strength and the inevitability of her rise ('Still I Rise' lines 9-10). She wrote, listen to yourself, and in that quietude, you might hear the voice of God. Line breaks in brief quotes for poetry are indicated with a slash (/) and stanza breaks with a double slash (//). Maya Angelou reading her poem "Still I Rise." The author's gift with words was apparent, even in less than 140 characters.īLOCK: Five days ago, Angelou tweeted one last time. Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the hope and the dream of the slave, and so I rise. Into a daybreak, miraculously clear, I rise. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear, I rise. Welding and swelling, I bear in the tide. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise that I dance as if I have diamonds at the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history's shame, 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 life, I'll rise. Just like moons and like suns with the certainty of tides, just like hopes springing high, still I rise.ĭid 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? (Laughing) Don't take it awful hard just 'cause I laugh (laughing) as if I've got gold mines digging in my own backyard. Specifically, it speaks of the suppression of the women of African American community in the United States. She leaves little question as to her purpose for. The poem Still I Rise by Maya Angelou is highly suggestive of the defiance, resolution, and determination of a woman from a marginalized community to rise above others in the face of discrimination. Angelous style in this poem is easy to read and understand. Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928-May 28, 2014) led a prolific life. You may trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I'll rise.ĭoes my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? Just 'cause I walk like I've got oil wells pumping in my living room. Maya Angelous 'Still I Rise' is a poem of defiance, perseverance, and resilience. Distinctly referred to as a redwood tree, with deep roots in American culture, Dr. I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. MAYA ANGELOU: You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies. If you cant change it, change your attitude. Just keep rising.And we're going to take a moment now to listen to one of Maya Angelou's best-known poems. Design Still I Rise Maya Angelou Empowering Quote on Sticker at Spreadshirt easily removable, weatherproof, durable easy returns Discover Stickers. Okay, at first we were tempted to say this was pretty pretentious, but then we imagined everyone at the party grabbing for their tissues as you floated through the ceiling rising above all the haters as you made your glorious exit. If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10. Serena Williams read the poem too, because she's the best. Line breaks in brief quotes for poetry are indicated with a slash (/) and stanza breaks with a double slash (//).The poem was featured in a commercial for the University of Phoenix.Where you've heard itĪnywhere people are rising in the face of adversity, you'll hear this poem being quoted. She's rising and there's nothing anyone or anything can do to stop her. She's surprising us all by floating up in the sky and allowing herself to be lifted right out of the poem. She will not allow it to bring her down, even if the whole world thinks it should. She will float above all the bitterness and sadness and sorrow. Heck, the past might be tough to take (when you're the descendent of slaves, it is), but Angelou is determined to rise above it. These lines come at the end and they're all about being uplifted and joyful in spite of everything that's weighing you down. "Still I Rise" is one of Maya Angelou's most famous poems (and probably one of our favorites). This line was written by Maya Angelou in the poem "Still I Rise" (1978). Family Courage Maya Angelou Dreams Hope Power Art Equality Poetry Context
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