Thank you, John. That poem is new to me, too. I think it's relevant, not only because of the slave link, but to anyone who's been subjugated, put down, belittled, rejected. It reminded me of the Labi Siffre song, "So strong." That always brings a tear to my eyes, too. xx
I only 'discovered' Maya A. about 25 years ago when I'd reached my 50s, and it was indeed a belated epiphany for me. Though familiar with this poem from off the printed page, this is the first time I've seen her performing it - and, by God, it really DEMANDS to be watched. What splendour!
What a remarkable lady she was. I had the good fortune to attend one of her appearances at one of our local Universities many decades ago. Even had excellent seating close to the front. I especially recall she demonstrated how black men walk as she strutted back and forth across the stage which she said so many white people find objectionably offensive and arrogant. Of course, her words and readings were impressive.
I had, coincidentally, just "found" her biography and read "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" after seeing her TV appearance on Bill Moyers program. In the program she had returned to a place of her youth and I realized I had been living in that state those same years. Moving there I had been shocked at the overt discrimination with signs separating the races, required seating at the back of buses for people of her race, attitudes of some people we encountered. She described what she experienced those years where she was living, bringing up all those memories and pained feelings I had from those few years where we lived.
The town, where she lived was divided by railroad tracks and she was on the "wrong side". Those residents rarely crossed to the other side as they weren't welcome, plus it could be dangerous for them. She walked with Moyers to those tracks, but after a pause, she said she could not bring herself to cross them even on that day so many years later. That was also the town where she was sexually violated. The whole thing brought tears to my eyes for that little girl and does now as i remember.
She was an amazing, inspiring woman. This has brought to mind one of my favourite quotes: 'The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.' Nelson Mandela.
I saw her once do a reading, a talk. I took my children to see her. I tried to go see her again years later and the lines for people waiting were too daunting. I am glad that the love and appreciation people held for her was known to her while she was still alive.
I saw her at Clarion University, probably ten or 12 years ago. When she came out on stage, she sat. It was obvious that she was not as strong as she once was. But as soon as she opened her mouth, I tell you true, that voice silenced a massive auditorium filled with people. She spoke. Everyone listened. She was an amazing human being.
Maya Angelou recited that poem at the convening of the World Choir in Atlanta in ~ 1994. My son sang with the choir, and it seems like there was a song based on the poem. It was good to hear her recite it again. One of the blessings of the internet age.
Really powerful! Amazing lady.
ReplyDeleteHave a good work day.
Another tomorrow x
DeleteThank you, John. That poem is new to me, too. I think it's relevant, not only because of the slave link, but to anyone who's been subjugated, put down, belittled, rejected. It reminded me of the Labi Siffre song, "So strong." That always brings a tear to my eyes, too. xx
ReplyDeleteSomething inside so strong?
DeleteYes, that's the one. He has a lovely voice, and that song is so emotive. xx
DeleteI only 'discovered' Maya A. about 25 years ago when I'd reached my 50s, and it was indeed a belated epiphany for me. Though familiar with this poem from off the printed page, this is the first time I've seen her performing it - and, by God, it really DEMANDS to be watched. What splendour!
ReplyDeleteI’m 60 and it would seem I’ve just found her resonance
DeleteThat will help me a lot John-I've tried all sorts and this seems the best -thanks x
ReplyDeleteWhat a remarkable lady she was. I had the good fortune to attend one of her appearances at one of our local Universities many decades ago. Even had excellent seating close to the front. I especially recall she demonstrated how black men walk as she strutted back and forth across the stage which she said so many white people find objectionably offensive and arrogant. Of course, her words and readings were impressive.
ReplyDeleteI had, coincidentally, just "found" her biography and read "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" after seeing her TV appearance on Bill Moyers program. In the program she had returned to a place of her youth and I realized I had been living in that state those same years. Moving there I had been shocked at the overt discrimination with signs separating the races, required seating at the back of buses for people of her race, attitudes of some people we encountered. She described what she experienced those years where she was living, bringing up all those memories and pained feelings I had from those few years where we lived.
The town, where she lived was divided by railroad tracks and she was on the "wrong side". Those residents rarely crossed to the other side as they weren't welcome, plus it could be dangerous for them. She walked with Moyers to those tracks, but after a pause, she said she could not bring herself to cross them even on that day so many years later. That was also the town where she was sexually violated. The whole thing brought tears to my eyes for that little girl and does now as i remember.
You make a powerful point that underlines just why her poems and writing is so important. I m inspired to read her
DeleteAnd have just ordered her books
I know the poem well, John, but had never seen that powerful performance before. Thank you for sharing this. Catriona
ReplyDeleteYes, she lives it
DeleteShe was an amazing, inspiring woman.
ReplyDeleteThis has brought to mind one of my favourite quotes: 'The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.' Nelson Mandela.
Thank you
DeleteA very powerful poem, she was a remarkable woman.
ReplyDeleteAnd dearly loved and respected
DeleteOne of my favorite works of hers. She was amazing in every way, including what she overcame. Her books are well worth the read.
ReplyDeleteI'll second that!
DeleteOn my list Raymondo and Elle x
DeleteI heard her read that live at Bill Clinton's inauguration.
ReplyDeleteI want to find out more about her dave
DeletePowerful in every way! And a slap in the face to every bigot and hater.
ReplyDeleteAmen
DeleteThis is my favorite Angelou poem; thanks for sharing her reading it.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad I “ found “ it
DeleteMaya Angelou was a treasure and I have many of her wonderful works. This poem and her reading are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteSad she died 8 years ago
DeleteI saw her once do a reading, a talk. I took my children to see her. I tried to go see her again years later and the lines for people waiting were too daunting. I am glad that the love and appreciation people held for her was known to her while she was still alive.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that several people who comment have actually seen her and heard her speak
DeleteThe strength of the spoken word
ReplyDeleteAnd the strength of one blackwoman
DeleteI saw her at Clarion University, probably ten or 12 years ago. When she came out on stage, she sat. It was obvious that she was not as strong as she once was. But as soon as she opened her mouth, I tell you true, that voice silenced a massive auditorium filled with people. She spoke. Everyone listened. She was an amazing human being.
ReplyDeleteNow what a President she would have made
DeleteWord!
DeleteGreat poem! Rising above the fray is a skill that everybody could benefit from.
ReplyDeleteIt’s the way her eyes flash with that knowing grin of mockery
DeleteThat was so powerful! I will make it a point to read at least one of her books.
ReplyDeleteI want to see more of her performance pieces
DeleteI first hear this poem years ago and it doesn't lose it's power in the retelling.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Nu!!
Hugs!
It’s new to me ,though andra day sang a version I rise up I’m guessing
DeleteOne of my favourites - both the poem and the woman herself.
ReplyDeleteI’ve heard of her of course pat and I’ve seen her interviewed but I’ve never read any of her poetry or books .
DeleteIt’s time I will
A wonderful woman whom I strongly admire.
ReplyDeleteShe has a power and a dignity all of her own
DeleteAnd when people show you who they are? Believe them. A very wise woman. Julie C
ReplyDeleteWonderful poem thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteit. I must read more of her work.
I was fortunate enough to see her on stage many years ago. Unforgettable!
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Barbara
Maya Angelou recited that poem at the convening of the World Choir in Atlanta in ~ 1994. My son sang with the choir, and it seems like there was a song based on the poem. It was good to hear her recite it again. One of the blessings of the internet age.
ReplyDelete