Maya Angelou (4 April 1928)

Wonderful Poem, I like it so much!

William: There are no 'essential rules' in poetry- it's an art form, meant for self-expression. One of the most fundamental forms of such is the acknowledgment that we are human. And as human beings, yes, we *are* pretentious: your own comment proves that much. So relax a little, forget about your rules and forms and just let the words flow.

Also: Using a complex vocabulary doesn't make your opinion more valid, but spell checking certainly helps.

Any one who wants to bash this poem needs to think about what poetry really is! ! !
Poetry isn't about following rules or counting stanzas or formulating the perfect rhyme.
Poetry is about expressing yourself in a way that may inspire someone else
Some people cant express them selves any other way
When poetry becomes more like a job than a hobby
And you want to sit and criticise other peoples work
And you sit on your high and mighty horse thinking anything you have to say is any better or important than someone else
You need to look in the mirror and see what an ugly person you have become
No one is more important than ANYONE ELSE.
I personaly love this poem!
Its an insperation not only to slaves but to all women
All people even
We should all rise
Nothing should keep anyone down
SO. Anyone who thinks this poem sucks.....has no poetic taste! ! !

Ma'am, your poems are inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

..very nice and well written poem...

The manner in which she formulates her ryhmes and stanzas are quite ignominous. and to say that such pretenous words are to be cherished among the readers of this is quite disgraceful as well. To unintetionally or intentionly, i know not which, neglect the essential rules in which mutely insist to by followed is frowned upon in poetry. such rules as this may simply be described as 'sylabyl count and consioussness'. She instead roams aimlessly as she pleases and literally dismantles the value of ryhming by using such unnessary conjugations.

These words will inspire
more than just a few and
they will know that the
earth was here for them
to walk on in more than
truth as well...iip

I too rise,
I rise like a phoenix from the smouldering ashes,
Washing away centuries of neglect,
Mired in my own shame between my legs,
Carrying with me my mother's knowing eyes and my father's distress,
Will she keep a home or has an entire blighted world to impress

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

The most inspiring lady of slaves, the pheonix who rose from ashes. Your are the master of masters. you are my hero Maya Agelou. Love your poetry and spirit

13th August,2009
London, UK

Rehana NAZLI

Very inspiring and well written, Maya. I like it, very beautiful...10+