Dr Maya Angelou
Phenomenal Woman46 total reviews
Comment from Dr. Nad
What a beautiful tribute you have given to Maya Angelou. Her story, like so many others, was in danger of being unheard until somebody spoke a most encouraging word. I think all of us have a story to share, although most of us can't compare to her story. You helped us to celebrate the life of a truly impactful person who rose above untold adversity and tragedy to accomplish worldwide impact for the betterment of mankind. Thanks for memorializing her. Great job.
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
What a beautiful tribute you have given to Maya Angelou. Her story, like so many others, was in danger of being unheard until somebody spoke a most encouraging word. I think all of us have a story to share, although most of us can't compare to her story. You helped us to celebrate the life of a truly impactful person who rose above untold adversity and tragedy to accomplish worldwide impact for the betterment of mankind. Thanks for memorializing her. Great job.
Comment Written 07-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much for your kind and supportive review which I greatly appreciate. Your lovely words about her reminded me of her quote: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story in you." It makes you think for all of us how private we can be, sometimes, even on this site. I know I can be and it's easier telling other people's story. Take care Debbie
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Just this week on FanStory a fellow writer said: "We know so little about you and your family, I'm sure you have a story to tell." Those words, that I've heard before, have spurred me to believe I need to start sharing my impactful story. Thank you again for sharing hers. Let me tell you what our friend told me:
"We know so little about you and your family, I'm sure you have a story to tell."
Comment from karenina
You wow us every Sunday, Debbie--and in between as well. Maya Angelou has been a fascination to me since the first time I read her words. I love your poem because you capture her refusal to allow herself to remain a victim. She did rise. She raised us all with her. The video you attached is the most animated I've ever seen of her reciting that poem.
I'm getting redundant in my praise, and I apologize for my lack of eloquence. You leave me speechless!
Karenina
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
You wow us every Sunday, Debbie--and in between as well. Maya Angelou has been a fascination to me since the first time I read her words. I love your poem because you capture her refusal to allow herself to remain a victim. She did rise. She raised us all with her. The video you attached is the most animated I've ever seen of her reciting that poem.
I'm getting redundant in my praise, and I apologize for my lack of eloquence. You leave me speechless!
Karenina
Comment Written 07-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Karenina! As ever, your lovely words mean so much to me and I'm very grateful. The video shows just what a force of nature she was! Whatever she was on, I want some of it:))
Thanks again for your kindness and support. Debbie
. Take care Debbie
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
This is an outstanding biographical poem, creatively telling the story of a gifted black woman who rose above he fears to become a civil rights leader and a wonderful writer. I loved teaching "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" to my gifted classes. What an example of "gifted" she was!
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
This is an outstanding biographical poem, creatively telling the story of a gifted black woman who rose above he fears to become a civil rights leader and a wonderful writer. I loved teaching "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" to my gifted classes. What an example of "gifted" she was!
Comment Written 07-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Verna, for this wonderful review! She was, as someone said, a formidable woman and gifted in whatever she chose to do. Thanks again for your kind support, Debbie
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Yes, she is definitely a FORCE still to this day. Someone to admire and adore, trust and emulate.
I hadn't read her autobiography so had no idea about her elective mutism that followed her abuse and then the death of her abuser. What a trauma to overcome.
But overcome it she did - and so much more.
Another glistening example of how you are able to take someone famous and make them seem like our friend. Tremendous job, Deb. I savored it all.
xoxoxo
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
Yes, she is definitely a FORCE still to this day. Someone to admire and adore, trust and emulate.
I hadn't read her autobiography so had no idea about her elective mutism that followed her abuse and then the death of her abuser. What a trauma to overcome.
But overcome it she did - and so much more.
Another glistening example of how you are able to take someone famous and make them seem like our friend. Tremendous job, Deb. I savored it all.
xoxoxo
Comment Written 07-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Elle! A force of nature indeed! Once she got over her trauma with the help of a wonderful, committed teacher, she seems to have burst forth into this giantess! I'm absolutely delighted by your enjoyment and wonderful words, thank you. Deb xo
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The power of a magical teacher.
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I just found it. Grrr. I wish I'd known that. This just feels so Department of Redundancy Department now. Oh well, whatever. I'm committed, so I'll just go through with it.
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Oh geez. That last one I intended as a PM. You know what I'm talking about, though.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing this remarkable woman with us. I am extremely familiar with her work and have enjoyed the wisdom she's shared with us through the years. I wasn't aware she had died until today. A fellow FanStorian wrote a poem. She was a National Treasure.
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
Thank you for sharing this remarkable woman with us. I am extremely familiar with her work and have enjoyed the wisdom she's shared with us through the years. I wasn't aware she had died until today. A fellow FanStorian wrote a poem. She was a National Treasure.
Comment Written 07-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Barbara, for this kind and supportive review, greatly valued from you, especially as you're so familiar with her. I hope I've done her justice but please never be afraid to make any suggestion for improvement. I really value that. Happy Sunday, Debbie
Comment from Ulla
Hello, Debbie, that was exactly what I thought when I read your wonderful and well written poem, that she reminded me of Andre Lorde.
Dr Maya Angelou was indeed a formidable woman. Ulla xcx
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
Hello, Debbie, that was exactly what I thought when I read your wonderful and well written poem, that she reminded me of Andre Lorde.
Dr Maya Angelou was indeed a formidable woman. Ulla xcx
Comment Written 07-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
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That's the word I've been searching for - 'formidable' Thank you. I think I'd be very intimidated in her presence! Thank you too for this kind and supportive review, greatly appreciated! Happy Sunday. Debbie xox
Comment from hullabaloo22
What an amazing poetic tribute to an amazing woman. Her childhood was brutal, by your account, but over time she found an ally in that teacher; one who taught her to be brave, strong, and, most of all, herself.
Beautiful writing!
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
What an amazing poetic tribute to an amazing woman. Her childhood was brutal, by your account, but over time she found an ally in that teacher; one who taught her to be brave, strong, and, most of all, herself.
Beautiful writing!
Comment Written 07-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much for this very kind review! Your lovely words of support are greatly appreciated and I'm delighted the verse meant something to you. Happy Sunday, Debbie
Comment from nomi338
This poem found a home within my very soul. I never revealed it, but Maya Angelou is one of my two major influences. Paul Laurence Dunbar is the other. I have poems on this site that were influenced by MS Angelou, and by MR Dunbar as well. I have two many to recall them here, but I will send them to you by DM. I cannot thank you enough for this awesome tribute to one I both admire and adore.
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
This poem found a home within my very soul. I never revealed it, but Maya Angelou is one of my two major influences. Paul Laurence Dunbar is the other. I have poems on this site that were influenced by MS Angelou, and by MR Dunbar as well. I have two many to recall them here, but I will send them to you by DM. I cannot thank you enough for this awesome tribute to one I both admire and adore.
Comment Written 07-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
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She's incredible isn't she? And both she and Audre Lorde have this vibrancy and power I haven't seen before in any other author. I must take a look at PL Dunbar. And what about James Baldwin? I'm sure you'll know him. Thank you so much for this extra special review which means a lot to me. Happy Sunday. Debbie
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You are most welcome. My two tribute poems are "I Still Rise and Free At Last"
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
An amazing poem tribute to an amazing poet. I had no idea about her childhood trauma and her rise to fame. Very interesting. The video of her reading is a nice touch. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
An amazing poem tribute to an amazing poet. I had no idea about her childhood trauma and her rise to fame. Very interesting. The video of her reading is a nice touch. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 07-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Marilyn, for your kind and supportive review which I greatly appreciate! Happy Sunday! Debbie
Comment from Jesse James Doty
This is a magnificent tribute to Maya Angelou.
I read her autobiography while in High School and was moved greatly by her spirit even though she was raped at a very young age she moved on and grew into the best poet and activist for African American rights as well as all of our rights to be free from oppression.
Thanks for all of the notes. They are extensive but tell the tale of her well.
Special thanks to Maria for turning you on to her.
Jesse
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
This is a magnificent tribute to Maya Angelou.
I read her autobiography while in High School and was moved greatly by her spirit even though she was raped at a very young age she moved on and grew into the best poet and activist for African American rights as well as all of our rights to be free from oppression.
Thanks for all of the notes. They are extensive but tell the tale of her well.
Special thanks to Maria for turning you on to her.
Jesse
Comment Written 07-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Jesse, for this wonderful review which is particularly special to me because you studied her at school! I'm delighted that the verse meant something to you. She really was a true force wasn't she? Happy Sunday. Debbie
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Hello Debbie.
Yes, she was a true force of inspiration and creativity. A Writer of several poetry books and memoirs, she gave her all so we could prosper.
Enjoy the beautiful day!
Jesse