Acclaimed author, poet and activist Maya Angelou died today at the age of 86. In remembrance of her inspiring life and prolific career, we've selected 9 of her poems that you can read online:
"Caged Bird"
"The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still"
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"On the Pulse of Morning"
"The Rock cries out to us today,
You may stand upon me,
But do not hide your face."
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"Still 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 air, I’ll rise."
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"Phenomenal Woman"
"Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size"
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"Alone"
"Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone."
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"To a Man"
"My man is
Black Golden Amber
Changing.
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"When I Think About Myself"
"When I think about myself,
I almost laugh myself to death"
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"Human Family"
"I note the obvious differences
in the human family.
Some of us are serious,
some thrive for comedy."
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Read the entire poem from 'I Shall Not Be Moved'
"Refusal"
"Beloved,
In what other lives or lands
Have I known your lips
Your hands"
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