When I learned of the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou this morning, I was deeply saddened. I believe it is safe to say that a large portion of the world is mourning her death.
When my granddaughter mentioned this afternoon, that she had read 'I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings', I told her that I had also read the book at a young age. I was mistaken, I was actually 18 years old when I read the book. I realized later, that reading that book took me back to my childhood.
I remember how surprised I was to find out that this story would take place in Stamps, Arkansas. Momma and her family lived in and around Stamps after leaving South Carolina, and before moving to Texas. While growing up, we would visit the few remaining relatives at least once a year. They had a huge peach orchard, and we always had plenty of canned peaches in the pantry. They also made a very limited supply of peach wine that was delicious.
I was fascinated by the mere possibility that I had traveled the same roads as this gifted and talented woman.
Of course, by the end of the first few paragraphs, I knew that this story would touch my very core. I personally understood so many of her feelings.
I so completely related to this child making the decision to simply cease to speak.
If I could have managed to do so, I would have done exactly the same.
I fell in love with the voice of Maya Angelou.
I love the art of expression in any form. I LOVE the art of storytelling. I love words that come from the heart of the artist. Sometimes, words are just beautifully strung together; this is an amazing gift. There are also words that you just KNOW flowed straight from somewhere deep inside the artist.
I have never met either a man or woman who ever read her work, or heard her speak, and were not touched in some positive way.
You just know..
Maya Angelou's poetry introduced me to a level of poetry I had never experienced. Her spoken words flowed with the same cadence as a beautiful song filled with melodies that touch your very soul.
The fact that she always remained humble, made it possible for her wisdom and insight to make a genuine impact on her readers/listeners.
Maya Angelou's work has done more to build the confidence and self-esteem of Black women than any one person I am aware of.
Her words have provided both permission, and a guide that helps all women to accept, love and embrace who they are.
God gave her a voice and the words to lift spirits, teach the life lessons she had learned, and to share her wisdom and love with others,
She will be greatly missed.
Her words will live forever.
Thank you Father, for sharing her with us.
