Cappuccino Soul

Cappuccino Soul

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

R.I.P. Queen Mother Maya Angelou


My heart is sad today after hearing the news that Queen Maya Angelou has passed away. Rest in Peace dear Queen. You helped me grow up as a woman, writer, and mother. I'll never forget you and the gift you gave to me and so many other little girls and women around the world.

Rest in Peace dear Lady
suu re (Yoruba)

Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

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.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise

I rise. 

4 comments:

ARW said...

RIP Sista. You inspired over the years as a Black woman going harsh stuff almost just like you.

Cappuccino Soul said...

I know she is resting well. She deserves it....and her legacy continues.

Anonymous said...

queen mother maya angelou one of the true traditional elders. have you read letter to my daughter by her? my husband surprised me with it. it was one i didn't have by her in my library. i read it in one sitting.

your daughter is so beautiful. you are a strong influence to her.

Cappuccino Soul said...

Sister,

Queen mother Maya Angelou was like a mother figure for me -- a spiritual and creative mother figure. Her autobiographies changed my life. I am immensely grateful to her for her wisdom, inspiration, and courage.

Yes, I take motherhood very seriously and give my daughter all I have to give. I'm very proud her her. :-)

Thank you sister,
Alicia