This collection includes more than 100 unabridged poems from three previously released volumes: Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Dieread full description
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Jun 10, 2010
Ari
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When reading poems by Maya Angelou it fills me with so much inspiration. Not only do I learn for her poems, but I also try and figure out a way to put what i learn to use in the real world. Her poem "On The Pulse of Morning" was terrific! It was given at the inaguration of President Clinton. It took me by surprise and gave me a different perspective on life and how everyone should be treated fairly and that once you take a different perspective in hand you'll live a better life. The ov
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Nov 15, 2011
Angelou discusses many issues of race and religion in her book. She uses skills that many poets, even I use like alliteration, rhyming and repetition in her poems. But the main area that interested me with Angelou was her skill at working with form. In her book she uses a variety of forms, seemingly never the same twice. In one poem she may have abab rhyme scheme, then the next may have a stanza with two lines then seven. This ability to switch up forms is a valuable one that can aid the reader
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Apr 05, 2009
Nilay
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The first poem I read of Maya Angelou was in Global Literature in 10th grade, when we read "Phenomenal Woman." The powerful literary devices used, especially repetition, made it one of my favorite poems. I was happy when I saw the same poem in this collection of Angelou's poems. The book contains poems on a variety of topics, but I believe Angelou is a feminist writer, and therefore writes poems empowering women. She also includes unforgettable poems that rhyme, deal with past family i
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Dec 20, 2010
We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.
Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.
We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And More...
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.
Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.
We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And More...
Sep 19, 2011
Ali
rated it: 
From Africa to boobies...From death to diamonds at the meeting of thighs...From love to rape.
Maya Angelou surely did live life :)
Although some of the poems are overly slang *lool didn't expected that at all for some reason*, the majority would keep on breaking your heart into a million pieces, and thereafter, find fellow poems, to fix and amend.
I'd love to write down a few poems or so, but I fear it would be blasphemy for the rest of the other poems.
Nevertheless, screw t More...
Maya Angelou surely did live life :)
Although some of the poems are overly slang *lool didn't expected that at all for some reason*, the majority would keep on breaking your heart into a million pieces, and thereafter, find fellow poems, to fix and amend.
I'd love to write down a few poems or so, but I fear it would be blasphemy for the rest of the other poems.
Nevertheless, screw t More...
Apr 07, 2011
Eden
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Maya Angelou certainly has a way with words. In this book of poems, her talent shines through.
Each poem is deep, heartfelt and full of emotion. The words dance in your head and slowly form into pictures. Her poems are filled with images that stick in your head. Images and words that you really don't want to leave.
It was a wonderful collection of poems that has helped me with my own poetry writing. Her words are inspiring.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes po
Each poem is deep, heartfelt and full of emotion. The words dance in your head and slowly form into pictures. Her poems are filled with images that stick in your head. Images and words that you really don't want to leave.
It was a wonderful collection of poems that has helped me with my own poetry writing. Her words are inspiring.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes po
Jan 24, 2012
I thought this book was very touching, and I couldn't stop reading it at all. Especially the part where they talked about how they were send away to go live with another of there family members. Also how they were abused. Maya Angelou struggled so much when she was younger, thats why I look up to her now. That's also why I wanted to read her book.
Aug 17, 2010
Nikki
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I have had this book (along with a few others of hers)for a long time, I got it when I was in 6th or 7th grade. It is worn and torn in place because it has seen alot of love! Although I have read it time and time again, it still has the same effect on me...it gives me chills and makes me cry everytime! Maya is truly amazing with her words!
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Mar 13, 2010
Amber
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This little book contains all of my favorite Maya poems; A Conceit, Phenomenal Woman, Still I Rise, Caged Bird. It is small enough to carry around with you when you're in need of a little inspiration, but complete enough that you don't feel you're missing anything. Great collection from an amazing poet!
Nov 12, 2010
Allison
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After hearing a family friend recite some of Maya Angelou's poems with passion at a family reunion, I instantly wanted to read her works. My mother bought this book for my little sister and I this book and a few more (including the inaugural poem for Billl Clinton). I still have this one!
Dec 10, 2009
Raymond
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"This rocky road is not paved for us,/So, I'll believe in Liberal's aid for us/When I see a white man load a Black man's gun."
I first read this collection some time in the ninties. What sold the book for me were the the lines quoted above from On Working White Liberals. I had been browsing the book when I came upon these lines.
As a "white" liberal, the lines first shocked me with their idea, and then made me consider what I would do. Loading anyone's gun More...
I first read this collection some time in the ninties. What sold the book for me were the the lines quoted above from On Working White Liberals. I had been browsing the book when I came upon these lines.
As a "white" liberal, the lines first shocked me with their idea, and then made me consider what I would do. Loading anyone's gun More...
Mar 26, 2011
Greta
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If you've read enough of Maya Angelou's autobiographies, then you'll appreciate this collection of her poems from 4 books. A little too depressing for my husband to read out loud at bed-time, but he's funny that way. :-)
Sep 16, 2009
Shawnee
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I checked this book out from our local library with high expectations. I have heard about Maya Angelou for years now, so I thought I was missing something by not introducing my homeschool student to her poems.
I've changed my train of thought on that one for sure. This book sucked. I honestly don't know how she became so famous, because I was thoroughly disappointed.
I've changed my train of thought on that one for sure. This book sucked. I honestly don't know how she became so famous, because I was thoroughly disappointed.
Jan 01, 2009
Joel
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Minus one star for her poem about how she loves meat, how vegetarians are sickly, and how without meat life is unsatisfying. What a shallow point of view from such a brilliant woman.
Jan 25, 2009
Ben
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This collection of Maya Angelou's poems is great. It contains many of her well-known poems like "Phenomenal Woman." When I read "Phenomenal Woman in my global literature class, I found it to be quite an eye-catching poem. When I saw it again in this book, I went straight to the page and started reading it. This book is definitely a must-read for those who enjoy reading poems by Maya Angelou or just enjoy reading poetry in general. I also recommend this book with a wide variety of
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Feb 01, 2009
Stacie
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Good insight into her beautiful transformation from segregated southern child to profoundly graceful, tolerant, and understanding woman.
Dec 11, 2011
Fenny
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dear Maya Angelou, your words are curing and such marvelous.. I love all the poetry... the best one about Man we love....
Feb 28, 2009
Ann
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My favorite poem so far, has been chosen ever since I read this book. Still Like Air I'll Rise
Aug 20, 2010
Janice
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Excellent Read!! I was not disappointed with a single poem. Maya Angelou is the master.
Feb 11, 2010
Eric Vincent
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Maya Angelou has touched my heart with her poetry since 10th grade. Angelou writes poems that make sense and poems that will always be relvant in society. I would recommend this book to anybody beacuse it really makes you think. every poem is in there for a reason and none of them are just to fill space. It took me a few months to read and understand this book. It was amazing.
Dec 16, 2009
Elena
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Phenomenal Woman is one of my favorite poems.
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.
Oct 28, 2008
I've gone back to this book of poems as much as a good Christian should go to their bible. It is in its own way a bible to me. I go to laugh, to cry, to pray...
