And Still I Rise

by Dr Maya Angelou

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.

Let me humbly say, Thank You for this day I want to thank You. I was once a sinner man, Living unsaved and wild, Taking my chances in a dangerous world, Putting my soul on trial. Because of Your mercy, Falling down on me like rain, Because of Your mercy, When I die I’ll live again, Let me humbly say, Thank You for this day. I want to thank You.

AVEC MERCI, MOTHER From her perch of beauty posing lofty, Sustained upon the plaudits of the crowd, She praises all who kneel and whispers softly, “A genuflection’s better with head bowed.” Among the mass of people who adore her A solitary figure holds her eyes. His salty tears invoke her sweet reaction, “He’s so much like his daddy when he cries.”

My life ain’t heaven

but it sure ain’t hell. I’m not on top but I call it swell if I’m able to work and get paid right and have the luck to be Black on a Saturday night.