I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

by Maya Angelou

She encouraged me to listen carefully to what country people called mother wit. That in those homely sayings was couched the collective wisdom of generations.

At fifteen life had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice.

“hoped for the best, was prepared for the worst, so anything in between didn't come as a surprise.”