Poet's Elegy

Maya Angelou 1928-2014

Lament

the stillness

of her pen

and mourn

the empty pages

waiting

to nurture

unborn lyrics…

in her memory

cry out

the legacy

of her voice

until the echo

shakes

the stars

from the heavens

Reviews

[kublakhan27]

I've had this in my bookmarks for the longest time and was hoping to get a review in while the news of her death was still fresh...having this said, these are obviously timeless sentiments that none of us will ever forget...I wish I could say more but it's all in the poem...if I had to pick a poetic trademark of yours, it's an ability to convey a world of emotion in short, succinct pieces, whereas I have to write a book to arrive at the essence of what I really want to say haha A gorgeous tribute that surely would have made her proud...lovely work my friend.

[Rita L. Sev]

I was actually reminded of Maya Angelou today; we went into one of the few remaining bookstores in the area where they have a display of her work. She certainly was an amazing soul... Steve, thank you so much for your kind words. It means so much to me that you appreciate what I try to do here.

[Benita-Staebell M - Kin..]

Wow so beautiful she would of loved this.


bravo nicely penned.


Beautiful lines here.

Lament

the stillness

of her pen

and mourn

the empty pages

waiting

to nurture

unborn lyrics…


Blessings. kindred poet

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Kindred Poet.

[Benita-Staebell M - KindredPoet]

You're very welcome. It's my pleasure always. Blessings. Kindred poet

[J. K. Beach]

Oh, this is beautiful! She would have loved it so. I was lucky enough to have her for a class at Wake Forest University back in the (let's just say last century) and I have adored her ever since. I am saddened at her passing, but If I live my life one/one thousandth as well as she did, I will consider it a success. Did I say that I love this? Now I'm crying all over again... Thank you.

[Rita L. Sev]

Wow - I am in awe that you had a class with her! She was an incredible role model, and will always be an inspiration. Thank you so much for your kind words, JK.

[Beccy]

I recall at seventeen, (two decades ago now,) reading 'I know why the caged bird sings.' It was part of the curriculum on a short course of American studies, which also included work by Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, both of whom I admire very much.

This is a lovely and very timely elegy to a talented poet who overcame much in her life.

Beccy.

[Rita L. Sev]

That sounds like it was a great class! Thank you very much, Beccy.

[m.s.early]

This is a beautiful tribute to wonderful, powerful, and necessary contributor to our culture. It is my opinion that reading her should be mandatory in K12 education. Thank you for sharing this with us :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Xavier - I do introduce Maya to my 7th grade class - glad you approve! :)

[Troy Henson]

I do love tributes Rita and this one is just perfect, beautiful and so much more. The tone, flow and scheme of this one certainly age it true feeling. Absolutely beautiful.

Regards
Troy

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Troy

[Woody]

as I'm not very much into poetry, I admit my ignorance. I don't know this lady but I'll look her up.
the poem is written in such a beautiful, soulful, moving way. I find the words you used quite stunning.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Woody - she was one of a kind, and was a living treasure for so many poets... Yes, look her up. Her words were inspiring.

[Woody]

you're welcome Rita and certainly will.

[00000000000000000000000..]

This is very beautiful Rita:)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Jon!

[0000000000000000000000000000]

Yeah she was an awesome lady:) Your welcome:)

[Aethereal]

This is a brilliant tribute. Your first verse inspire me to use some of your words to write this tiny gift song-poem for you:

Empty Pages

Lonely empty pages
mourn for their old friend,
one lost to the Ages,
sage who held the pen.

[Rita L. Sev]

I do think about the poems she still had inside her... Thank you, Aethereal.

[Frieda P]

Brilliant and poignant homage paid to one of the great women of our time Rita, how I've missed your observant words. She was truly a gem as is this tribute!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Frieda. It's so good to see you!

[Frieda P]

Thanks Rita, so good to read you! I have missed all your positivity. ;-)