My Ode to Maya

More than the words she wrote
Dr. Maya Angelou gave me hope
You taught me to believe
That which is for me I would receive
Even though there were kids to tend
And clothes to mend
Rise up, you phenomenal woman she said
Don't you quiver and don't you dare bend
Stand up straight
Unlock the gate
You hold the key
Let them all see
Your beauty unfold
You've broken the mold
Of the Mother, the Sister,
The Woman, the listener,
The Daughter, the lover
Unparalleled to any other
Do not hide your face
Or your curvy shape
Your kinky hair
Wear it with flair
Walk the walk
And talk the talk
Jump higher than expected
Grace was resurrected
Just for you
And for all you do
When the storm comes
You will face the conundrum
For the free bird leaps
And the caged bird weeps
You are no imprisoned canary
You are extraordinary
Pick up your pen
Write from within
Put the babies down for a spell
You have a story to tell
And dear child when you tell it
You tell it well

When it comes down to the truth
I am the proof
Of a life changed by the eloquent Maya
And for that, I aspire to reach higher
Rest in peace beloved one
It's my turn to run
Pass me the baton
And I will carry on
Spreading the words of hope
On the air I will float
I will rise
I will sing
I will never forget a thing
I will always remember
Dr. Maya Angelou in all her beauty and splendor