Still I Rise (After Maya Angelou)

My queen, your whole body has been draped in diamonds
Because you are like the main prize and a jewel. Men and
Women alike are worshiping the ground you are walking
On because you are drawing attention, not for the money
You have or for fame you want or because you are a lion
At the head of the pack, but because you will always stand
On a solid footing with a permanent smile. You are talking
As if you are made from the essentials of gold and honey.

You do not need anyone telling you that you have power
Within you to stand up to the rest of this world who is
Telling you that your body is too imperfect with a spirit
That is too wild or untamable and with eyes that are too
Wide open. Darling, you will always pray for your flower
To bloom away from all the sidewalk cracks and from his
Smudged fingertips that once gripped your neck to limit
Your voice. He cannot take your newfound hope or blue

Sky streaked with warm sunlight during the day and stars
Filling your mind with dreams for a new tomorrow. When
When you look in the mirror you do not see his imprint or
Their shadows that try to make you feel like nothing. They
Do not know that you have emerged from written memoirs
Of your ancestors with their spilt blood, but you once again
Have already begun writing with your blood and hand your
Own stories. That is why you are here. You are here to stay

And etched into history. They may try to shoot you down
With their words, but you still rise and wear the crown.


#MayaAngelou