After passing away in 2014, Maya Angelou is largely remembered for her activism, as she advocated for racial, sexual, and gender equality alongside the campaigns of pivotal historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Her strong voice and ideals come through in her poetry, many of which highlight the injustices faced by various minority groups. This gained particular attention with her 1978 collection “And Still I Rise”, which ruminates on many of these themes, particularly those pertaining to African American communities.
Explore this curated list of the best Maya Angelou poems, which are certain to fill you with a renewed sense of power and appreciation for African American history, with the accompanying analyses and Poetry PDFs to help you uncover their deeper meanings.
‘Lady Luncheon Club’
Central Message: Challenge superficiality by engaging meaningfully with society and its issues.
Speaker: An omniscient third-person narrator.
This is perhaps the best poem of Angelou’s to begin with, as it allows the reader to fully understand her position on socio-political issues. These are, of course, one of the most major themes in Angelou’s whole oeuvre. This poem in particular features Feminist theming, which is common among Angelou’s works. However, it serves as a basis upon which all of Angelou’s other poems are built. It emphasises the importance of acknowledging and engaging with societal and cultural issues.
She claps her hands and writes
Upon her pad: (Next time the
Speaker must be brief).
Angelou critiques “our woman”, who is disengaged and uninterested in important societal issues. She represents those in society who remain blissfully ignorant and apathetic about the injustices which shape the society they live within. Throughout the poem, her attention is diverted to trivial matters, such as the sweetness of the cake. Perhaps worst of all, the woman allows a man to tell her about womankind: he proclaims that he “understands the female rage”, drawing upon Biblical figures which portray women in a poor light. Angelou underscores the importance of educating oneself and dictating their own position in society. This sentiment is echoed throughout each of her poems.
‘Phenomenal Woman’
Central Message: Self-confidence comes from the acceptance of one’s individuality and femininity.
Speaker: A proud, phenomenal woman.
Keeping with the Feminist theming, this is one of Angelou’s best-known Feminist poems. It is often considered to have been her “personal theme poem”, as she performed it quite often. Angelou challenges society and its standards in this masterful work, questioning why beauty standards for women are so constrictive and demeaning.
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
The speaker of this poem conducts herself with unwavering confidence: although she does not fit the beauty standards cruelly enforced by society by demeaning women, she knows she is attractive. This is evidenced by the envy of other women and the power she holds over men. Angelou highlights the importance of women lifting each other up and empowering one another. In doing this, they can defy the arbitrary standards implemented by society, embracing their individual and unique forms of beauty.
Explore more poems about loving yourself.
‘Woman Work’
Central Message: That which is often considered “women’s work” is arduous and exhausting.
Speaker: An African American mother.
Stemming from frustrations with the characterisation of “women’s work”, this poem highlights the reality of a mother’s life. Her work is difficult and unending, as she rears her children, accommodates guests, provides financially, maintains a house, and provides sustenance for her family. The constant barrage of pressing tasks prevents her from getting any rest: death seems to her like the only alternative, begging, “Let me rest tonight”.
Storm, blow me from here
With your fiercest wind
Let me float across the sky
‘Til I can rest again.
Through this illuminating poem, Angelou highlights the numerous, tiring tasks which constitute ‘Woman Work’. She celebrates the efforts and resilience of women, who are confined to this cycle of work which never really ends. Most notably, there is the mention of multiple children as well as a baby, which highlights that the speaker of this poem is expected to perform all of these tasks despite recently birthing another child.
Discover more poems about motherhood.
‘Our Grandmothers’
Central Message: The historical and contemporary strength of African American women should be celebrated.
Speaker: An African American granddaughter.
This powerful poem fuses two of Angelou’s most prominent themes: Feminism and cultural pride. Through heartbreaking imagery, the speaker details the struggles and efforts of African American matriarchs throughout the ages. Spanning from days of slavery during which they were forced to protect their children from the brutality of slave drivers to the present day, where they remain oppressed. Despite this, their strength is communicated through the strong, unwavering refrain of “I shall not be moved”.
She gathered her babies,
their tears slick as oil on black faces,
their young eyes canvassing mornings of madness.
Angelou highlights the many struggles of African American women: not only must they withstand the horrors of slavery and racism, but they must also face the dangers of being a woman. As this poem progresses into the present day, the grandmother stands outside the “abortion clinic” and is “confounded” by the limited options available to women. They are oppressed by multiple facets of society, yet they remain strong. Angelou celebrates their strength and resilience in this inspiring poem.
Explore more poems about grandmothers.
‘Still I Rise’
Central Message: One should rise up from their past, finding strength in their history.
Speaker: An African American woman.
Undoubtedly one of Angelou’s most popular poems and the namesake of her 1978 poetry collection, ‘Still I Rise’ is a quintessential Angelou poem about African American history and identity. The speaker celebrates these elements of her heritage as she is strengthened by the suffering endured by her ancestors in the past. While she embraces her own identity, she revels in the spitefulness of her strength. She willingly defies the oppression and expectations of those who would seek to keep African American people down.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
In this poem, Angelou highlights that one should embrace their ancestral history and live in spite of those who seek to oppress them. Perhaps the most powerful line of this poem comes in the final stanza: “I am the dream and the hope of the slave”. The speaker lives for her ancestors, seizing the opportunities they have provided for her through all of their fighting and suffering. This demonstrates the importance of cultural identity.
Read more poems about resilience.
‘My Arkansas’
Central Message: Resilience transforms historical burdens into strength.
Speaker: An Arkansas resident.
Like Angelou herself, the speaker of this poem appears to be a native of Arkansas, as reflected in the title. As such, the speaker of this poem could be Angelou herself; they ruminate on the long, troubled past of the state, particularly in relation to its history of racism. This is a common theme throughout many of Angelou’s works, a number of which empower African Americans through their history rather than despite it.
Old hates and
Ante-bellum lace, are rent
But not discarded
However, unlike Angelou’s other works, this poem shows how an area’s history clings to the very environment in which it unfolded. The lasting, devastating impact this history has on the descendants and communities of the affected groups are made manifest as they “pend” on the trees. Despite this constant reminder of the torturous past of African Americans in Arkansas, the title still proclaims a sense of belonging: ‘My Arkansas’. This underscores the importance of remembering one’s history, as it can never be erased.
Discover more poems about racism.
‘Caged Bird’
Central Message: When all other freedoms are taken, all one can do is use their voice.
Speaker: A limited third-person narrator.
There is no doubt that this poem is one of Angelou’s best-written pieces of verse, contrasting two sets of strong, evocative imagery. The poem is an allegory for the enslavement of African American people, depicting them as a “caged bird” whose wings are clipped and feet are bound. This is juxtaposed with the image of a “free bird” who is able to enjoy life in whatever way they choose: this shows the life these people deserved to have.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
In addition to his literal confinement, the “caged bird” is also imprisoned by his own anger. This metaphorical cage obscures his view of the world and changes his perception. Angelou’s descriptions of a “narrow cage”, “clipped wings”, and the “tied” feet are evocative and emotive. This highlights the suffering endured by enslaved African American people as well as the brutality inflicted upon them.
Explore more poems about suffering.
‘One More Round’
Central Message: Work is rewarding when it is for one’s self.
Speaker: An African American worker.
This is a particularly memorable poem due to its form: it presents itself as a work song, with two repeating refrains throughout. However, it of course carries much deeper meanings throughout its text, which is characteristic of Angelou’s poetry. Her passion for African American history is evident in the subtle allusions made to railroad construction, which was performed both under slave labour and by free African Americans during The Great Migration. These details enrich the message of the poem, as the speaker refuses to “be a slave”.
Papa drove steel and Momma stood guard,
I never heard them holler ‘cause the work was hard.
In this poem, Angelou highlights how work is rewarding when it is done for one’s self, but one must be fairly compensated for it. This underscores a sad reality of American history: those who were enslaved were always willing to work, but they were taken advantage of, dehumanised, and abused instead of being treated fairly. The cyclical nature of the poem demonstrates the never-ending requirement of work, which is acknowledged by the speaker in the line “I was born to work up to my grave”. The undertones of African American history which run throughout this poem make it particularly poignant.
Read more poems about slavery.
‘Passing Time’
Central Message: Despite superficial differences, all of humanity is connected.
Speaker: A didactic guide.
Although Angelou certainly produced great poems which comment on the history of African Americans, filled with suffering and adversity, she also demonstrates her ability to change the narrative moving forward. In this short, yet visually striking poem, Angelou contrasts the colours of two individuals’ skin tones. The speaker compares their own skin to “musk”, while the other is likened to “dawn”.
One paints the beginning
of a certain end.
The other, the end of a
sure beginning.
Through the use of beautiful, natural imagery, Angelou highlights the beauty of all races. The skin of one marks a “beginning” while the other marks an “end”, as they come to symbolise the passage of time. Angelou highlights the similarities beneath the differences, which unite all people within humankind.
Explore more poems about acceptance.
‘Ain’t That Bad?’
Central Message: African American culture should be celebrated and embraced.
Speaker: An African American person.
This poem is an energetic celebration of African American culture and identity, throughout which Angelou utilises African American Vernacular English (AAVE). This underlines how Angelou embraces her culture thoroughly, as she celebrates every aspect of it in this poem which creates a sense of community.
Puttin’ down that do-rag
Tighten’ up my ‘fro
Wrappin’ up in Blackness
Don’t I shine and glow?
Notably, the implicit sense of seriousness which runs throughout many of Angelou’s poems concerning race is absent from this poem. It embodies joy and celebration: this highlights the wonderful sense of community created by the group’s shared history, but is unburdened by the weight of it. As such, Angelou shows why she places such emphasis on her culture and cultural identity throughout her poems – a genuine love of her people (contemporary and historical) imbues this poem with a positive tone.
Discover more poems about African American culture and identity.
‘Refusal’
Central Message: Some relationships are fated, recurring in each consecutive life.
Speaker: A devout lover.
While Angelou undoubtedly wrote wonderfully powerful poems which address different socio-political issues, her softer poetry should not go unnoticed. Despite her focus evidently being committed to activist poetry, her romantic verses are incredibly beautiful. This demonstrates Angelou’s versatility as a poet, as her romantic poems feature notable changes in her style.
That we will meet again,
On other worlds some
Future time undated.
I defy my body’s haste.
This poem is unapologetically romantic, conveying one of the most sentimental messages of all time: we are the stars of every love story – but what if we don’t get to be in another? The speaker is resolute in their intention to defy death, allowing them to remain with their “Beloved”. The title shows the speaker’s ‘Refusal’ to be separated from their lover, no matter what it takes. Angelou demonstrates how love can transcend death, as it is reincarnated again and again.
Read more poems about love.
‘Remembrance’
Central Message: Love is all-consuming.
Speaker: A submissive lover.
In another beautiful verse about love, dedicated to Angelou’s husband, the poet describes the desire to preserve one’s memories with their lover. For the speaker, this takes the form of an intense sexual encounter between the couple, who make “magic” together. This poem brims with intimacy, serving as a wonderful example of Angelou’s ability to effectively portray topics which are not centred on activism.
When you have withdrawn
your self and the magic, when
only the smell of your
love lingers between
Angelou’s mastery of intimate verse is most apparent through the gradual transition from delicate, intimate touches in the beginning of the poem, as the lover plays with the speaker’s hair, to an intense tone of sexuality and desire. Due to this poem’s descriptions of a sexual encounter, it could be considered a Feminist text, as it embraces the sexual freedom afforded to female writers by twenty and twenty-first century literature.
Explore more poems about sexuality.
More Poems by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s poetry is treasured for its strength, grace, and unflinching honesty as she confronts difficult topics. Some poems rise with a powerful voice of resilience and hope, while others demonstrate her tenderness as they explore love and relationships. To find more messages of empowerment, reflection, and celebration, you can explore our complete list of Maya Angelou poems, with filters, to help you find the perfect one.
Other Notable Maya Angelou Poems
While this list of the top twelve Maya Angelou poems will help you understand Angelou and her poetry, there are many other poems that are worth exploring. These include:
- ‘Awaking in New York’ – This poem is filled with beautiful imagery, showcasing Angelou’s mastery over the senses. She depicts what it is like to wake up in New York City from a specific point of view.
- ‘When Great Trees Fall’ – In this powerful verse, Angelou speaks about loss as a tragic yet inevitable part of the human experience. When it strikes, it leaves despair and misery in its path.
- ‘Africa’ – This poem uses an extended metaphor to describe the continent of Africa. Angelou draws attention to the complex social-political climate, illuminating the struggles Africa has endured.
- ‘On Aging’ – Maya Angelou explores what it means to get old in this short poem. The speaker is honest and direct, confronting the reader with the truth about age.
- ‘Junkie Monkey Reel’ – This heavy poem is filled with images that make it easy for readers to imagine the impact of severe drug use. Throughout this poem, the poet alludes to the ways that drugs, like heroin, destroy someone’s life.
FAQs
Angelou’s poem ‘Still I Rise‘ is largely regarded to be her most famous poem, as it celebrates resilience and defiance in spite of past struggles. However, many of her poems feature similar themes and have gained significant popularity in their own right.
Maya Angelou was born with the name Marguerite Annie Johnson, but her brother, Bailey, called her “Maya” throughout their childhood. She later adopted this as her preferred name, with the surname “Angelou” coming from her marriage to Tosh Angelos.
Her 1969 memoir, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, brought fame to Angelou, as it gained critical acclaim. It is particularly powerful for its depiction of overcoming racism, sexism, and trauma, which Angelou suffered throughout her early life.
Throughout many of her poems, Angelou’s passion for cultural history is readily apparent. Her reason for writing about this history so often is perhaps alluded to in her poem ‘On the Pulse of Morning’, which states: “History, despite its wrenching pain / Cannot be unlived, but if faced / With courage, need not be lived again”. As such, by confronting this troubled history, Angelou contributed to its prevention in the future.
Absolutely! Angelou’s poems are written in simple, accessible language and are often composed in free verse, meaning they do not follow a strict rhyme or metrical scheme, which can be difficult for new readers to navigate. Angelou’s poems are also great for those beginning to analyse poetry, as she often employs a wealth of literary devices throughout her verse.
