The Inspirational: "Still I Rise" - A poem by Maya Angelou

(Image Courtesy: PBS.org: Link) 

Considered as one of the most influential creative figures in America, Dr. Maya Angelou offers a deep and powerful poetic piece with "Still I Rise".
This metaphoric composition captures a perspective of an African woman who struggled in coping with the harsh reality and unfairness in the circumstances of her life, but remains to be optimistic and unbroken by the pressures that bestows upon her. The women in question then questioning those that doubted and judged her, if they felt threaten or intimidated by her character and composure, before she reminds them why she cannot be underestimated.

Angelou's poem is both inspiring and influential among many women, including the women of color. Here is Nicki Minaj reciting her poem at the A&E "Shining A Light Concert" her. Check out the video and see the poem below. 

(Courtesy: Nicki Minaj Reads "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou | Shining A Light Concert | A&E: Link )

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history 

With your bitter, twisted lies, 

You may tread me in the very dirt 

But still, like dust, I'll rise. 

Does my sassiness upset you? 

Why are you beset with gloom? 

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells 

Pumping in my living room. 

Just like moons and like suns, 

With the certainty of tides, 

Just like hopes springing high, 

Still I'll rise. 

Did you want to see me broken? 

Bowed head and lowered eyes? 

Shoulders falling down like teardrops. 

Weakened by my soulful cries. 

Does my haughtiness offend you? 

Don't you take it awful hard 

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines 

Diggin' in my own back yard. 

You may shoot me with your words, 

You may cut me with your eyes, 

You may kill me with your hatefulness, 

But still, like air, I'll rise. 

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? 

Out of the huts of history's shame 

I rise 

Up from a past that's rooted in pain 

I rise 

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, 

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. 

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear 

I rise 

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear 

I rise 

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, 

I am the dream and the hope of the slave. 

I rise 

I rise 

I rise.

Maya Angelou 

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