Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Remembering Maya Angelou



Maya Angelou


I don't need to write a big long post about this hero of mine, this hero in every way - feminist, humanist, author extraordinaire, genius, inspiration to get up and keep going.

I can't remember when I read "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings".  All I know is it was a long time ago and it changed me.


Forever.

I am not sure if anything ever left Maya's lips that wasn't whispers of the divine, 'cause it sure felt like that to me.

by Maya Angelou




Maya has been unwell for quite some time, and I like to imagine her today, shoes off, having a good long walk and a good long visit with those she has loved.

A remarkable woman, a remarkable life, a remarkable legacy.  

I'd say rest in peace, Maya, but somehow, I have the sneaking suspicion you are fixing things wherever you are.

xoxo wendy

27 comments:

  1. Lovely tribute to an extraordinary woman. She's definitely fixing what needs fixing.

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  2. Such strength and eloquence. NPR's Here and Now rebroadcast an interview wherein Maya describes elective muteness as an addiction. Please Google same and listen, but first grab some tissues.

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  3. I love this tribute to an amazing woman! She is certainly fixing things!

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  4. Hello Wendy,

    This is a delightful tribute to an absolutely incredible woman. She transcended her times, the norms and the attitudes of her generation to offer an alternative way. This is definitely worthy of copying although one suspects that her shoes will not be filled easily.

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    1. Jane and Lance - so true - so many of the heroines of those times are getting on. Time for the rest of us to step up!

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  5. Her words and voice, what a voice, will not fade, or pass, or be forgotten.

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    1. BB - I know - her voice was amazing! When I would be driving and listening to the own network on satellite radio and I'd hear Maya's show I would always leave it there. Didn't care what she was talking about - just wanted to hear her voice!

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  6. She was remarkable. I did not realize that she taught at WakeForest for 30 years. I am imagining you in her poetry class! I've heard that Oprah considered her a mother figure,too.

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    1. Lane! I would have loved to have taken one of her classes. Even a dinner would have been amazing. What a life!

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  7. Beautiful! Thank you for posting this. We have lost a bright light, but her words will continue to brighten our world forever.

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  8. Her voice was compelling, not her literary voice, but her dramatic voice. It is easy to dissect her work and find it does not deliver on the promise of the voice. But she still knew what her cards were and she finessed her talent into a reputation and a legacy which at the time of her passing is probably enough to say.

    She was also pro-life and a proud gun owner.

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  9. What a remarkable woman. It must have been amazing to be around her.
    Nice tribute Wendy.

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  10. What an amazing woman and an amazing life.

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  11. She was a true star and she will be missed. Thank you for a loving tribute to her legacy, Wendy!

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  12. I haven't read much of her work, other than the occasional excerpt in a magazine, or that of many other noted authors as I never find the time to sit down with a book. After reading her obits today and learning more of her life story, I want to read " I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings". I always enjoyed listening to her voice. She had the most lovely speaking voice and the heart of a teacher. Maybe I should get the book on tape. That way I could listen to her beautiful voice tell the story.

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    1. SC - that's a great idea! Hmm I might reread it the same way - it's been a LONG time since I read it!

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  13. A wonderful tribute to an exceptional woman.

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