dirty, dark urges
stole all of my firsts
I was too little,
too young
to fight
how could I
let my soul shine
bruised and bleeding
doubting
my worth
feeling deserving
of my poor,
white
plight
how could I
let my soul shine
foul, muscled hands
muffled my cries
in the night
somehow I knew to
let my soul shine
living in darkness
that tried to
smother
all light
I had to try to
let my soul shine
i couldn’t make them love me
try
as I might
still, I had to
let my soul shine
from my family’s cage
at fourteen,
this bird
finally
took flight
to freely
let my soul shine
⊗
~Melanie Blackwell
To say I felt an emotional connection with Maya Angelou’s poetry would be an understatement.
The above poem is my meager tribute to a phenomenal woman. I leave you with a quote.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
― Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter
Wordifull 
You may not forget the events that tried to smother your very breath, but you made a choice not to allow the memories of the utter cruelty dominate the rest of your life. Even at 5, your soul knew instinctively there existed something other than darkness,which guided you internally toward your eventual flight at 14. And now the power of your pen guides the world toward the same light which empowers all flights from the world of darkness, either experienced deep down inside or in our physical surrounding. Your pen is the mighty sword of justice shining for liberty for all. That’s how powerful your own flight is. Thank you for your unshakeable stand!
Every pause in this poem stands for unknown amount of time when clenched teeth fail to distract enough…
Thank you for that.
Definitely a phenomenal woman, even at fourteen! 🙂 To escape and fly from a trap is worthy of a medal, it’s amazing how many never do, and mainly because they can’t find the will to believe in themselves and the fact that they are correct. I wonder sometimes why it is that some of us birds rise up and find the strength to escape and while others stay exactly where they are. I’m pretty determined never to reduced by my past events. If anything I’m sure they give me fuel to keep moving forward to where I want to end up! 🙂
Why, thank you 😉 I think maybe it comes to innateness… i always knew things weren’t right so that gave me the courage to leave.
I loved her too my friend… This too will pass… You indeed have her abilities…
Thank you so much, blushing here…as i don’t think i can compare.
Deep and tragic Melanie.
Thank you as always, my friend. 🙂
You’re welcome. 🙂
Nothing can dim your light. Nothing. You are a shining beacon Melanie. Your poetry is a voice that exposes the truth and lights the way for others. This poem is a lovely tribute to Maya Angelou. You know how I feel about this. Wings out, sword in hand. Hugs my sweet friend.
Huge hugs! Thank you so much, always.
Maya Angelou is amazing and her words give me strength as well. You are a phenomenal writer and woman also (hugs) Reading this was painful (hits so close to home) but it was also empowering the repeated verse was very effective
Thank you so much my dear, sweet friend. Hugs back to you 🙂 I’m so sorry that this hit so close and I’m glad you also found the empowerment.
I read your poetry and I cry. That is how powerful your word are Melanie.
You are too kind, thank you.
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