The Poet (for Maya Angelou)

A pillar of grace and dignity, who will be missed...

The Poet's words stood
Apart, as did the Poet
Strong, towering over life
Cutting through the lies
They told and the mountains
They forced her to climb.

At the tops of those mountains
Her voice echoed across the world
Made human the oppressed who overcame
And those whose mean lives lifted
Above the turmoil, showing their majesty.

The Poet's words stood
Apart, echoed into the heart
Of America, into my heart
And echo still.

Author's Note

All comments and suggestions welcome.

Reviews

[Jack Wolfe]

A beautiful tribute, James, to a woman who meant so much, and not only because of her words. Not only the writing community, but the world, lost a great soul.

[J. Land]

Agreed. She was a pillar that cannot be replaced.