Her words were timeless, and her lines never got old. I
guess I thought she would last forever. But alas, Maya Angelou is gone now, and
the world has a bit of a hole left no one else can quite fill.
I met Maya Angelou on the pages of her book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings when I
was quite young. I was fascinated by her writing and became a fan. By the time
I was teaching I had read everything she had written and continued to follow
her. All of our literature textbooks had something by Miss Maya. I did not let
my students read a poem and then move on. I made them not just meet but know this woman. In days
when others were dropping spelling tests from lesson plans, I still pushed for spelling and
vocabulary. When we read Maya Angelou I made her name a spelling word because I
wanted them to pronounce the name correctly and to spell it right. They would
never forget her.
Several years ago, I was in a silent auction where the only
thing I wanted was a signed poem by this author. Another lady had WAY too much
money as she drove the price completely beyond of my means! I was distraught for
sure. So I set down and told Miss Angelou how sad I was to miss the
opportunity to have her signed work and explained how she was studied not
merely read in my classroom.
In only a matter of weeks I got a letter and a package in
the mail. Inside were TWO signed poems. I nearly fainted. But how nice of her
to give me enough that I could share, as I framed the extra for a close friend
who loved Maya Angelou’s work too.
Tonight we feel sorrow for our loss, but soon we will
realize the voice we loved will always sing to us in the words she left behind.
We will feel her music and sway to her dance with each poem we read aloud.
Heaven has a new poet, but she left behind many great words and works to
keep us company while she is gone. Good bye, Miss Maya!
13 comments:
That is a sweet personal connection you have with Maya Angelou; I have loved her writing and her zest for life for many years too. I mention her in my blog post today.
And it was a copy of "Still I Rise." Presidential inaugurations have not been the same (and never as good) since SHE read that poem.
It is a great loss...
The world is diminished with her passing, but richer because she was here.
And your lovely story only re-inforces my feelings about her. Thank you - and her.
What a beautiful story, Claudia! There ARE some people in this world who are genuine.....and I've just read about TWO of them. You and Maya!
What a lovely story, Claudia. You said you thought she would last forever. She will, in her many beautiful words.
What a lovely tribute, Claudia, and what a generous act by such a talented woman. She will be missed and remembered by many.
What a special memory and a wonderful tribute to a beautiful woman.
What a great story! And what a great thing you did for your students. They won't be among those who ask, "Who's that?" when someone mentioned her death. xoxo
I am touched by her words and YOURS.
Oh, my! How wonderful to have such a treasure! Mostly I'm impressed that it represents her HEART! She was the "real thing"!
I meant to tell you, I picked up "Wish You Were Here" (Steward O'Nan). After reading Amazon re. "Emily, Alone", I decided to read this one first. Have you read it?
Nice post - and what a woman!
This is a heartfelt and truly beautiful tribute, Claudia. In the classroom, Maya Angelou was not a writer who reached the minds and hearts of females; her messages crossed gender, racial and social lines and changed the world, one caged thought at a time.
You have a wonderful gift from her! How cool is it to have TWO signed poems by this tremendous lady! Your letter to her must have struck a chord! Your final paragraph is a lovely and powerful farewell.
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