Myra here.
As we continue with our current bimonthly theme Rainbow Colors of Diversity: Voices of the Silenced allow me to share one of Maya Angelou’s poems with you.
I found this book in the library when my 12 year old daughter had a Poetry unit in her Literature class. I wanted her to be more familiarized with the lyrical beauty of Maya Angelou’s verse. Poetry Friday is hosted this week by Julie Larios from the Drift Record.
I thought that this particular poem was particularly fitting especially since March is Women’s Month. This book is edited by Edwin Graves Wilson and illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue. There is a comprehensive introduction that looked into the life of Maya Angelou, her literary influences, and the stories that shaped the woman that she is. I took a photo of the page and edited it using an iPhone app.
Woman Work by Maya Angelou
Don’t you feel this way at times? Stretched to the point of infinity, the chores never-ending? Yet despite the predominantly hurried tone of the poem, I found peace in the sunshine, the rain, and the moon glow. Absolutely beautiful.
I was suddenly reminded of Tracy Chapman’s song entitled “Woman’s Work.” Enjoy, dear friends.
Gathering Books 
Her “to do list” is staggering, isn’t it? It’s a good thing she takes time for herself in the middle to enjoy the cooling rain and the curving sky.
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“Storm, blow me from here/with your fiercest wind”-what a gorgeous poem of reflection, Myra. Will send this to my daughter who has had a harried week. My mother, one of five, always spoke of when they were young, my grandmother took a walk every day after dinner. No one could go with her, it was “her” walk. I always thought it was how she survived, that one little time of the day that was hers. Thanks for this-beautiful!
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Nice! I love it! 🙂
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Wow, haven’t thought about Tracey Chapman in years. What a talent, along with the amazing Maya 🙂
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That’s a winning combination of poet and songstress, Myra.
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Perfect post for the first day of spring break, when I can leave all the “got-to”s behind and throw my energy into the “want-to”s!
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I love Tracy Chapman–and Maya Angelou’s not too shabby, either! And this put me in mind of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” (http://youtu.be/7TupvVpxY_U), a haunting song about a childbirth crisis–although it could be read other ways, too.
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I love this combination, and love how Maya Angelou brings music, as well as her roots as a dancer, into her poetry.
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Hi, Myra. Yes, I DO feel that way. My husband has been a great partner in sharing household chores and is a hands-on parent — lucky me. But this poem still strikes a chord. It’s good to sometimes step away from the busy-ness.
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Maya Angelou and Tracy Chapman, how could I resist stopping? They are both amazing. Having two daughters I always hope they will know strong role models and understand how hard women have worked to get to where they are today. I don’t really want them taking any of that for granted. Thanks for sharing this Women’s Month post.
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“Storm, blow me from here/With your fiercest wind/Let me float across the sky/Till I can rest again.” Damn, that’s good. Nice choice to let this poem share the stage with Tracy Chapman too… a wonderful post, Myra. Thank you.
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