May be, as black, you lived in slavery;
May be, as young, you stayed in penury;
May be, you were victim of usury,
But still like dust, you rose again surely!
No more could anyone offend you more;
World's twisted lies couldn't give you eyesore;
God opened you another newer door;
And so you rose with courage in hearts core.
Despair couldn't hurt you like it did in past;
Hereafter, your eyes will never be downcast;
With God's grace, you've overcome lacks at last;
And so you rose like dust again quite fast.
No words unkind can hurt your sullen heart;
No glare from eyes unnerves you though by art;
No hatred cows you down whenev'r you start;
Still you rose like dust before you depart.
God gave you talents much more than you thought;
Your heart-ache's gone and God has changed your lot;
Nothing deterred your phoenix-rise and slot;
You rose like dust for your wars were well fought!
A tribute to the (late) Poetess Maya Angelou
Copyright by Dr John Celes 2-06-2014
Dr John Celes
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/still-you-rose-a-tribute-to-maya-angelou/
