My padlet by Leigh Robins

Introduce your poet and why you choose this person to explore

leighr25_1 — 2024-08-31 21:55:26 UTC

I chose the poet Maya Angelou. Maya Angelou was an American, born in 1928, who published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry. Angelou is most known for her ability to speak up about the challenges she faced growing up as a Person of Colour. I chose her as my person to explore because I have previously read her poems and found them not only well-written but also completely captivating. I chose her so that I was able to explore poems of hers that I hadn't read before.

For one poem, select an image you find complements it. Add the relevant lines and try to avoid being literal.

leighr25_1 — 2024-08-31 22:02:49 UTC

"I know that with each other we can make ourselves whole"

"let's come together in this meeting ground"

"despite the history of pain

We are a going-on people"

"They say, draw near to one another"

For another poem, include a powerful line and the reason you find it powerful.

leighr25_1 — 2024-08-31 22:13:03 UTC

In the poem, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, one of the most powerful and impactful lines is "his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing". I believe it is a powerful line because it symbolizes resistance and resilience. While the free bird represents the people who experience freedom, the caged bird represents those who are oppressed and denied freedom. Though it says that the caged birds' "wings are clipped...feet are tied" it still sings, in which the act of singing becomes a form of expression and resistance. Even when physically restrained, the caged bird’s spirit is unbroken, and it continues to voice its longing for a better life.

For another, explore your thoughts on the significance of the title.

leighr25_1 — 2024-08-31 22:15:04 UTC

The poem "Touched By an Angel", discusses the significance of love and describes how love brings light, freedom, and joy into people's lives. I believe that the title equates love to an angelic and powerful force. An angel symbolizes protection, guidance, and peace and by referring to love as an "angel," Angelou emphasizes its magic and the life-changing effect it can have on those who experience it. "Touched by an Angel" is simply another way of stating that someone has experienced the joy of being loved.

For another, provide a profile of the speaker in whatever medium you’d prefer.

leighr25_1 — 2024-08-31 22:32:00 UTC

In Maya Angelou's poem "Men," the speaker, Angelou, reflects on the complexity of her thoughts on men. The speaker presents a nuanced view, in which she acknowledges both their strengths, and their flaws. Her tone is that of someone experienced and wise, one who has been hurt too many times. Her tone is not judgemental or angry, but rather informative and curious. The speaker attempts to convince readers to think about men's role in this world, and warns them, while also inviting curiosity.

For the poem you haven’t yet explored, share the intended audience of the speaker of the poem. Is it a specific person? A group of people? Who needs to hear it?

leighr25_1 — 2024-08-31 22:39:25 UTC

Angelou's "Still I Rise" is directed to two major audiences, the oppressors and the opressed. Though she speaks directly towards the oppressors, using the words "you may do this but I...", she is writing the poem for people like her to see how determined she was to rise above the hate. The poem challenges "the oppressors" to acknowledge the strength of those they seek to suppress, while also encouraging empowerment and self-affirmation for the marginalized. Angelou’s affirmations of rising, despite obstacles, are meant to inspire and uplift those who have gone through similar things as her.