Maya Angelou reads her poetry
Maya Angelou’s charisma, graciousness and intimate humor were evident when she read her poetry, powerfully bringing to life the words on the page. Her experience as a singer and actress were evident: She moved up and down the emotional register, holding her audiences rapt and bringing them close. While she is gone, her work remains. See her poetry in the clips below.
"On the Pulse of Morning"
Maya Angelou reads her inaugural poem "On the Pulse of Morning," written for President Bill Clinton’s inauguration, 1993. Credit: Courtesy William J. Clinton Presidential Library
"Still I Rise"
Maya Angelou pays tribute to Andrew Young on his 75th birthday by reciting her poem "Still I Rise."
"I'm A Rainbow in Somebody Else’s Cloud"
Maya Angelou reads "I'm A Rainbow in Somebody Else’s Cloud" during her keynote speech at the Children's Defense Fund National Conference on July 25, 2012. The recitation was the prelude to the National and Racial Healing Town Hall plenary session that included Trayvon Martin's parents.
"Phenomenal Woman"
Maya Angelou reads her poem "Phenomenal Woman" on OWN. Photo credit: Nell Redmond / Associated Press