I came across "Still I rise" by Maya Angelou recently again, and was able to analyze it in-depth. Whoops!
I could feel the self-confidence emanating from within, and that resonated deeply within me.
I love me a confident woman like Maya Angelou! No wonder she fought heavily with her pen.
Even though this poem was written in times of the African Americans experiencing oppression and slavery, it is very much relevant for our current individual experiences to encourage and reinforce self-confidence, and maybe for women empowerment.
The poem was trying to express activism and spur resilience and confidence among the blacks, and to give them hope amidst the inhumane treatments they were facing from the whites who had enslaved them.
I tell you, the poem is still relevant today, and in a different context as intended by the poet.
I'd like to correlate it with the experience of people getting oppressed or demeaned or frustrated or discriminated especially due to wrong and or negative notions; like Maya Angelou, you would always rise.
Also are the people (women) who still struggle with self-love and confidence, or for people who still allow the cynicism of others affect their output or disallow them from being themselves, this poem will enliven your resilient spirit and freedom to 'be' everyday.
Excerpt of "Still I Rise" below, enjoy!
"Does my sassiness upset you?...
'Cause I walk like I have got oil wells
pumping in my living room....
Just like moons and like suns ,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
....
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
....
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from the a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
....
I rise"
If you had like to watch the poet perform it, check this link where I posted on my FB: Maya Angelou Performing
Enjoy fam!