Maya Angelou quotes

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide

You may write me down in history

And every goodbye ain’t gone.

Does my sassiness upset you?

My spirit is the surge of open seas.

I was born to work but I ain’t no mule.

Nostalgia is not my forté

Because I love to live.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

’Cause tired don’t mean lazy

But ain’t I lucky I can still breathe in.

You’re all that I can call my own.

I rise

Shine on me, sunshine

I keep on dying again.

I’m the rustle in the autumn leaves.

I will not deign to die.

I never learned to spell it.

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave

The past is brighter yet.

But getting up stays on my mind

I was your sister.

Don’t bring me no rocking chair.