For Maya: a Tribute To Maya Angelou
Birthed by a stranger whom I’d never met
Held by a family that I had never seen
I could only imagine who I would become
Never could I foresee what I would be deemed
Never could I run and play like a normal child
Because I was not born to a familiar face
Hurt greeted me in the form of memories
So I had to confront hurt everyday
The search was on to find my beginnings
I had lost them in my end
I was told not to be proud of who I was
Because of the color of my skin
Who are you to tell me I’m beautiful
I will not accept that praise
I was born into a ring of fire
My confidence was set ablaze
No one there to filter my speech
So I often spoke alone
White and black only made sense to me
As I watched ink mate with paper in my home
I taught myself to listen vividly
To hear the caged bird sing
I heard the profoundness of her cry
And her praise for the little things
Someone told me I was great
And I believed half to wonderful
I had to simply correct that compliment
And remind them that I was phenomenal
I came to birth as I once was
But something felt different
Doctor told me only of one
But out came millions
Black and white greeted me again
As I hugged my paper and pen
I wanted all my children to feel my love
So I wrote it out and sent them my greatest hug
Don’t cry for my life, Don’t cry for me
I have lived……and still will my legacy
Copyright © Lasheda Wallace | Year Posted 2016
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment