Tribute: Maya Angelou

(Dedication: To the memory of a great woman and poet Maya Angelou whose life story was poetry in motion, and whose poetry spoke to our collective humanity. We will cherish your lovely words and your inspirational courage.) ----------------------------------------------------------- Tears for a voice lost, a timeless treasure; Rest for the woman who loved and lived zest; Icon of hope tossed who lived full measure; Bearer of bold plans with words for life's quest; Urgent voice touching our tribulations; Truth poured in plain words in simple outbursts; Empath whose writings stirred true compassion. Touching and healing the pains of man's thirst; Offering fond hope in a life well-lived. A lovely woman and a fond teacher: Poet living sure scope beyond pain to give; Open to dare befriend and yet no preacher; Embraced a full life, zeal sans self-pity; Truly a grand jive for a life story. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meet the face that smiles with lines deeply etched; Always with a touch of sincere kindness; Yielding a sure style in demeanor sketched; Aptly highlights much in plain tenderness. Appease our distress with words your soul sums; Note our sufferings as "the caged bird sings" -- Glimpse and then confess the pain that strings psalms; Eclipse harsh grieving beyond what life flings; Linger in your words you bequeath to man; Offers of true sight: tint, shade or hue paid; Urgent message heard for love to attend. Rest now in the light where rainbows are laid: In-sync with a tune as poesy well-voiced; Primal wild perfume that blesses sure choice. Leon Enriquez 28 May 2014 Singapore (Note: This poem is an Acrostic Sonnet.)