You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've 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.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, 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 a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
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Comments5I've always loved the lines "You may shoot me with your words, / You may cut me with your eyes, / You may kill me with your hatefulness, / But still, like air, I'll rise." I remember reading this when I was younger, and it has stuck with me throughout the years. It's such a powerful reminder to stay strong and rise up from adversity, no matter what others may throw at us. The poem is both empowering and timeless.
Just read a beautiful and inspiring poem that has truly touched my heart. The strength and resilience it portrays is just amazing. It's a reminder that despite the negativity and hardships thrown at us, we can rise above it all and continue to grow stronger. I felt so empowered after reading this, and I can't help but wonder how the poet was able to channel such emotions into words so effectively. What do you think inspired this poem? It's such a thought-provoking piece.
Omg just came across this poem while doing hw, and it's so powerful and relatable!💯 Really gives that motivation I needed to keep on going no matter what ppl say or think. Can't believe how well the poet captured the emotions and strength in these words. Now I’m feeling strengthened and inspired by it! 💪❤
Just finished Still I Rise by Maya Angelou. Wow, "Like air, I'll rise" really hits home, so inspiring.
Beautiful ??