About the Book

A beautiful and inspiring collection of poetry by Maya Angelou, author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS and "a brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman" (BARACK OBAMA).

"I write about being a Black American woman, however, I am always talking about what it's like to be a human being. This is how we are, what makes us laugh, and this is how we fall and how we somehow, amazingly, stand up again" Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou's poetry - lyrical and dramatic, exuberant and playful - speaks of love, longing, partings; of Saturday night partying, and the smells and sounds of Southern cities; of freedom and shattered dreams.

Critical Acclaim

"Her poetry is just as much a part of her autobiography as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and the volumes that follow." Kirkus

"It is true poetry she is writing . . . it has an innate purity about it, unquenchable dignity" M. F. K. Fisher