Power Within

The very first moment I experienced my power at work was when I was a sophomore. I was taking a performing arts and writing elective that I greatly enjoyed, we wrote poetry, speeches, even a couple raps. At the very end of that semester we had to write a piece about our history and how define ourselves that would have to be memorized and performed in front of the whole school at one of our community meetings. I was so nervous before I performed, I had so much going on in my life and so much distraction that I felt like no one would understand my poem or even care. As I started to get through the first 5 lines I relaxed and delivered one of the best performances of my life for which I received great praise. I felt a great power flow through me because that is when I truly realized that I am solely in control of how people view me.

A moment in my life where I lost power was when I got kicked out of my house. I felt so weak because I felt like I had no control over my situation. No matter my opinion or the truths I had to speak no one would listen to me. I felt as small as an ant. It was my 18th and even at that moment when I was supposed to be most in control of my destiny I was powerless. I wanted to fight my circumstance but all I could do was accept it and live with the consequences of my actions. This whole situation definitely had me reconsidering my approach to life after being depressed. I had to dig myself out of an emotional complacency and take control of my destiny.

I write poetry to harness my power. I am not as outspoken as I should be and at times I let others put words in my mouth. Writing poetry helps me clear my mind and figure out my real desires aside from all the other opinions being consistently thrown at me. I use the words that I write as a sort of therapy, and I get to voice words otherwise unheard. This helps me reclaim my power over myself and my surroundings because at times I can be confused about my role in society and my importance. Most people fail to see the value in sharing their own voice especially in a society where opinions are adapted to others freely and soon they begin to forget that the thoughts in their heads aren't theirs at all.



When I Was A Limitless Child

When I was a limitless child I flew past borders
I dove into the depths of the sea and came back up with poetry soaked in testimony
I was able to move mountains
I could see into the stars and when I got bored I'd call the planets into my backyard.
When I was a limitless child money wasn't a thing,
so if you wanted my fruit snacks for tomorrow Id have to see what you'd bring
and the songs I would sing could make you yearn to hear sleigh bells ring,
sip some hot chocolate and tell me if they sounded like the same thing.
When I was a limitless child I'd have tea with Ms. Universe and Superman
Id be the girl who saved the day with mere words and was greeted by elated fans.
Fantasy and reality looked so fine but nothing could match my world so divine.
Creative mastermind unbound by time,
sometimes time is all it takes to corrupt the mind.

Caged Bird

 

 

Dear Maya,

 

Hi Maya Angelou my name is Imani and I am writing to you to thank you for being an inspiration in my life. I've studied your life, writing, and poetry for years and even though we have never met your philosophies have taught me a lot and have been the template through which I've chosen to live my life.

I first looked at your work in middle school and it was the poem "Phenomenal Woman". My 7th grade teacher also added to my love for your work because she introduced me to my own love for writing poetry. I can honestly say that you showed me through that one piece to love my every curve and to see the value in my precious thoughts, even if no one else would. As a young girl without much motherly or fatherly guidance I was left to forge my own path and define life on my own so immediately I was drawn to your honest and clairvoyant voice. Also another piece that you wrote that greatly affected me was the poem "Caged Bird" that I've studied numerously throughout my Highschool career, I even got to perform that piece at my schools Poetry Out Loud competition for which I received high acclamation. Even though many cannot understand the meaning of that piece I believe you are teaching of the freedoms that people take for granted that others who do not have would appreciate more so because they had to work and suffer to attain these freedoms so they can truly cherish them. Your style of writing is so beautiful in the ways that you use your metaphors and rhyme scheme and your voice can clearly be heard as we read your work.

Before that first moment when I picked up your work I was holding in so much confused hate that over time I was able to let go of. I didn't have the easiest childhood but your philosophy and writing helped me to understand I did not have the worst childhood and that I could make so much better for myself. It took a lot for me to open up, even to my pad and pen, so consistently being confronted with your teaching and life's work I found inspiration and I was able to express myself and discover what I truly craved of life. Although I wish I could've met you and listened your stories I missed my opportunity to do that but your spirit and revolutionary philosophy lives on through your writing.

 

 

Ode To Maya Angelou

 

Watch me as I soar

Wings spread wider then an eagle

The credit is all yours

No one heard my song but you

No one thought to free me but you

Shattered my shackles and freed me of these chains

Didn't even know my name

Skipped the formality

Caging a soul could not be a normality

Dare to dream bravely and make aspirations reality

Expand my horizons

Making my darkest days brighten

A rose that only you could make blossom

A harvest more fruitful than Autumn

No longer find myself stressing

Couldn't do it without your blessing

I can find joy in even the smallest things