Maya

By luigi_pagano

Thu, 29 May 2014
  • 1848 reads
6 comments
 

She told us why
the caged bird sings:
not to extol captivity
but to wish for freedom
despite its clipped wings.
She too raged and fought
for peace and human rights.
A warrior for equality,
she was the brightest light.
Abused at the age of seven
she made a conscious choice
not to talk and for years
she withheld her voice.
But when heard again
it became commanding,
it spoke of liberty,
tolerance and understanding.
An unrelenting activist,
great exponent of her sex,
she espoused many causes
with her friend Malcolm X.
And now that this fiery bird
has left her cage for ever
we’ll remember her every word,
both uplifting and clever.

© Luigi Pagano 2014

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Biography

Comments

Submitted by Bee on

Thank you for posting this Luigi. A fitting tribute to a wonderful woman. Whenever I couldn't sleep, or at times when I felt low, I would often watch videos of her speaking / reading - sometimes night after night, and reading this poem of yours, which has brought me the news of her passing has made me feel like I've lost a friend. I hope you won't mind if I post one of my own to add to your tribute, Luigi. I didn't know I could be so affected by someone I didn't actually know. 

Wiping tears.

Bee

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I first became aware of this formidable woman when I entered a bookshop dealing with rare books whose prices were out of my range but I was lucky enough to find four paperback volumes of her memoirs and as the collection was incomplete I was able to buy them cheaply. I was amazed reading her extraordinary story and was immediately hooked by her prose and poetry. Pleased that my poem has prompted you to add your own tribute to mine, Bee. Knowing your poetic skill, I am sure it will be of the highest standard.

Best wishes, Luigi.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

A great tribute to a beautiful lady,  who I'm sure will be missed by many a poet.

May she rest in Peace.

Thank you for sharing this one Luigi.

Jenny.  xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

She will be missed for sure, Jenny. A very determined and courageous person. And a fine poet too.

Luigi xx

 

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Luigi - your lovely tribute brought the tears to my eyes, too. 

Tina

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Following the sad news, the least we can do is to acknowledge the courage she faced in overcoming adversities and her determination to defeat segregation and prejudices. Her tenacity succeeded in achieving those objectives. She'll be an icon forever.

Thanks for your feedback, Tina. xxx