Just know that even in the face of all the bitterness and negativity that may surround you on a daily basis, we can all stand up for ourselves in a positive manner without bringing anyone else down. While this poem is noted for its rousing singular voice, Maya Angelou does not forget to give credit where credit is due. To anyone that has ever felt bullied, cast aside, or treated wrong for being any type of outsider, this poem is for you. The story and message of Angelou’s poem were written with the historical contexts to slavery and civil rights issues at the time, but we can even take its themes for today and apply it to our everyday lives. The imagery of something natural like the sun constantly rising despite what happens in the darkness is quite powerful in the context of society trying to rise above the negativity. The re-issue of AND STILL I RISE, first published in 1986, from Maya Angelou - one of the most celebrated writers and poets of the world. The speaker comparing her ascension to imagery of nature also strengthens this message. Instead, the speaker takes the high road, choosing to figuratively rise above the hate rather than countering with more spite towards her oppressors. I think the most important takeaway from this iconic piece is that Maya Angelou’s speaker refuses to play into the tension and violence that she has experienced firsthand. But despite this, the poem’s speaker stays poised and confident that she will rise above it all. These two lines from stanza 1 capture the defiant tone of the poem. These oppressors are “bitter” and have the intention to bring the speaker down through harsh language and hateful glares. You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise. I am the dream and the hope of the slave.Īfter a close reading of this poem, we see the speaker of the poem speaking out against oppression, and particularly the people who have brought this oppression on her. Still I Riseīringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, Let’s take a moment to read the author’s thoughtful words before diving in deeper. For this post we’re going to take a look at the classic empowering poem written by Maya Angelou in the late ‘70s, titled Still I Rise.

Maya angelou rise quote