Module 4-Biographical Poetry/LS 5663-20

Angelou,Maya. Poetry for Young People. Edwin G. Wilson. New York: Sterling, 2007. ISBN 978-1-4027-2023-9
Maya Angelou is considered to be one the most well-known poet of our time. She has been the recipient of many honors and awards. In this book, many of her most important poems are highlighted and shared, each one tied to meaningful experiences in her life.
Each of the poems shared in the book reinforce the purpose of sharing the intimate moments of Maya Angelou’s life. Through her words, the reader is better able to understand how different events in her life shaped her writing. She has overcomes many obstacles throughout her life, racial prejudice, discrimination, and hatred. She choses to channel the pain and turmoil into reaching people with her words. The following poem encourages the reader to open up their mind and their heart to fully appreciate the words.
A conceit
Give me your hand.
Make room for me
To lead and follow
You
Beyond this rage of poetry.
Let others have
The privacy of
Touching words
And love of loss
Of love.
For me
Give me your hand.
Each poem shared in the book has an introduction to explain the significance of the words in the poet’s life and different vocabulary words are explained to help the reader better understand and appreciate the poem. The words shared in each of the following poems touch many different feeling and senses. Maya Angelou use language that will be understood and appreciated by the reader, yet it also encourages the reader to stretch their linguistic abilities.
I would use any of the poems during the month of February, Black History Month. Maya Angelou is considered to be a very influential figure in the area of writing. Children of all ages and ethnicities can benefit from her writing style. I would also use her work to share during National Poetry Month.