American poet and author Maya Angelou during an interview at her home.
Maya Angelou’s legacy goes beyond the body of work she shared with the world during her lifetime. Her legacy as one of the greatest writers of all time also embodies the ability she had to hold on to her humanity, her poetic wisdom and the lyrical beauty of her art. Angelou’s most memorable poems remain outstanding not just because of her mastery of the written word; they are impactful because she had an innate ability to fluidly translate some of her most intimate life experiences into verse. From her days as a streetcar conductor in San Francisco during World War II to her life as a dancer and her pivotal role as a civil rights activist, one thing is for certain: Angelou never boxed herself in, and she demanded the same of others.
As a towering figure in American literature, Angelou was known and respected for her impact as a novelist, actress, writer, poet, civil rights activist and memoirist. Her writing career began in earnest in the 1960s and was inspired by personal experiences that spanned various facets of her life, giving readers honest vignettes into her background as a child of the Jim Crow South. Angelou’s literary repertoire included autobiographies, essays, and poetry each engraved with her distinctive narrative voice, which was defined by its lyrical, poetic quality and ability to convey deep, sometimes uncomfortable truths. These truths were particularly evident in her critically-acclaimed autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, in which she lucidly chronicled her childhood and early adult experiences. Angelou’s influence earned her a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, solidifying her legacy as one of the world’s great poets and a key figure in American literature, with works that continue to resonate today. Below are some of her most celebrated poems, each in its own way, an heirloom for American poesy.
U.S. President Barack Obama kisses Dr. Maya Angelou after presenting to her the 2010 Medal of ... [+]
Top Maya Angelou Poems
With over 170 poems published during her career, Angelou’s poetry subject matter was diverse because it explored themes of identity, resilience, struggle and social justice in a way that resonated deeply with readers worldwide. Her poetry style was also manifold, ranging from free verse to lyrical and narrative poems that addressed important social issues with thought-provoking depth. Poems such as On the Pulse of Morning, And Still I Rise and Phenomenal Woman spoke to some important socio-cultural issues and contributed to her earning three Grammy Awards for spoken-word recordings of her poetry and prose. In 1993, President-elect Bill Clinton invited her to read an original poem at his first inauguration. The poem, On the Pulse of Morning, was a hopeful call for unity following the country’s long track record of divisiveness. The themes in Angelou’s poems have often centered around love, struggle, loss, resilience, loneliness and racial tension. The poems below have been ranked based on cultural impact, longevity and popularity.
15. The Mothering Blackness (1971)
This semi-autobiographical poem was inspired by Angelou’s trip to Ghana in West Africa, where she felt like a long-lost daughter who had returned home to her mother, Africa. The Mothering Blackness was included in Angelou’s first collection of poems called Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie. The poem, complete with Biblical references, alludes to the unconditional love a mother for her child and the idea that estranged children can still find solace in the comfort of a loving mother.
Who should read this? Poetry fans who enjoy double entendres and lyrical poetry.
Where to read this poem: Poetry Foundation.
14. A Plagued Journey (1983)
Angelou’s A Plagued Journey is a serious poem that captures a range of emotions, often oscillating between sadness, depression and brief and occasional slivers of hope. As part of the Shaker, Why Don’t You Sing collection, this poem highlights the turmoil of navigating life’s challenges and the constant ebb and flow that can come with feelings of despair and hope. The poem’s poignant undertone suggests that, while life can be a tough, maintaining the expectation of hope is a brave battle worth clinging on to.
Who should read this? This poem is ideal for readers who appreciate deep, reflective poetry.
Where to read this poem: Poetry Foundation.
13. Men (1978)
Maya Angelou’s Men is part of of her iconic 1978 collection And Still I Rise. The coming-of-age poem shows the writer’s progressed perceptions of men and masculinity and invites readers to do the same. Angelou artfully used metaphor, repetition and rhythm to discuss the pervasive influence of men in society, their permanence in social discussions and their primal instincts. Angelou further explores the intersection between traditional ideas of masculinity and the space and power that women have regardless of the presence of pervasive masculinity.
Who should read this? This is a particularly good read for readers who are interested in gender studies and dynamics.
Where to read this poem: All Poetry.
12. Awaking in New York (1983)
Artists across generations have depicted the city that never sleeps in their own words, and Angelou’s Awaking in New York offers her ironic twist on the city waking up. The poem emphasizes the unique energy of the morning in one of the world’s most renowned bustling metropolises. Despite its brevity, Angelou pithily highlights the dual nature of the city—exciting yet exhausting—in a memorable manner. Angelou had a personal relationship with New York City, which may have informed her vivid approach to writing this poem. In her early 20s, she arrived in the city to study dance, but after leaving less than a year later, she returned in 1958 and joined the Harlem Writers Guild to pursue a writing career seriously. Angelou also met Martin Luther King Jr. in New York City and became the New York coordinator for his Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Who should read this? Readers who love New York City and the bustle of urban life.
Where to read: Poetry Foundation.
Maya Angelou addresses the Democratic National Convention 27 July, 2004, in Boston.
11. Momma Welfare Roll (1994)
One of the many conversations that have kept opposing sides in disagreement and limbo is the conversation around welfare and its recipients. In Momma Welfare Roll, Angelou candidly portrays the struggles of a welfare-dependent mother, emphasizing the societal cliches and assumptions that are often attached to those issues, and the resilience of women in those types of challenging financial situations coupled with the pressures of stereotypes. Momma Welfare Roll is especially introspective because it gives a voice to a subset of society whose voices are often stifled while criticizing the inequity of welfare.
Who should read this? This poem is significant for readers interested in social justice and women’s issues.
Where to read: All Poetry.
10. On Aging (1994)
In On Aging, Angelou subtly laments the fickleness of youth and the inadvertent nature of old age. Beyond that, the poem contemplates the process of growing older with grace, acceptance and gratitude for the presence of life, regardless of age. Angelou’s commentary on the physical and emotional aspects of aging makes this poem a compelling read for those reflecting on the passage of time and life’s different stages while finding strength and dignity in each phase of life. Angelou's wisdom and insight make this poem a comforting and inspirational piece for anyone grappling with the often uncomfortable realities of growing older.
Who should read this? Anyone who is fascinated—and terrified— by the concept of aging.
Where to read: All Poetry.
Maya Angelou and Coretta Scott King during the "Maya Angelou Life Mosaic Collection" by Hallmark at ... [+]
9. Just Like Job (1978)
Angelou draws parallels from the Biblical figure Job to explore human suffering, pain, grit and endurance in Just Like Job. Although the poem is not as well-known as others, it reveals Angelou’s ability to weave in religious-heavy themes to paint a picture of universal human suffering. In this poem, Angelou’s major focus appears to be to show the draining, tiring effect of life’s trials and tribulations and the steadfastness needed to push through. Verses like “my screams searched the heavens for Thee,” carry the despair that can often come with the cruel grimness of life and a search for respite by appealing to a divine, higher power.
Who should read this? Readers who enjoy poems with religious dimensions.
Where to read: Poetry Verse.
8. Africa (1975)
Angelou’s Africa personifies the continent as a woman who has endured the suffering of colonization and oppression but remains resilient and determined to push through those obstacles and rise again. Angelou’s vivid imagery and emotive language portrays Africa as a woman and plays into an allegory that can function as a representation of African women and the continent of Africa itself. Her apt geographical storytelling skills poignantly bring the continent’s dark postcolonial history to the forefront in a way that is jarring and incredible, with personifications that are just as poignant as they are memorable.
Who should read this? This poem is a good read for readers interested in the rich and turbulent history of the African continent.
Where to read: AfroPoets.
7. Alone (1975)
Angelou’s Alone was published as part of her poetry collection titled Oh Pray My Wings are Gonna Fit Me Well. The poem is her poetic contribution to the idea that no man is an island and that human interconnectedness is necessary in every way. Angelou expresses that no person can truly thrive in isolation, regardless of their social status or standing in the community. She emphasizes the importance of companionship and collective strength. The poem’s haunting refrain, “Cause nobody, but nobody can make it out here alone,” echoes the age-old universal truth about human interdependence, making it a classic piece.
Who should read this? Readers who are interested in poems about solitude, community and humanity.
Where to read: All Poetry.
Dr. Maya Angelou speaks at anevent in support of the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait at her home on ... [+]
6. A Brave and Startling Truth (1995)
Angelou wrote A Brave and Startling Truth in commemoration of the UN's 50th Anniversary in 1995. The poem pointedly calls for peace among nations and recounts the importance of humanity’s collective potential for goodness. Verses like “We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world” point out the human ability not just to be peacemakers but keepers of the peace by vying for a world where people overlook flows and foster connectivity instead.
Who should read this? This poem is ideal for readers inspired by pieces about peace, hope and global unity.
Where to read: The Marginalian.
5. Life Doesn't Frighten Me (1993)
In Life Doesn't Frighten Me, Angelou refrains from diving into loaded topics, but instead, adapts a light-hearted poetic approach to the main message of this poem. As opposed to the vivid imagery that she is known for, Angelou adapts a less serious, yet honest opinion about life, as told from the perspective of a child. From the first verse to the last, the author boldly asserts courage in the face of fear, listing various frightful scenarios and asserting their lack of power. The poem was later expanded into a children’s book with vivid illustrations from acclaimed American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Who should read this? This empowering poem is perfect for readers of all ages, particularly children and those confronting their fears.
Where to read: All Poetry.
4. On The Pulse of Morning (1993)
Angelou’s On the Pulse of Morning propelled her career and reputation as a poet and a well-respected one at that. In 1993 she became just the second poet since Robert Frost to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration when she read the poem at President Clinton’s first inauguration. The poem symbolizes a new dawn of unity and peace for the American people. Angelou’s hopeful message, which echoed themes of Clinton’s speech, called for social harmony, asking listeners to be more open to a shared vision of peace and togetherness, while looking towards a brighter future. As usual, Angelou used her signature evocative language and powerful imagery to create a compelling call to action.
Who should read this? This poem is significant for those interested in American history and the pursuit of social justice.
Where to read: Poetry Foundation.
President Bill Clinton congratulates poet and writer Maya Angelou after presenting her with the ... [+]
3. Phenomenal Woman (1978)
Long before song lyrics were considered socially-acceptable conventional additions to social media posts, Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman was one of the most widely quoted poems, and it still is. What makes this poem stand out is Angelou’s defiant rebuttal against society’s beauty standards and the pressures to conform to them. In this poem, Angelou invites women to look beyond skin-deep beauty and focus instead on their unique qualities and self-worth. With each vivid verse, Angelou channels a confident tone, and line by line, takes charge of a movement that has now become a timeless piece of feminist literature.
Who should read this? Women and readers of feminist literature, and anyone celebrating female empowerment.
Where to read: Poetry Foundation.
2. Caged Bird (1983)
As a civil rights activist, Angelou frequently poured her activism into her art form. In the poem Caged Bird, she cleverly used the metaphor of a free bird and a caged bird to engage readers in the longing for freedom and the pain of oppression. The stark differences of the two birds was deliberate: to show poignantly, and not merely tell. The dichotomy between both birds shows the affliction of the oppressed and the desire for freedom and liberty, especially when that desire is systematically stifled. The powerful language Angelou uses in this poem makes it a classic with multiple dimensions.
Who should read this? Readers who are interested in social justice and appreciate themes of civil rights and resilience.
Where to read: Poetry Foundation.
1. Still I Rise (1978)
Many fans of poetry consider Angelou’s Still I Rise to be her poetic magnum opus. Still I Rise is not merely an empowerment anthem composed into poem. It shows a defiant will to live against the odds, and to rise above the weighty barriers and noise that often come with adversity. Celebrated for its powerful portrayal of strength and grit, the poem’s bold assertions of dignity and hope make it an effective tool for enduring hardship and doing so with resilience, triumph and gratitude. There is also an element of stoicism that underscores this poem, making the rhythmic repetition of “I rise” even more powerful.
Who should read this? Anyone facing adversity or seeking empowerment.
Where to read: Poetry Foundation.
Bottom Line
Maya Angelou will continue to be one of the most respected poets of all time because of her classic storytelling, which embodied themes of resilience, freedom and empowerment and her candid insight into the Black American experience. Her powerful works continue to inspire multiple genres and have defined her legacy as a memoirist of truth.
