Since I first read I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, as senior in high school, I have regularly turned to Maya Angelou for inspiration. This week, I have read this stunning poem more than once, may finally get it. Having laid myself bare on Huffington Post, on Election Day, only to feel more naked on Wednesday (made worse by taunts and hurtful comments on Twitter), this poem gives me hope today. It is a reminder, like this photo by Sandra Crook, that there is always color to be found.
Thank you to this supportive writing community for rising each week, to the 100-word challenge that Rochelle Wisoff-Fields throws down, and the beautiful positivity you spread. If you’d like to join us, check out her blog Addicted to Purple, for more details. As always, I appreciate honest, constructive feedback.
© Sandra Crook
Up From The Debris, We Rise
“But mama, everything is so gray; how can you smile?”
As they passed the burnt out buildings and stone debris, Julia held her daughter Audrey’s hand tighter.
“In winter, snow turns black with soot, but when it melts, the tulips still rise and spread their color.”
Her daughter still looked confused; she exhaled hopeless.
“Don’t believe that it’s over, my love. Hope is not gray; we can always find color. The sun is still in the sky; the flowers will return in the spring, and we must always rise.”
As they passed tumbled bricks, the child smiled.
(97 words)
Did you want to see me broken? Bowed Head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, weakened by my soulful cries? … I rise.
If you’d like a real treat, and I mean inspiration, watch Ms. Angelou read her poem!
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TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
I honestly don’t know how to comment with the backlash and everyone’s opinion of what the outcome was on Tuesday.. but I don’t see why you would have been the recipient of taunts and mockery for what you wrote.
On a good note, I will be checking out that reading from Maya. From summary it reminds me of the semi-autobiography book from Dorothy Allison – Bastard out of Carolina. It was banned at one point and school libraries but Stephen King and his wife backed the writer for her story !
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Thanks Ducky! I was mocked because there are assholes in the world, and despite the fact that I didn’t say a single derogatory word in that piece, they felt compelled to say things like “how you feelin about hope today? Idiot.” Way of the world. That said, I’m proud of that piece and this… and if you can read this poem and really FEEL it, you are golden. 😉
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Strange world indeed. I think the moment I became cognizant of the ways of the news I began to shy away onto oblivion.
And the little gears are clicking away in my head .. dare I say I did feel something indeed? Golden like pony boy , tis the dream since I was grade 5
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Never lose hope. This is the realm for it.
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Thanks Joseph, digging out, and wiping off my boots… that are made for walking. 😉 I appreciate the feedback and the encouragement.
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And though the walk gets long we shall see the light at the end of the tunnel I am sure.
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Dear Dawn,
You fought the good fight, I hope you can find some joy in that. Uplifting story that I found joy in. As for Ms. Angelou’s poem…it doesn’t get much better than that. 😀
Shalom in the truest sense of the word,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. Maya is so brilliant, but yes, this poem just makes me sing! Shalom to you as well… always in the truest sense. xo
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Nice take, and I hope we can all find some colour in the world, even in the grey times.
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Thanks Lain. The tulips never fail to come back up! 🙂
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I love this, Dawn. And, Maya is my ultimate, favourite I want to say Mentor (I also read a few of her books and am totally inspired by her) and bravo on your HP post. Truly a good read.
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Thanks Dale… on all counts. Maya has been my mentor for most of my life. I’m always so grateful that her words are there! xo
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Me too.
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A message of hope. Thanks
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We can always use more hope. Thank YOU, Neil.
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Rule # 1, always look up. }Hugs{
Very nice story.
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Unless you’re looking at tulips! 😉 Thanks Honie; I so appreciate your hug. xox
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Thank you, Dawn.
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Thank YOU, Nahid. Would love to sit and talk right now. xo
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Yes, we will always rise. Perhaps a little bent and slightly frazzled around the edges, but we will. Sorry people reacted with taunts and mean words to your thoughts.)
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Thanks Alicia; there are always those people… I’m learning to smile at them. Ugh. I appreciate the feedback; thanks!
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Reblogged this on ugiridharaprasad.
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Pingback: Friday Fictioneers: Up From The Debris, We Rise (A Reminder, & Tribute To Maya Angelou) | ugiridharaprasad
Thanks so much for sharing! I appreciate it!
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A message of hope. That’s in short supply right now, so thank you for issuing a gentle reminder. And congrats on Huffington, never mind the detractors. You rock!
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Thanks Sandra; I appreciate the lovely comment. Hard to never mind, but working on letting it go… ugh.
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Thank God for poetry and colorful hope. ( and for writers =you)
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We need all the beauty we can find right now… Maya never fails me. Thanks Audra.
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It’s true, the tulips will rise. Lovely sentiment.
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Thanks Clare; I appreciate your feedback.
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A touching story of optimism. I also read your HP piece and think it was a beautifully optimistic piece. There is nothing to be ridiculed in your story. Don’t let some simple minded rude people get your down. (That goes for the outcome of the vote as well.) Finally thank you for sharing Maya Angelou’s poem. It is stunning.
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Welcome to Tales From the Motherland, Cindy. I appreciate you taking the time to read both pieces, and share your thoughts. Right now, I particularly appreciate your kind words and thoughtful advice. Thank you so much!
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That’s such a beautiful and uplifting story. I’m so sorry you had to endure the hatred, but I applaud you for being brave and speaking up. This is what decent people need to do these days. Everywhere.
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Thanks Gabriele; we must all do our best to turn the tides… that seem to be rising, right now. Thanks for the positive encouragement and feedback.
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Nice metaphor and thanks for the poem. It helps.
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If anything helps, I’m in the game! Thanks Dawn… we all could use a smile.
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Uplifting story. It seems everyone’s looking for hope at the moment. Sorry to hear you came in for abuse but try to stay brave and continue to believe in what you value.
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Thanks so much Michael; I am encouraged by my positive writing community!
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The mother has the right attitude, though at times it’s hard to emulate her. Well written, Dawn.
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Thanks for the lovely feedback, Liz; it’s much appreciated… especially right now!
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I think we need to find hope… they say that you didn’t have to be racist to vote for him that can’t be named, but you sure were willing to accept it, which to some extent is even more disturbing given that we know what such things can lead to…. still we have to have hope.
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I could not agree more… with everything you say here! All of it makes hope a hard thing, but yes, we must hold on to it! Thanks Björn!
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