Maya Angelou was originally born Marguerite Annie Jonson in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928. Maya was a child of divorced parents. Like some children whose parents got divorced, she lived with her grandmother. Around the age of seven or eight her mother's boyfriend raped Maya when she went to visit them. After she found out her uncle killed her attacker, she became mute for five years. She began to talk again at the age of 13, when she and her brother were reunited with their mother. In Maya's senior year of high school, she became pregnant with her son, Guy. She graduated a few weeks before giving birth. In her life, she wrote several plays and books, and has composed many songs. Maya worked with Malcolm X, helping him with his new organization before he was assassinated. She worked more closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but, sadly, he was assassinated on her birthday in 1968. Maya has won a Grammy award, and has been nominated for an Emmy and a National Book Award. She is now an inspiration to many.

One of the things that I found fascinating was how she was able to stay strong after she was sexually abused as a child. Most people who have been sexually abused fall into a life of drugs, alcohol, and will be victims of either abuse or they commit suicide. Maya was one of the few who held her head up high and succeeded in life. Maya's life story is an inspiration to many who have suffered like her.

My life and Maya Angelou's cannot be compared. My life has just begun, and I have not gone through the problems that she has. Maya was sexually abused and I was not, although I know someone who has. Despite all of her setbacks she still managed to succeed in life.

Out of all Maya Angelou's poems I liked this one the most. It teaches a lesson. The poem "Still I Rise" says that no matter what happens or what anyone says, you must always rise to the occasion. I have had people tell me that I cannot do better, that I could not do anything at all, but I know that they are wrong. Their words have no effect on me because they do not determine what I can or cannot do. The poem also says that some people want to put you down, or see you cry, but you cannot show weakness. Even though that is sometimes easier said than done, it is good advice and worth listening to.

No matter what life throws at you, you should not stop trying. Get through it and tell the world that you are here for a reason. Laugh at the things others say. Hold your head up high, keep doing the things you are good at, and do not be afraid. Laugh, dance, and live. That is what I think Maya Angelou's message is through this poem.