The Diamond in the Coal

A tribute to Maya Angelou.

The Diamond in the Coal

Pressure was the key

Honing her basic life instincts

Into a passion for survival

A young victim of abuse

Who thought her voice could kill

But silence was her mentor

She soaked up the classics

As well as her contemporaneities

Acclaiming in all her talents

Breaking into the arts

And acceding all expectations

Covering many discipline facets

An inspirational writer

And a source of ageless courage

Through poetry and publication

Maya Angelou stands tall

Showing imperative self faith

Can turn coal into a diamond

Copyright @ Phillozofee 2018

Author's Note

Through her writing, she’s been a source of inspiration for women of all ages. From her message of self-acceptance in “Phenomenal Woman” to her call for strength in “Still I Rise,” Angelou’s writing has been a constant source of motivation. In addition to her poetry, her deeply personal autobiographies are a well of knowledge and guidance.

Reviews

[¿]

She reads like a motivating writer...I doubt not that she isn't,... but here am introduced to her so poetically! ....
You've woven a wonderful tribute to an inspiration dear Phill....hardships and odds trim our quality to the perfect edge....and here Maya is the diamond that's been shaped perfect.....I'd like to know more bout this Lady....thanks for sharing...
Hope you're well :)

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Thank you so much Tahsin - bless you! Just to share: Maya Angelou was an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years.

[¿]

Indeed a strong soul then....and ideal to admire...
You're welcome dear Phill :)

[Mary]

Woow... Maya Angelou is a phenomenal poet and the way you have threaded everything is simply amazing.

[Gee]

I will have to go seek her out and have a read, I'll be back.....( I'm more sarnie than Arnie)

[angel]

I love her writing! My favorite? I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS. a beautiful book. I'll bet you've read that one, too. Her prose is lovely, but her poetry is phenomenal. A favorite quote:
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
As a writer, I keep that in mind.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

You've penned a fine tribute to one of your favorite writers. We should all aspire to be so gently remembered.

[Chris Shaw]

A fine tribute to an amazing woman. Her poetry is totally inspirational and when you read her life story you realise just what a long journey she had. Tough life, and yet she showed incredible warmth and could hold an audience in her hand when she read her poetry. Well done Phill.

Chris

[john l smith]

Call me crazy, but I had never heard of her, I'll have to crawl out from beneath my cars more often
Thanks for the well written introduction
John

[Phill Oz O'fee]

So pleased to bring her to your attention - thanks for dropping by my write .. :-)

[barleygirl]

Most definitely Maya is all these things to me (RIP) . . . you packed your poem full so you could make this a reasonable length, while also getting your arms all the way around everything she was & still is. I love your central metaphor of coal/diamond, a vision that I've often used to help me be strong thru tough stuff. I love that you're bringing Maya to people's attention, as she fits perfectly into these times of women's empowerment (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Thank you my friend - it is always nice to highlight the efforts of the 'Greats' in this world! bless … :-)

[Ms Paragon]

Touching and beautifully written. Well done!

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Thank you very much for your kind review - :-)

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.“ Maya Angelou
Phill, your poem is a profound and excellently written homage to this great American poet/writer. Your phrase “self faith” is so on-point and resonates so deeply. Your graceful, meaningful verses honor her. Yes, she was driven to write and to elevate all women to be what they should be. She rose above her obstacles with courage and tenacity. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings- so do I, so do so many of us. Thank you for revering her song.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

I am humbled by the response of your review - a thousand thankyou's for such wonderful comments - :-)

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You are very welcome my friend.:))

[Weeping willow]

Wonderfully written. A touching tribute to Maya Angelou.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Glad you found my write touching … thank you! :-)