She stood straight up

With the world at “her feet”

A smile so big

To knock a cloud out of place

Her teeth so white

Like winter had come.

Mystery woman;

I saw from a distance

In my poetry book

Her zeal and passion

I wanted

Her command

And humility

I mimicked

Once or twice

My, my, my

Miss Maya

Miss Maya Angelou

Beautiful

Brave

Courageous

Wise, giving and forgiving

In my mind

I walk beside you

Only to feel the mystery

Of who you were.

Susan McMillan

For Miss Maya Angelou; a woman whose words always echo in my heart like the sound of an African drum.