Poem: I'm Still Rising, Angelou

In the face of history's bitter lies,
I stand tall, determined to rise.
Though trodden down into the dirt,
My spirit remains strong and unhurt.

Like dust that settles, then takes flight,
I rise again with all my might.
My sassiness may cause you gloom,
But I stride proud through every room.

With certainty, like tides and sun,
My hope springs high, never undone.
You wished to see me broken, weak,
But I remain strong, my future I seek.

My laughter echoes, rich and bold,
My worth more precious than your gold.
Your words may shoot, your eyes may cut,
But like air, I rise from every rut.

From history's shame, I emerge anew,
A black ocean, vast and true.
Leaving behind nights of fear,
I rise into a dawn so clear.

Bringing gifts from ancestors past,
I am their dream, here to last.
The hope of slaves, now set free,
I rise, I rise, eternally.

In Angelou's spirit, I still rise,
My strength and pride, you can't disguise.
Through every challenge, every test,
I'll rise again, I'll be my best.

From history's pages, we emerge anew,
A black ocean, vast and true.
Leaving behind nights of fear,
We rise into a dawn so clear.

~Zeppa Prince 2025~