by D. Cupples | Distinguished poet, author and civil-rights leader Dr. Maya Angelou (who turns 80 today) recently wrote a lovely and inspirational piece about why Hillary Clinton's supporters should not give up. Dr. Angelou wrote:
"You may write me down in history
"With your bitter, twisted lies,
"You may trod me in the very dirt
"But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
"This is not the first time you have seen Hillary Clinton seemingly at her wits end, but she has always risen, always risen, much to the dismay of her adversaries and the delight of her friends.
"Hillary Clinton will not give up on you and all she asks of you is that you do not give up on her.
"There is a world of difference between being a woman and being an old female. If you’re born a girl, grow up, and live long enough, you can become an old female. But, to become a woman is a serious matter. A woman takes responsibility for the time she takes up and the space she occupies.
"Hillary Clinton is a woman. She has been there and done that and has still risen. She is in this race for the long haul. She intends to make a difference in our country.
"She is the prayer of every woman and man who long for fair play, healthy families, good schools, and a balanced economy.
"She declares she wants to see more smiles in the families, more courtesies between men and women, more honesty in the marketplace. Hillary Clinton intends to help our country to what it can become.
"She means to rise.
"She means to help our country rise. Don’t give up on her, ever.
"In fact, if you help her to rise, you will rise with her and help her make this country a wonderful, wonderful place where every man and every woman can live freely without sanctimonious piety, without crippling fear.
"Rise Hillary.
"Rise."
A long-time friend of both Clintons, Dr. Angelou recited her poem On the Pulse of Morning at Bill Clinton's 1993 inauguration. One of her best known books is I know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969). Read more about Dr. Angelou here.
Many people know her as one of Oprah Winfrey's mentors and a long-time friend. I suspect that they still are friends -- though Winfrey is supporting Barack Obama.
If that's the case, then they serve as a good example of how reasonable people really can disagree about politics or campaigns yet still remain on positive terms.
Happy Birthday, Maya!
Related BN-Politics Posts:
* Hillary on How to End the Iraq War
* ...Elizabeth Edwards Endorses Hillary's Health Care Plan
* Hillary the Uniter Impresses Scaife
I ADORE Maya Angelou and find this inspiring. I remember her back in the days when she was a distinguished visiting professor at my old school. That she is a Hillary supporter gives me a sense of 'external validation.'
Bless you, Maya, for standing up for our girl.
Posted by: damozel | April 04, 2008 at 12:53 AM