You spoke of
caged birds and
rising dust and
the incredible power
of a woman.
You gave voice
to those who
could not yet speak
what they thought
for fear of
woeful misjudgment.
But you understood
the pain that came
from having no voice,
and so you spoke
for those who
were kept silent
by force,
or simply could not
find the words
to speak their pain
and suffering.
You spoke loud,
and your voice rang,
and everyone heard.
Everyone was amazed.
And you,
Maya Angelou,
were a voice for
the voiceless
in a time
when silence
was expected.
You sang out.
You broke
the silence,
and for that,
A generation
thanks you.