Maya Angelou is an African American poet and novelist who was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928. She has received many awards, including nominations for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Much of her work is autobiographical, such as her novel, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This novel depicts the challenges which she faces during her childhood. She was raped by her mother's boyfriend at a young age, and she became mute for five years after her uncles murdered him. Common themes in Angelou's work include family, identity, and racism, often supporting the African American race and women.
Read this poem by Maya Angelou and identify the message that she is trying to depict. Find an example of how Angelou uses poetic devices in order to strengthen this message.
"Alone"
Lying, thinking
Last night
How to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty
And bread loaf is not stone
I came up with one thing
And I don't believe I'm wrong
That nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.
There are some millionaires
With money they can't use
Their wives run round like banshees
Their children sing the blues
They've got expensive doctors
To cure their hearts of stone.
But nobody
No, nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Now if you listen closely
I'll tell you what I know
Storm clouds are gathering
The wind is gonna blow
The race of man is suffering
And I can hear the moan,
'Cause nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.
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