'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.'  

In this week's episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Joe and Maiya explore the monumental career and work of Maya Angelou, commemorating 10 years since her passing.

In this episode, they discuss 'Still I Rise' (1978), exploring themes such as the recycling and remaking of Black history, colonial erasure, violence, and the relationship between personal suffering and then collective suffering. Joe and Maiya discuss Maya Angelou's enduring influence and transformation into one of modern times' most revered poets.

Get exclusive PDFs on ‘Still I Rise’ available to Poetry+ users:

• Full PDF Guide
• Poetry Snapshot PDF

For more insights into Angelou’s poetry, visit PoemAnalysis.com, where you can explore a wide range of analyzed poems, with thousands of PDFs, resources in our extensive PDF Learning Library, and more - see our Maya Angelou PDF Guide.

From humble beginnings, Angelou's legacy spans the decades, with achievements that include: not one (but seven!) autobiographies, two service achievements on Presidentially-appointed equality commissions, a reading at Clinton's 1993 inauguration, not to mention her fourteen collections of poetry, two cookbooks, seven children's books, and seven plays. For more information on Angelou and her work, check out poemanaylsis.com, where you can find a huge selection of analysed poems, with PDFs to aid, and explorations in our extensive PDF Learning Library - see our Maya Angelou PDF Guide!

Plus, stay tuned to discover which modern day hip-hop and rap artists credit Maya Angelou's poem 'Still I Rise' in their own work!

Tune in and Discover:

• Angelou's personal history 
• Key themes throughout 'Still I Rise' and the poet's other work
• Motifs that bring Black History to the forefront of the work
• Maya Angelou's influences in the literary canon
• Modern pop culture callbacks to her work 

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

Send us a text

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+. 

In this first episode, Joe and Maiya share their personal paths to poetry, revealing how influential teachers and early literary successes sparked their enduring love for the art form. They discuss their academic backgrounds in English literature and how their experiences have shaped their understanding and appreciation of poetry.

Get answers from questions submitted Poetry+ subscribers. Joe and Maiya delve into the importance of studying poetry beyond artistic appreciation, exploring how poetry serves as a cultural artifact that reflects historical, social, and political changes. 

As they discuss their favorite poets and influential works, listeners get a glimpse into the diverse voices that have shaped Joe and Maya’s literary tastes. From classic poets like Emily Brontë (Poems/PDF Guide) and Federico García Lorca (Poems/PDF Guide) to contemporary voices like Ocean Vuong and Danez Smith (Poems), the hosts highlight the enduring impact of these poets on their lives and work.

Joe and Maiya also address the evolution of poetry in the digital age, considering how social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made poetry more accessible and popular among younger audiences. They reflect on the balance between short-form and long-form poetry, acknowledging the benefits of both in engaging modern readers.

Tune in and Discover:

• Personal stories of discovering poetry and the impact of inspirational teachers.
• The role of poetry in understanding cultural and historical contexts.
• Tips for writing effective GCSE essays and making poetry relevant in education.
• Favorite poets and influential works that have shaped Joe and Maiya’s literary journeys.
• The intersection of poetry and social media in the 21st century.

and much more! 

Send us a text

Support the show

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.