I was in a thrift store looking at vintage coffee pots when I heard the news on the radio. Maya Angelou had died and my heart grew heavy with grief.
Even as a young girl, Maya Angelou was someone I admired and respected. Then the cadence of her voice mesmerized me. I sat in awe of this tall black woman that everyone seemed to listen to. As I got older and started to understand more of what she said her wisdom astounded me. I used to wonder how someone could live such an exciting life. I used to wonder how anyone could experience so much in one lifetime.
She was one of the reasons I decided to become a writer. She was one of the reasons I started writing poetry. For her influence I will forever be grateful because this woman who I never really knew helped form some of the fundamental parts of me.
The world has lost a great woman today. She will definitely be missed.
Cole Haan “Maya Angelou (Director’s Cut)” from Ben Hughes on Vimeo.
