Famous People Select Their Favorite Poem and Say Why It Inspires Them

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, actress, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and experiences as an African-American woman. Angelou's writing is often infused with her own experiences of racism, sexism, and violence. She has been praised for her ability to write about difficult subjects in a way that is both personal and universal.

Poems for Life: Famous People Select Their Favorite Poem and Say Why It Inspires Them

by Anna Quindlen

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1373 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Angelou's favorite poem is "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou. She said that this poem inspires her because it celebrates the strength and beauty of women.

Phenomenal Woman

I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, "It's just my pheromones." And they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees.

I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, "It's just my pheromones." And they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees.

I'm a woman.

I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Angelou said that this poem inspires her because it reminds her of her own strength and resilience. She said that she often recites this poem to herself when she is feeling down or discouraged.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African-American to be elected to the presidency. Obama is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School. He worked as a community organizer in Chicago before entering politics.

Obama's favorite poem is "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley. He said that this poem inspires him because it is about overcoming adversity and never giving up.

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance, My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

Obama said that this poem inspires him because it reminds him that no matter what challenges he faces, he can overcome them if he never gives up.

Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education. She was shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012 for speaking out about the importance of education for girls. Yousafzai survived the attack and continued to speak out for the

Poems for Life: Famous People Select Their Favorite Poem and Say Why It Inspires Them

by Anna Quindlen

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1373 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE