A great literature letter

From my weekly assignment, in which children write me a letter describing what they're reading, and I write back...

Dear Ms. Sweetland,

The poem I was reading is called Phenomenal Woman By Maya Angelou. It is a very good poem.

I think Maya Angelou could be a version of me when I grow up. I want to be a black poet too. I hope Maya Angelou would still be living so I can meet her.

Ms. Sweetland what was the first poem you ever read about Maya Angelou? How did it make you feel? The first poem I ever read was Life Does Not frighten me at All. It made me felt that I should not be scared of anything.

Tearful, curious,

Rakia,

Dear Rakia,

Thank you for your letter. I am so pleased that you are thinking of taking poetry more seriously. As I tell you all the time you are a natural poet.

The first poem I ever read by Maya Angelou was “Still I Rise.” It is a beautiful poem about overcoming oppression. I read it in my 12th grade English class. I had already read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou’s autobiography, in 9th grade. But as it turned out, I liked her poetry better. I always almost cry whenever I hear or read “Still I Rise.”

Why did you sign your letter ‘tearful’? And what do you think makes “Phenomenal Woman” a good poem?

Can’t wait for your next letter!

Your fan,

Ms. Sweetland