'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) [PDF Guide], 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.

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.

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