Still I Rise Poem
This page features Maya Angelou's poem, "Still I Rise," key messages, and author biography.
Updated December 18, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer
Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” is a timeless poem that speaks of strength, confidence, and the unshakable will to overcome. With powerful words and bold imagery, Angelou reminds us that even in the face of injustice, we can rise. On this page, you’ll find the full poem, a look at its key messages, a short biography of Maya Angelou, and answers to common questions about this iconic piece of literature.
The Poem, Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Key Messages in the Poem, Still I Rise
-
Rising No Matter What
No matter what life throws at you—hurtful words, lies, or unfair treatment—Maya Angelou reminds us that we can still rise. Her poem is filled with strength. It tells us not to let tough times keep us down. Instead, keep going. Stand tall. Keep rising. And never give up. That’s the kind of resilience we all need.
-
Be Proud of Who You Are
Maya Angelou speaks with confidence and pride. She doesn't try to be someone else—she knows her worth. She walks and laughs and dances with joy, even when others don’t understand her. That’s a message for all of us: be yourself, and be proud. Don’t let others take away your strength or your smile.
-
Let Go of the Hate
In the poem, we see that people may try to hurt you with their hate. But Maya doesn’t let it stop her. She keeps rising, like air. We can learn from that. When people are unkind, don’t carry their hate—rise above it. Focus on what’s good and keep moving forward.
-
Hope from the Past
Maya Angelou remembers the past—times of pain, fear, and injustice. But she doesn’t stay there. She rises for those who came before her. Her words remind us that we’re part of something bigger. And just like her, we can rise from the past and walk into a brighter future filled with hope.
-
Your Voice Matters
This poem shows us the power of words. Maya speaks boldly, and her words inspire. She shows us that your voice can lift others and bring about change. So don’t be afraid to speak up, to stand strong, and to share your story. Your voice can help others rise, too.
About the Author, Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou (1928–2014) was a remarkable American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose words continue to inspire readers worldwide. Her autobiographical series, beginning with "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," vividly explores themes of identity, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. Drawing from her own experiences as a Black woman in the segregated South, Angelou became a beacon for the marginalized, confronting injustices with unwavering hope and empowerment.Beyond her literary brilliance, Angelou actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement, collaborating with leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Her global perspective was enriched by her time living and working in Africa, broadening her advocacy for social change and universal dignity. Throughout her life, she garnered numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, reflecting her profound impact on culture and literature.
Angelou's enduring legacy lies not only in her writings but also in her ability to uplift and empower generations with her powerful voice, steadfast in its pursuit of justice and equality.
Maya Angelou
Popular Pages:
Famous Poets - Explore Famous Poets and discover writers like Maya Angelou whose words help us stand strong and keep moving forward.
Resilience Quotes - Provides empowering insights to help you, much like Angelou's poem, overcome challenges with unwavering strength.
Courage Poems - Reading Courage Poems can bolster your inner strength, echoing the bold defiance found in "Still I Rise."
Hope Quotes - Offers uplifting words to maintain optimism, resonating with the hopeful tone of Angelou's work.
Christian Poems of Hope - Shares faith-based encouragement, aligning with themes of hope and resilience present in "Still I Rise."
Conclusion
Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise reminds us that no matter the struggles we face, we have the strength to rise above them. Her words encourage confidence, self respect, and hope, even when life feels unfair or heavy. This poem is more than verses on a page, it is a message to stand tall, believe in your worth, and keep moving forward. Let these words stay with you as a reminder that your voice matters and that you too can rise, again and again.
More Poems of Encouragement to uplift your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the poem.
What is the central message of Still I Rise?
The poem's central message is one of resilience, strength, and defiance in the face of oppression. Angelou emphasizes the ability to rise above adversity, no matter how others may try to bring you down.
What literary devices are used in Still I Rise?
Angelou employs various literary devices, including metaphor, simile, repetition, and imagery. She uses these tools to compare her resilience to natural forces like the sun, moon, and tides, and to emphasize the unstoppable power of the human spirit.
How does Still I Rise reflect themes of racial and gender identity?
The poem reflects Angelou's experience as a Black woman and addresses broader issues of racism, sexism, and systemic oppression. Her confident tone and celebration of her identity challenge stereotypes and affirm the value of self-worth and empowerment.
What inspired Maya Angelou to write Still I Rise?
Still I Rise was inspired by Angelou's personal experiences with racial discrimination, as well as the life struggles of African Americans throughout history. The poem is part of her broader effort to give voice to those who have been oppressed and to celebrate their resilience and triumph.
Why is Still I Rise considered an iconic poem?
Still I Rise is celebrated for its universal themes of empowerment, defiance, and hope. Its bold, confident tone and powerful imagery have made it a symbol of resistance and strength, particularly for marginalized communities. The poem’s enduring relevance and impact have solidified its place as one of Angelou’s most iconic works.