By Zakeia Tyson-Cross

 I’ve often imagined you sitting here, with me in my living room. The warmth and order of colors reflected from the sun would illuminate your smile and your peaceful energy, and you would share it effortlessly. You, Dr. Angelou, shared so much of yourself to the world; your countless lessons, mistakes, leadership and deep love and compassion for your loved ones and friends makes me want to share more.

Nostalgically genial is how I see your words, and they ultimately encouraged, pushed, shook out of me my thoughts, passion and vision for a new over standing of my place in this life. There are countless storytellers within this world but very few were able to transform words into imagery, packed in so much emotion and felt internally by millions. Could we imagine a world of people that shared freely their sincere hopes for a more peaceful humanity and a claim to practice what we yearn the most, which is love?

There are so many quotes and lessons that I’ve taken away from reading your stories and poetry. One in particular was through an intimate interview via Iconoclasts with Dave Chappelle, where you gave him an inspirational quote which I took for myself. And it is “don’t pick it up and don’t lay it down,” meaning that if someone praises and tells you how great and wonderful your gifts are, you will likely have to pick up the negativity that may follow. This quote empowers me to do my best work within creative writing and share it with the world based on my passion and not so much on the praises or heckles that may follow. I’ve learned that my artistry will continue to grow and that “I am somebody”, not just because my mother, grandmother and other loved one’s embedded that ideal in me. It’s because I internalize my radiance to persevere and I am reminded of that every time I look at myself in the mirror, and when my daughter flashes a smile at me.I don’t know if someone can truly mentor a person that they’ve never met. I have such a profound connection to your work and the huge stamp of love you placed on the world. I love you and what you so easily unselfishly shared. You will be missed but your words and spiritual energy will be eternally felt.

Dedicated To the Memory of Dr. Maya Angelou
Love looks like you
Layered in the sun’s radiance to illuminate the earth
It ripples softly over the oceans waves
It sparkles in the night of darkness while peeking over the moon
It speaks through song from the beaks of fluttering birds
Coasting over the Mississippi river
To the heavy wallops on the djembe in the middle of the Congo
Love looks like you
Simple and complex at the same time
Daring and unrelenting
Friendly and comforting
Love, it looks like you

© Zakeia Tyson-Cross. All Rights Reserved.