And Who Am I? by Nicole

And Who Am I?

In reading poetry sometimes you find that special poet who captures your soul; a poet that reads your spirit while you are reading her poetry. 

Maya Angelou was one of those poets.  Ms. Angelou’s words just linger within me. 

·       “I am a Woman Phenomenally, Phenomenal Woman, That’s me.”  Phenomenal Woman, poem (1978)

·       ‘The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind”.  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969)

And……

·       “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”  The Art of Fiction No. 119, the Paris Review

These Maya Angelou’s quotes remind me of having a stroke and resolving my sadness through the Stroke Comeback Center. Tell the world, yes I did initially encounter a defeat with my stroke, but I will not be defeated by this stroke.

Ms. Angelou’s words seduce you, without question.  Her writings take you to a place that you have thought about visiting, but in the past, you dare not visit.

Her writings make you bold enough to step out and express your phenomenal feelings.

Her writings give you the courage to be yourself without any excuses.

And, her writings are a celebration of what was, what is and what can be.

Ms. Angelou shows you how to go into your inner child and bring out the hurting that was hiding so deep; one day it bursts out in your adult self and screams for mercy, mercy, mercy.

When we go hide-and-seek, trying to find out where we belong and where we are going in life, it frightens us, to a point we run for cover; subconsciously, we sink into the ocean.

When we go hide-and-seek, we say to ourselves, if I come out, but what will they think of me?  How can I get through that roadblock that has been captivating my soul?  

After years of wondering, do I dare peak out to see if it’s okay to show them who I really am?

Will they accept me, will they reject me, or just let me be. 

Until my brain splits and shows them what I find hidden behind the walls, until I rise up and let it all fall out, then my mind will become free to think the thoughts, do the things I dared not think and do before my stroke.

Who am I, I am that naughty little girl, but a very good girl, hiding in an elder-hood body, who continues to live in an insane world.  Continuing to search for the start and beginning of life’s sweetness.

As Ms. Maya says, “there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you”.

Words of Thought: Overwhelming…….

Step by step, the Stroke Comeback Center is gently testing me to explore my inner self.

May Maya Angelou’s spirit be blessed and at peace……

Comments:  As Brooke says, “Now that’s a Special Sauce"