Word Power

Maya Angelou April 4, 1928-

Happy Birthday

Life Doesn't Frighten Me

This poem expresses Maya Angelou's pride, spirit, fearlessness and determination. It was first published in her 1978 book And Still I Rise.

Shadows on the wall

Noises down the hall

Life doesn't frighten me at all

Bad dogs barking loud

Big ghosts in a cloud

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Mean old Mother Goose

Lions on the loose

They don’t frighten me at all

Dragons breathing flame

On my counterpane

That doesn't frighten me at all.

I go boo

Make them shoo

I make fun

Way they run

I won’t cry

So they fly

I just smile

They go wild

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Tough guys in a fight

All alone at night

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Panthers in the park

Strangers in the dark

No, they don’t frighten me at all.

That new classroom where

Boys all pull my hair

Kissy little girls

With their hair in curls

They don’t frighten me at all.

Don’t show me frogs and snakes

And listen for my scream

If I’m afraid at all

It’s only in my dreams.

I've got a magic charm

That I keep up my sleeve,

I can walk the ocean floor

And never have to breathe.

Life doesn't frighten me at all

Not at all

Not at all.

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Dr. Angelou’s life story is a tale of achievement over hardship just like the themes in some of her famous poems. In addition to being a poet she is an author, college professor, civil rights activist, memoirist, historian, filmmaker, public speaker and producer. Dr. Angelou's memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is one of her more well known works written in 1969. At President Bill Clinton's inauguration she recited a special poem titled “On The Pulse of Morning”. 

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The World According to Bella

Here is a picture of me and Mulligan. I am on the left in case you couldn't figure it out.  Mr. C had just  picked Mulligan up for our "play date".  I am happy he can go to the dog park with us. I love to chase balls and play tug a war with him. Mulligan is so good at finding the candy man who walks everyday at the park. He always has treats for us in his pockets.  One of my new favorite things to do with Mulligan is splash through this little pond now that the snow has melted.  But Mrs. S makes such a fuss when I get home. She thinks I look like a mess.  

It has been two weeks since Mr. C and Mrs. S have returned. I am so ready for them to plan their next trip. I had just the best time at Mulligan's house. Already I am missing my TV time on the bed with the dog sitter and Mulligan. I am back to my old set of rules and routine which means its a NO-NO to be up on furniture. And Mrs. S does not think I need a pillow and 2 extra blankets at night.  I  tried to tell her I really liked that but I guess she didn't understand me.     

Mrs. S seems to be going a bit crazy on this poetry stuff just because its April. She even told me I could find one for you. Hope you like it.

My doggy likes to disco dance.

He boogies every night.
He dances in his doghouse
till the early morning light.

The other dogs come running
when they hear my doggy swing.
A few will play their instruments.
The others dance and sing.

They pair off with their partners
as their tails begin to wag.
They love to do the bunny hop,
the fox trot and the shag.

You'll see the doghouse rockin'
as a hundred dogs or more
all trip the light fantastic
on the doghouse disco floor.

At last, at dawn, they exit
in the early morning breeze,
and stop to sniff the fire hydrants,
bushes, lawns and trees.

I just don't understand it
for although it looks like fun.
I can't see how they fit inside
that doghouse built for one.

by Kenn Nesbitt

Love, Bella