They say imitation is the best form of flattery; it can also be the best way to honor someone's memory.
Maya Angelou is a novelist, poet, and civil rights activist best known for her book, "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings." Because May 28th is the anniversary of her death, I researched her writing style. She wrote prose and poetry, but I specifically looked into her poetry.
Her poetry didn't use any specific technique or rhyme scheme. The most distinct characteristics of her poetry are the use of Black Secular language and call and response form. Maya wrote about her life and experiences with racial disparity as a black woman in America. Her poetry is also heavily inspired by blues music because black slaves invented it, resulting in it reading rhythmically.
In honor of the anniversary of Maya Angelou's death, I want to write a poem inspired by her writing style.
Maya uses her culture and experiences as inspiration for content, so I will do the same using my experiences as a Hispanic woman in America. Introducing Spanish into my poetry is indicative of her use of Black Secular language. Spanish music as a whole is expansive, but I wanted to use music personal to me as inspiration. To reference Maya's call and response form and musical inspiration, I used the song "Que Bonita Bandera."
"Que Bonita Bandera" is the unofficial Puerto Rican anthem. The song holds great significance in Puerto Rican culture and activism. The Puerto Rican was banned for some time, and having one was enough for jail time. Eventually, the ban was lifted, resulting in many Puerto Ricans waving their flags to rejoice and celebrate their culture.
Here is my attempt to emulate Maya Angelou's writing style using my experiences.
Que Linda La Raza Hispana
Que linda la raza
Que linda la raza
Que linda la raza hispana
We're not gangsters
Find us in academia
Que linda la raza hispana
Crossing the border
No es nuestra unica historia
Que linda la raza hispana
We cook the food you love
The tacos, tostones, and arepas
Que linda la raza hispana
We sing the music you love
The salsa, merengue and Bachata
Que linda la raza hispana
We brought you the greats
Celia, Lin and Selena
Que linda la raza hispana
Que Linda la Raza
Que Linda la Raza
Que linda la raza hispana
So learn the countries we come from
No todos somos mexicanas
Que linda la raza hispana
Que linda la raza
Que linda la raza
Que linda la raza hispana
Que linda la raza
Que linda la raza
Que linda la raza hispana
Dios te bendiga
Y recuerda
Que linda la raza hispana