Do I Have to Die - David Bean

[Larry Robinson]

Do I Have to Die

	For Maya Angelou

Do I Have to Die
to get your attention
I was great from the start

I have spelunked
the depth of silence
I have heard the music of the word
within the human heart
I have borne travail
and surveyed the trail
of the four corners of this earth, 
and hell as well

Do I have to die
to get your attention
I am a woman
That is all
That is plenty
Does that address
reside within your breast?
plenty, travail, fecundity.
I know it well.

Hell, I was raped
before puberty
had a child at sixteen
I carried on.
through realms of silence
searched for my home
in Europe, Egypt  
black Africa and beyond
I settled in 
North Carolina
I know it well.

I settled..
alone
yet not alone
I am a woman.
I am one with the unity
of our gathering community.

Do I have to Die
to get your attention.
Well then read me.
Must I be dead to 
be well read?

	- David Bean


A tribute to Maya Angelou
Died May 28, 2014
of a life of 86 years
of silence and eloquence
of forbearance and perseverance
and music of word and nuance 
theater, art, leadership and dance
and a stream of undaunted courage.

Maya Angelou did not accomplish this
on bended knees
after all, she earned 50 honorary degrees.

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