This poem taught me that word bits combined with rhythm can get us through the toughest times. The speaker creates memorable phrases through the use of commas: “But still, like dust, I rise,” or “But still, like air, I’ll rise.” The pauses allow us to savor the imagery — the dust, the air— and confront any and every challenging situation.

These lines are beautiful for the message they convey: one of strength, tenacity, and determination. And they do so through the conscious musicality of clauses between commas. In English class, we call these nonessential clauses — only, the clauses in this poem ARE essential. The pauses chunk the poem, making it easier to memorize and retain in our minds. I cherish this poem, but especially these short lines, and retrieve them in my times of dire need.

When I want to quit my job, when I am facing unfair coworker criticism, when I am experiencing burnout, I have Maya Angelo’s carefully-crafted musical phrases reminding me that, still I rise.

These lines sit on the left hand corner of my desk in my classroom; and when I want to give up, still I rise. When I am running out of patience with my students, still I rise. When my personal life is crumbling, still I rise. When I lose perspective in life, still I rise.

I rise.
I rise.
I rise.