Maya says,
"I can be changed by what happens to me.
But I refuse to be reduced by it."

I can be changed in your eyes by what you choose to call me
But I refuse to be a single word when I am a saga
I can be a mere tick-tock in your life’s schedule
But I refuse to be a single moment when I am eternal
I can be changed in your universal order of things
But I refuse to be a single number when I am infinite
I can be changed, hurt, saddened, angered by you
But I refuse with every word from my mouth, every second of my life,
every molecule of my being to be reduced by you
And I refuse to let anything alter my belief that
we can all be changed by each other and not be reduced

anne beth carey - june 2014
Reflection on the passing of Maya Angelou.
www.worldprayers.org