In her first book of poetry in seven years Maya Angelou, bestselling author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, demonstrates her unique gift for capturing the triumph and pain of being black and the struggle to be free. Filled with bittersweet intimacies and ferocious courage, these poems are gems--many-faceted, bright with wisdom, radiant with life.

"Throughout her illustrious career in letters, Maya Angelou gifted, healed, and inspired the world with her words. Now the beauty and spirit of those words live on in this new and complete collection of poetry that reflects and honors the writer's ... life"--Amazon.com.

Presents Maya Angelou's poem illustrated by paintings and drawings of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Features biographies of both the author and artist. This stirring marriage of poetry and art combines the daring of Basquiat's vision with the courage and strength of