This is a really nice (though slim) collection of poems by Maya Angelou. I've read her work before, but I've never listened to her read her own poems, and that was a treat! If possible, give this one a listen. It really enhances the experience. ( )

This was a beautiful and powerful poem. I also really liked the artwork, so soft and yet bringing Maya Angelou's words to life. ( )

Amazing Peace by Maya Angelou is aptly named, not just because it reflects the content of the poem, but also because amazing peace is what the words deliver to it's reader.
This is one of the most beautiful poems that I have read, and it spoke to my heart, especially on this day when our country is so divided over election results.
I recommend everyone to read this, and experience the message as I have. Note: There is also a children's picture book available.

Quotes:

Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope and singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air.
The world is encouraged to come away from rancor,
Come the way of friendship.

Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.
We, the Jew and the Jainism, the Catholic and the Confucian,
Implore you to stay awhile with us
So we may learn by your shimmering light
How to look beyond complexion and see community. ( )

What a beautiful Christmas Poem written by Maya Angelou. I have read some of her writings before and enjoyed them very much. Not only is her words beautiful, but the art in this book, by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher was stunning. Love, Peace and Good Will are always the theme for the Christmas season. But oh how they are needed in the world today. ( )

Well, of course it was beautiful, and I really love Maya Angelou's... everything. But I don't love the illustrations, and honestly, even the content of the poem was a stretch for me. It reminds me of these memes I've been seeing, and while I can appreciate the intent of the memes, they are essentially victim-blaming. The problem isn't that non-Christians are offended by being wished a merry Christmas; it's that Christians don't respect the fact that not everyone is Christian. Non-Christians wouldn't be offended by being wished a merry Christmas if they lived in a culture that respected their non-Christianity. So the inclusive, all-encompassing language of this poem is lovely, yes. But I just don't think we get to tell "the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and the Confucian... believers and nonbelievers" that we should all "celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ" together as a community. The message of peace is beautiful and wonderful, but it needs to be separate from a celebration of Jesus Christ.