I can’t quote a single line of her poetry.

All I know of her work is the multitude of beautiful, inspiring quotes anyone can find online.

But she was undeniably a woman of great courage. A woman whose words shaped our lives for decades, and will continue to do so for decades more.

We’ll miss her. But let’s not dwell on the sadness of her passing.

Instead, let’s celebrate the time we had with her. 86 years is a full life by almost any measure, and hers more full than most.

She sang for the most important reason–because she had a song. I’m grateful for her song, and her life, and the love she chose to share with the rest of us.

Farewell, Maya Angelou. May you find rest.