Famous Inspirational Poem

In this beautiful and powerful poem, Maya Angelou, teaches us that we are all people, and so much more alike than different. Imagine the change we would see in the world if we all lived this simple truth!

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With so much sadness and feeling alone in the world today, reading these words reminded me there are so many others that feel the same. And it's so important for us all to remember all humans...

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Famous Poem

Human Family

Maya Angelou By more Maya Angelou

I note the obvious differences
in the human family.
Some of us are serious,
some thrive on comedy.

Some declare their lives are lived
as true profundity,
and others claim they really live
the real reality.

The variety of our skin tones
can confuse, bemuse, delight,
brown and pink and beige and purple,
tan and blue and white.

I've sailed upon the seven seas
and stopped in every land,
I've seen the wonders of the world
not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women
called Jane and Mary Jane,
but I've not seen any two
who really were the same.

Mirror twins are different
although their features jibe,
and lovers think quite different thoughts
while lying side by side.

We love and lose in China,
we weep on England's moors,
and laugh and moan in Guinea,
and thrive on Spanish shores.

We seek success in Finland,
are born and die in Maine.
In minor ways we differ,
in major we're the same.

I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

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Has this poem touched you? Share your story!
  • Silas Ogutu by Silas Ogutu
  • 4 years ago

For sure. In minor ways we differ, but in major we're the same human family. Great words of inspiration.

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  • Cara Wideman-Bisbee by Cara Wideman-Bisbee
  • 4 years ago

With so much sadness and feeling alone in the world today, reading these words reminded me there are so many others that feel the same. And it's so important for us all to remember all humans are still people.

Reply
  • Iqals Etrhmet by Iqals Etrhmet
  • 4 years ago

‮.gninaem sti tuoba gnihton sedih meop siht ,drawrofthgiarts dna tsenoH

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  • Mahi by Mahi
  • 6 years ago

Wow! A great poem and a great writer! I was looking for a poem for elocution competition, and this poem is perfect! Maya, you are the best writer!

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  • Ekponoabasi by Ekponoabasi
  • 6 years ago

Poems from great poets like Maya live on the borders of time and their tastes do not change.

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  • Linda Garfield by Linda Garfield
  • 6 years ago

How very beautifully written! Worthy of Poem of the Week.

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  • Anuradha by Anuradha
  • 7 years ago

Beautiful. The truth of the world penned down in a poem.

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  • Mentor Exhibit by Mentor Exhibit
  • 7 years ago

My source of inspiration. Even though you are not around us, your inspirational writings dwell in us. You shall forever be remembered. A wonderful poem with much diction.

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  • Martin J. Pelser by Martin J. Pelser
  • 7 years ago

Beautiful! It's inspirational - both the content of the poem and the way it flows. I've also done my fair share of sailing, so I really enjoyed those references.

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  • Karen by Karen
  • 7 years ago

Amen, Maya! You're wisdom is sorely missed. May God bless you!! You truly were one of the Lord's prophets!

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  • Elzada Mack by Elzada Mack
  • 8 years ago

I love this poem but had not heard it until it was played as part of an advertisement. I have no idea what the ad concerned, however, I had to have a copy of this poem. We are more alike than unlike.

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