Some clichty folks
don’t know the facts,
posin’ and preenin’
and puttin’ on acts,
stretchin’ their backs.

They move into condos
up over the ranks,
pawn their souls
to the local banks.
Buying big cars
they can’t afford,
ridin’ around town
actin’ bored.

If they want to learn how to live life right
they ought to study me on Saturday night.

My job at the plant
ain’t the biggest bet,
but I pay my bills
and stay out of debt.
I get my hair done
for my own self’s sake,
so I don’t have to pick
and I don’t have to rake.

Take the church money out
and head cross town
to my friend girl’s house
where we plan our round.
We meet our men and go to a joint
where the music is blue
and to the point.

Folks write about me.
They just can’t see
how I work all week
at the factory.
Then get spruced up
and laugh and dance
And turn away from worry
with sassy glance.

They accuse me of livin’
from day to day,
but who are they kiddin’?
So are they.

My life ain’t heaven
but it sure ain’t hell.
I’m not on top
but I call it swell
if I’m able to work
and get paid right
and have the luck to be Black
on a Saturday night.

Analysis, meaning and summary of Maya Angelou's poem Weekend Glory

8 Comments

  1. Brandi Lewis says:

    This poem can relate to me. Maya Angelou has some of the greatest works in the world and I will forever cherish and love her incredible pieces

  2. ME says:

    this poem was awesome!!! the subject matter of this peom still goes on today. these are wise words to live by. everyone should read it (if they have the oppertunity)(dont want to make it sound like im forcing anybody)

  3. SHAVARA says:

    MS. ANGELOU IS AN AMAZING WOMAN. I’VE PERFORMED AND RECITED SEVERAL OF HER POEMS IN LOCAL TALENT SHOWS. THEY HAVE SO MUCH ATTITUDE…ITS IMPOSSIBLE FOR SOMEONE NOT TO LOVE THEM.

  4. omega says:

    the best

  5. Shalonda says:

    Truly a Phenomenal Woman…Powerful words with diligence.

  6. Samaria says:

    Ms. Angelou is indeed a great poet. She gets much respect from me. I am a lover of many of her poems and I am really diggin this one.

  7. China says:

    This poes was very well writen. It was very deep and u could understand where she is coimg from. If you read her autobiography you clearly understand what she is taling about. Maya Angelou is one of of my favorite authors.

  8. beth groner says:

    i think this poem is well written and i think that what the author is saying is seen too many times in the world and i think that the author has an excellent point about what she is writing in this poem

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