Human Family

As CEI mourns the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou, we remain inspired by her passion, dedication, and life accomplishments. Here’s one of our favorite poems by Dr. Angelou. The work moves us to not only be compassionate, but to create compassionate communities. Stay tuned for our June Newsletter where we share more about our special connection to Dr.Angelou’s life and legacy.

Poem: ‘Human Family’ by 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.