My SHEro: Nikki Giovanni

3 years ago, I had the privilege of witnessing one of my idols speak at my alma mater, Bowie State University. I will never forget rushing to the stage at the end of the event for her to sign her book of poems I owned. She grabbed my book, looked me in my eyes and just smiled. Still one of my prized possessions. Nikki Giovanni is the reason why I love poetry. Her poems were always so simple yet deep. She taught me that sometimes poems are not suppose to rhyme, but to just mean something to you. When I first started writing poetry, I always thought if it didn't rhyme is wasn't good. Reading her poems changed my perspective and now I write freely. I don't worry if it doesn't rhyme as long as it comes from the heart. Nikki is my SHEro because she influenced me to express myself through poetry and did I forget to mention she LOVES Tupac and has "Thug Life"tatted on her arm...Nikki Giovanni's work is incredible. She truly does not get all the credit she deserves. She is my SHEro and my favorite poet of all time!

Here is my favorite poems by Nikki Giovanni

 I'm Not Lonely 

I’m not lonely

sleeping all alone

you think i’m scared

but I’m a big girl

i don’t cry or anything

I have a great

big bed to roll around

in and lots of space

and I don’t dream

bad dreams like i used

to have that you

were leaving me

anymore

Now that you’re gone

I don’t dream

and no matter

what you think

i’m not lonely

sleeping

all alone

The Day I Meet Nikki Giovanni