My son is the best thing that ever happened to me. And through me - to a lot of people.

Hope for the best, be prepared for the worse. Life is shocking, but you must never appear to be shocked. For no matter how bad it is it could be worse and no matter how good it is it could be better.

Some critics will write 'Maya Angelou is a natural writer' - which is right after being a natural heart surgeon.

Here on the pulse of this new day You may have the grace to look up and out And into your sister's eyes, Into your brother's face, your country And say simply Very simply With hope Good morning.

Living a life is like constructing a building: if you start wrong, you'll end wrong.

I think all poems are commissioned. They just come to me without somebody outside commissioning them. The idea comes and I will live with them 'til I get it as close to what I mean. I've never been totally satisfied. I've come close a few times.

Moderation in all things. And even moderation in moderation. Don't get too much moderation, you know?