This story originally appeared on RealTime/STL.
Poet and St. Louis native Maya Angelou may have been best known for her book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” but for the past four years she also shared her moving words via social media. Angelou died Wednesday morning; she was 86. Here’s a look at some of her tweets.
My wish for you is joy. When you wish someone joy, you wish peace, love, prosperity, health, happiness… all the good things.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) November 12, 2013
You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 9, 2013
The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) March 10, 2014
In a world so rife with vulgarity, with brutality and violence, love exists. I’m grateful to know that it exists.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) January 26, 2013
Events may come that will change things, but you must decide you will not be reduced by them.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 13, 2010
I will not be abused. I will not be misused, not willingly. But I will be of use. Anybody who is not of use is useless.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) September 6, 2013
Let the brain go to work, let it meet the heart and you will be able to forgive.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) April 6, 2014
Hope is born again in the faces of children.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) May 27, 2010
I long for the time when all human history is taught as one history. I am stronger because you are stronger. I am weaker if you are weak.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) February 6, 2011
You don't have to tell everything you know, but let what you do say be the truth as you understand it.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 28, 2010
Continue to be bold, courageous. Try to chose the wisest thing and once you’ve chosen the wisest thing go out and try to achieve it. Be it.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 11, 2010
See how St. Louisans are remembering Angelou.