A small glowing amber paper lantern boat on a dish of deep blue water with ripples on a dark green background.

Original artwork, not a still

Maya Angelou

I answer the question, 'Death, where is thy sting?' with here in my heart and mind and memories.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker answers a rhetorical challenge to death by locating its sting in personal feelings, thoughts and memories. Remembrance carries the pain rather than removing it. The reply turns a claim of victory over death into an intimate statement about the continuing hurt of loss.

Context reviewed

Share this quote