Intro

The great American writer Maya Angelou was cast away back in 1987.

She told Michael Parkinson about the disturbing reason she became temporarily mute during her childhood, which in turn led to her love of poetry. Some listeners may find her description of events upsetting.

You can find the full episode on BBC Sounds.

Details of organisations offering information and support with child sexual abuse are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.