Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Curly Miri
June 15, 2012 at 1:11 am
I’ve always loved this poem. Every woman is phenomenal and I believe the challenge for many women is to overcome their personal fear of embracing their beauty. Thank you for sharing, it’s been a while since I have read Angelou’s writing. I know I’m behind but I have yet to watch Poetic Justice!
jason
June 15, 2012 at 12:58 pm
I love Maya Angelou. Her style of writing and her messages in it. But, I can’t believe you haven’t seen Poetic Justice! It’s a classic, you have to watch it… it’s definitely a love story. I would honestly say that it’s probably the closest black version of a Jane Austin movie.
Thanks Curly Miri for sharing :).
jason
May 28, 2014 at 5:43 pm
Reblogged this on Jason's Journal and commented:
Maya Angelou past away this morning… I loved her spirit. She has an exceptional gift for words. She was so beautiful.