Phenomenal Woman

Posted April 14, 2008 at 06:00 PM by Alexandra Haller

Section: Her Health, Body Image, Her Motivation, Her Story, Special Features

April is National Poetry Month. In the spirit of celebration, HAL continues to bring you poetry written by amazing women. This week’s poem, by Maya Angelou, rejoices in what it means to be a woman. She believes that one doesn’t need to look a certain way or act in a certain manner to be a beautiful and powerful woman. She derives strength from her uniqueness and recognizing her own courage and honesty. This is a lyrical piece that will make every woman step back and remember how phenomenal they truly are. 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.