There are many ways to celebrate women a day like today; I decided to remember a phenomenal woman who broke so many barriers for women not only in the United States, but as an international symbol of courage, kindness, talent and so much more. I first heard of her while taking a creative writing class in Santo Domingo many years ago, and fell in love with her writing and personality after moving permanently to the US.
A phenomenal woman indeed, Dr. Maya Angelou’s writing has had a profound influence in me, and at a more personal level, her physical resemblance to my mamá Amparo always warmed my heart after mamá passed. Even though unfortunately Dr. Angelou is also gone now, her legacy and greatness will forever live.
Today I share her poem, one that each single woman should recite out loud. I hope you enjoy the video as Dr. Angelou herself recites this powerful poem.
In her own voice…
Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
Many people wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
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.
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,
The flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
The joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
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.
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 palms of my hand,
The need for my care.
Because I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
All you women, and ME!
[dania]
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