Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou

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]