Phenomenal Woman - Maya Angelou

I’m a woman, Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.


What a beautiful poem.

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 arm / 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 for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.


by Maya Angelou.