Maya Angelou—author, poet, human rights activist, has died at age 86.
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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
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
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
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
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
BY MAYA ANGELOU
What empowering, inspiring words on true beauty for young girls and women to hear, for us all to be reminded of.
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I am enriched reading her legacy of literature, poetry, her quotes—that’s how Maya Angelou has made me FEEL. I am off to role model “kick ass” to my young girls, and give “NORMAL” a good run for its money, although that’s just probably being an embarrassing mother. 🙂 And I’m off to read Maya’s autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), about her very challenging life up to the age of seventeen.
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I am sure Maya will rest in peace, because she worked hard for it in her life.
Maya Angelou official website
Huffington Post article
Susan Lattwein 
I’m afraid that the wickedly funny (but vulgar) Boondocks animated social critique of U.S. rap / gansta culture has made it difficult for me to read about this magnificent woman without laughing.
There was an episode where two dumb white dudes plotted to kidnap Oprah at a book signing, but they went to the other bookstore across the street by mistake, and inadvertently kidnapped Maya Angelou instead.
I looked this up once before after you referred to it. I think two minutes in the penalty box for you, this time. 🙂
Maybe even a five minute major penalty.
The first episode had me crying with laughter—the social satire and criticism is wicked. Uncle Ruckus may be the funniest animated character in history.
Now there’s a challenge…
I’d heard the quote about how people will never forget the way you made them feel before but didn’t know where it came from. In fact I’ve never read Maya and will definitely have to remedy that ignorant circumstance. Thanks for enlightening me Susan.
You’re welcome. I admire strong women and sometimes write posts in case my daughters are reading. Who knows? 🙂
I have one of her books in my reading pile right now. This is the second time in a few days I’ve heard mention of the book with the caged bird in it’s title. I might have to look into it.
And send Nav to the naughty corner…. lol
Let me know if you do read it, I’ve just reserved it at the library,
Yes, Navigator, he hadn’t been cheeky for a while, had he?
Too busy with his book. Now he’s coming out of his shell again lol
Scary…
By the way, like the photos on your blog lately. 🙂
Thank you dear. About to upload another one I took about half an hour ago.
I’ll have a look on the weekend. Have a great one!
🙂 You have a great weekend (what’s left of it) also.
makes us proud to be WOMAN!… she did have a way with words1
I like your proud response! 🙂
I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know anything about this ‘phenomenal’ woman until last week when I heard she’d died and read all about her on social media.
Love the pics and quotes – empowering indeed. 🙂
I particularly like Maya’s messages about body image. 🙂
What an encouraging & powerful poem. What makes it so much more wonderful for me is the very little reference she actually gives to her appearance. Something we could not only inspire young women with but our young men & not just on how they should see/treat women but also themselves.
Thanks for visiting, Rebecca. That comment is worth a post on its own! 🙂
Maya was right, people are influenced by how others see themselves, and I love the way she says it with such elegance.
Look at gorgeous Dawn French, even in Vicar’s clothes!
Or even Norman Lindsay’s women, voluptuous, naked and very pleased with themselves!
The ABC interviewed a fashion guru who’d just written a book, said MALE models had to be young and thin. That is a FASHION, young men have enough on their plates without it being suggested they should be thin. Don’t get me started!!!!!
An incredibly awesome and inspiring woman. She will be greatly missed, but no doubt her legacy will live on.
I’m sure it will.Thanks for visiting and commenting, Lisa.:)
This is a great post and an honorable tribute to a great woman. 🙂
She was truly remarkable
Indeed she was! 🙂