Beauty

[Remee]

Phenomenal Woman - By Maya Angelou

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.

Wasn't she a fun and gifted poet ? I just love this as describing beauty in all women....real beauty!

Enjoy ! XOXO

[silkyk]

Thank you for posting this! Beautiful poem, beautiful woman. Phenomenal woman!

[Remee]

Silkyk, you are more than welcome. Glad you enjoyed it !

[silkyk]

A perfect poem for me this sad morning after reading that we lost Lauren Bacall yesterday. Another phenomenal woman. Thanks again....perfect.

[gonnab]

I used to love to hear Maya recite this poem. Her voice was so lyrical! And as I read it, I can "hear" her.

[sun8shine]

Great Post

[wb in nyc]

On 8/13/2014 gonnab said:

I used to love to hear Maya recite this poem. Her voice was so lyrical! And as I read it, I can "hear" her.

Yes, I was thinking exactly the same thing! I never tire of reading this poem and it reminds me that " a thing of beauty IS a joy forever!"

[KateChopin]

YES, very familiar.

Big poetry buff. My faves are by Billy Collins, Adrienne Rich and Sharon Olds. And Lucille Clifton. And Marie Howe. And Robert Pinsky. And and and...lol!

[Caitlin Bree]

Thank you for reminding me of this powerful and inspirational poem. Just the lift I needed today!

[golding76]

What a pleasure, in all ways! Thank you so much for posting this uplifting, inspiring poem. If this poem doesn't succeed in making you believe in your own particular charms, I don't know what will.