Thursday, April 30, 2009

Phenomenal


(picture from BBC.co.uk)

To end Poetry Month with a bang is one of my all-time favorite poems. I use to know almost all of this poem by heart. I have to go back and memorize it again. This poem is by the fabulous Maya Angelou called Phenomenal Women

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.


Can I get an Amen? Now that is some kind of strong and beautiful poem. This poem goes to all the Phenomenal women and men who have shared with me this month long celebration of Poetry. I'll be back with videos of me reading poetry. Sharing some of my own poetry and other favorite poets from time to time.

As always, Sweet Dreams to you all.

12 comments:

Tristan Robin said...

This is a beautiful poem ... I believe I heard her read it on Oprah Winfrey years and years ago.

Thanks for sharing all your work and the work of others this month ... I've enjoyed your selelctions!

Sarah said...

That's a great poem! It would be good to hear you read that one.

get zapped said...

Right on! I adore her poetry, her strength, always...

Anonymous said...

Truly beautiful! Thanks for sharing this!

Emily said...

one of my favorite all time poems.
and to hear her read it?
just the best.

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

One of my favorites. I love this poem and keep it in my office! It surpasses all races and ages. It's priceless and simply beautiful like you he he he he!!! Thanks for stopping by Phenomenal woman!

A Fanciful Twist said...

I can never get enough of this!

It is just tremendsou Shell! The first time i heard I was awe struck!

Amen! xoxo

Beverly said...

Hey Shell, This is my fave of Maya Angelou's works and has always been a huge inspiration for me. It was one of the first works that made me realize how our true beauty lies not in our outward appearance but the depth of our souls, the abundance of our hearts and the courage and wisdom of life. Thank you so much for bringing it back!

Genie Sea said...

Aaaaaaaaaaamen! :)

Anonymous said...

I love her.. she says everything so well. Loved your month of poetry.
jj

sam brightwell said...

Thanks Shell ~ I used to love that poem and I'd forgotten all about it until today. It is just fantastic.

Love your blog.

Bright Blessings.

Cheryl Lynn Pastor Romance Author said...

Just as magnificent today as it was the many years ago when I first read it. It was so wonderful to hear Maya read it as well.

Thanks so much for a beautiful Poetry Month. Can't wait to hear you read more poems.

Kudos and Kisses

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