Write a short paragraph about why you choose this poem.
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 ,
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.