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Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women
A collection of beloved poems about women from the iconic Maya Angelou
These four poems, "Phenomenal Woman," "Still I Rise," "Weekend Glory," and "Our Grandmothers," are among the most remembered and acclaimed of Maya Angelou's poems. They celebrate women with a majesty that has inspired and touched the hearts of millions.
These memorable poems have been reset and bound in a beautiful edition--a gift to keep and to give.
These four poems, "Phenomenal Woman," "Still I Rise," "Weekend Glory," and "Our Grandmothers," are among the most remembered and acclaimed of Maya Angelou's poems. They celebrate women with a majesty that has inspired and touched the hearts of millions.
These memorable poems have been reset and bound in a beautiful edition--a gift to keep and to give.
22 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 1995
116 people are currently reading
6409 people want to read
About the author
Maya Angelou
295 books14.6k followersMaya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews
July 31, 2022
Maya Angelou is such a wonderful wordsmith, you can see she writes with a smile, and maybe a wink, and a backward glance, half flirtatious, over her shoulder. She's a phenomenal author. If you read this aloud whilst looking in a long mirror and do as the poem suggests, it makes a real difference to your presentation. Try it!
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.
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.
I read this years ago. The pleasure of it, like with all good poetry, isn't diminished by the passage of time or the number of times I've reread it.
Sadly, after a tragic childhood but a wonderful, fulfilled life as an adult, Maya Angelou, a truly phenomenal woman, died 27th May, 2014 at 86.
Rewritten 31st July 2022 because there were too many cliches and typos.
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.I walk into a room
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.
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 wonderedNow you understand
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.
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.
I read this years ago. The pleasure of it, like with all good poetry, isn't diminished by the passage of time or the number of times I've reread it.
Sadly, after a tragic childhood but a wonderful, fulfilled life as an adult, Maya Angelou, a truly phenomenal woman, died 27th May, 2014 at 86.
Rewritten 31st July 2022 because there were too many cliches and typos.
February 9, 2025
"I write for the Black voice and for any ear which can hear it."
So said the author of this little book, who sadly died earlier this year. It is a beautiful slim hardback book, slightly wider than an average paperback, and contains just one famous poem Phenomenal Woman by the great Maya Angelou. The poem is given an extra dimension, as it is accompanied by reproductions of paintings of Tahitian women by Paul Gauguin, who died 25 years before Angelou was born. Although the two are miles apart both in time, culture and location, it is an inspired coupling. At the back there is a short one-side biography of each, the poet and the painter. Additionally, there is a list of titles of all the paintings, with dates and present locations.
Each double page spread has a painting by Gauguin, plus two lines, a couplet or maybe more, from Angelou's poem. Sometimes there is an additional smaller reproduction. The choices perfectly mirror the descriptions in the poem itself; they are so apt that it is possible to read the book as if they are illustrations for it, although of course the paintings have an inner life and beauty of their own, glowing with colour and vitality.
Maya Angelou was born "Marguerite Johnson", but her brother nicknamed her "Maya" meaning "mine", and it stuck. She is a unique voice in poetry, and respected as a writer, performer, teacher and director. She has left a powerful legacy. This poem is typical of her voice, and as with much of her work, benefits from narration. The words are simple, repetitive, rhythmic and structured. There is a refrain,
"I'm a woman,
Phenomenally,
Phenomenal woman,
That's me."
There is colour and light, sensitivity and gentleness in both poem and paintings. There is strength, power, vitality, knowledge and wry humour. Her poem is inspirational and life-affirming.
"All of my work is meant to say, "You may encounter many defeats but you must not be defeated.""
Just one poem, but it is a lovely book.
So said the author of this little book, who sadly died earlier this year. It is a beautiful slim hardback book, slightly wider than an average paperback, and contains just one famous poem Phenomenal Woman by the great Maya Angelou. The poem is given an extra dimension, as it is accompanied by reproductions of paintings of Tahitian women by Paul Gauguin, who died 25 years before Angelou was born. Although the two are miles apart both in time, culture and location, it is an inspired coupling. At the back there is a short one-side biography of each, the poet and the painter. Additionally, there is a list of titles of all the paintings, with dates and present locations.
Each double page spread has a painting by Gauguin, plus two lines, a couplet or maybe more, from Angelou's poem. Sometimes there is an additional smaller reproduction. The choices perfectly mirror the descriptions in the poem itself; they are so apt that it is possible to read the book as if they are illustrations for it, although of course the paintings have an inner life and beauty of their own, glowing with colour and vitality.
Maya Angelou was born "Marguerite Johnson", but her brother nicknamed her "Maya" meaning "mine", and it stuck. She is a unique voice in poetry, and respected as a writer, performer, teacher and director. She has left a powerful legacy. This poem is typical of her voice, and as with much of her work, benefits from narration. The words are simple, repetitive, rhythmic and structured. There is a refrain,
"I'm a woman,
Phenomenally,
Phenomenal woman,
That's me."
There is colour and light, sensitivity and gentleness in both poem and paintings. There is strength, power, vitality, knowledge and wry humour. Her poem is inspirational and life-affirming.
"All of my work is meant to say, "You may encounter many defeats but you must not be defeated.""
Just one poem, but it is a lovely book.
Want to read
February 20, 2008Phenomenal 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
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.
Maya Angelou
This is a great song/poem and I have read a few of her other poems online and would like to read this book. Googling is fantastic, but there's nothing like settling down with the printed page in a comfy chair.
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.
Maya Angelou
This is a great song/poem and I have read a few of her other poems online and would like to read this book. Googling is fantastic, but there's nothing like settling down with the printed page in a comfy chair.
November 15, 2015
"Phenomenal Woman" has always been one of the unforgettable poems to me, though it is about a women or women as a whole. As the title claims to be, these four poems are the greatest works of Maya Angelou, celebrating women.
Though it says "Celebrating Women", it is not necessary that only women can read these quintessential poems. "Still I rise" and "Weekend Glory" are hard to forget once we read them, as the unrelenting words would start resonating deep within us.
The last poem "Our Grandmothers" is an ode to grandmothers. Through this masterpiece, Maya brings out to us the torturous path which her grandmothers, unmoved, apparently took to unlatching the doors of freedom, while helplessly sending her ignorant and shoe-less children away...
"When you learn, teach.
When you get, give.
As for me,
I shall not be moved."
My other favorite from Maya: Mother: A Cradle to Hold Me
Though it says "Celebrating Women", it is not necessary that only women can read these quintessential poems. "Still I rise" and "Weekend Glory" are hard to forget once we read them, as the unrelenting words would start resonating deep within us.
The last poem "Our Grandmothers" is an ode to grandmothers. Through this masterpiece, Maya brings out to us the torturous path which her grandmothers, unmoved, apparently took to unlatching the doors of freedom, while helplessly sending her ignorant and shoe-less children away...
"When you learn, teach.
When you get, give.
As for me,
I shall not be moved."
My other favorite from Maya: Mother: A Cradle to Hold Me
June 29, 2014
Absolutely fantastic little book containing 4 of Maya Angelou's well known poems - Phenomenal Woman, Still I Rise, Weekend Glory, Our Grandmothers. Four fabulous poems celebrating women in their extraordinariness! It's 22 pages and it's small format makes it a lovely present for the important exceptional women in your life. Phenomenal Woman is also a great way to get acquainted with Maya Angelou's wonderful poetry. A pleasure to read and to savour over and over...
June 9, 2021
"I go forth alone, and stand as ten thousand"
Redefining what the word profound means.
Every woman should read this at least once. Poems that will fuel woman with self confidence.
Loved it.
Redefining what the word profound means.
Every woman should read this at least once. Poems that will fuel woman with self confidence.
Loved it.
March 22, 2018
Absolutely beautiful.
Makes me stand up so tall.
Gave me goosebumps.
Phenomenal Woman is one of my favourite poems.
Makes me stand up so tall.
Gave me goosebumps.
Phenomenal Woman is one of my favourite poems.
January 20, 2021
“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.”
I really enjoyed this one!
January 28, 2021
5 Stars!
Thank you Ms. Angelou for these confidence boosting poems!
This is my first time stopping to read and dissect some of Ms. Angelou’s poems. Of course, I have heard some of her poems time and time again but I did not analyze or take the time to understand every line. I enjoyed all the classic timeless poems in this book.
The poems in this book are: (1) Phenomenal Women, (2) Still I Rise, (3) Weekend Glory and (4) Our Grandmothers.
Thank you Ms. Angelou for these confidence boosting poems!
This is my first time stopping to read and dissect some of Ms. Angelou’s poems. Of course, I have heard some of her poems time and time again but I did not analyze or take the time to understand every line. I enjoyed all the classic timeless poems in this book.
The poems in this book are: (1) Phenomenal Women, (2) Still I Rise, (3) Weekend Glory and (4) Our Grandmothers.
May 31, 2020
Maya Angelou's lyrical and strong voice shone through these pages.
She truly was the most phenomenal.
P.S. For the poems "Phenomenal woman" and "Still I rise", I would suggest you to listen to Maya's readings on YouTube. They are so much better with her voice.
She truly was the most phenomenal.
P.S. For the poems "Phenomenal woman" and "Still I rise", I would suggest you to listen to Maya's readings on YouTube. They are so much better with her voice.
August 20, 2016
Whenever I feel the pressure of a misogynistic world, this is the book I will run to. I will open this tiny collection of four poems and gain the strength and power of a truly phenomenal woman. When I have my own home and I begin to collect the books that I want at my side, this will be one of the first I seek.
...
They accuse me of livin'
from day to day,
but who are they kiddin'?
So are they.
My life ain't heaven
but it sure ain't hell.
I'm not on top
but I call it swell
From Weekend Glory
...
They accuse me of livin'
from day to day,
but who are they kiddin'?
So are they.
My life ain't heaven
but it sure ain't hell.
I'm not on top
but I call it swell
From Weekend Glory
June 21, 2021
What else should I say, reading Maya Angelou's poems, than they are Phenomenal! Just the way she is. Spreading the strength of her spirit through her words...
"...You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise..."
"...You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise..."
March 3, 2019
At first these poems appear crafted. Upon closer reading, they appear to be transcribed from Angelou's highest self. My GR friend Petra describes Angelou's writing style perfectly: Petra's review
Angelou's writing is something beyond words, images, meaning. . . . It also compasses Sound. I may have first heard Angelou read her work at President Bill Clinton's first presidential election (1993). She used her resonant voice, a voice trained to sound forth without magnification aids. With such a voice words take on a fuller, rounded-out meaning. What she writes, what I hear her say, I believe.
When reading these four poems, two of which I have been read and re-reading for years, I hear Angelou's voice. Four poems are not enough. I may have to go find more Angelou poems.
To get an idea of the power and sound of Angelou's voice: Angelou recites "Still I Rise"
Angelou's writing is something beyond words, images, meaning. . . . It also compasses Sound. I may have first heard Angelou read her work at President Bill Clinton's first presidential election (1993). She used her resonant voice, a voice trained to sound forth without magnification aids. With such a voice words take on a fuller, rounded-out meaning. What she writes, what I hear her say, I believe.
When reading these four poems, two of which I have been read and re-reading for years, I hear Angelou's voice. Four poems are not enough. I may have to go find more Angelou poems.
To get an idea of the power and sound of Angelou's voice: Angelou recites "Still I Rise"
Read
February 14, 2025These poems exude power, they drip confidence. Angelou's words incite this swagger, a sense of owning your space and celebrating your strength as a woman. Literally, no men talk to me today.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
SLAY
And while each poem speaks to different facets of the female (and black female) experience, they all share this underlying feeling of sisterhood that's really beautiful and comforting.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
SLAY
And while each poem speaks to different facets of the female (and black female) experience, they all share this underlying feeling of sisterhood that's really beautiful and comforting.
April 24, 2020
Phenomenal poems, from a Phenomenal woman. Always go back to the Classics.
July 11, 2025
gedichte über weiblichkeit und Schwarze identität.
würde ich empfehlen und werde bestimmt nochmal reinlesen.
bin auch crazy beeindruckt von den übersetzungen.
würde ich empfehlen und werde bestimmt nochmal reinlesen.
bin auch crazy beeindruckt von den übersetzungen.
July 5, 2020
You can also find my review here: https://rww.home.blog/2020/07/05/we-s...
Title: Phenomenal Woman
Author: Maya Angelou
Release Date: 17 January 1995
Rating: 5/5 stars
Just like with non-fiction, I don’t normally read poetry. I’ve read snippets of Maya Angelou’s poetry here and there, but this is the first time I’ve read her poems in their entirety.
These poems are so beautiful.
I’ve read a lot of poetry for school and whatnot, but the tone of these poems are just something else entirely. She talks about hardship and struggles, but somehow, Angelou still infuses her words with beauty. I think the emotions her poems invoke in people, is what all poets strive to do.
I will definitely read more of her poetry in the future.
Title: Phenomenal Woman
Author: Maya Angelou
Release Date: 17 January 1995
Rating: 5/5 stars
When you learn, teach.
When you get, give.
As for me,
I will not be moved.
Just like with non-fiction, I don’t normally read poetry. I’ve read snippets of Maya Angelou’s poetry here and there, but this is the first time I’ve read her poems in their entirety.
These poems are so beautiful.
She said, But my description
cannot
fit your tongue, for
I have a certain way of being in this world.
I’ve read a lot of poetry for school and whatnot, but the tone of these poems are just something else entirely. She talks about hardship and struggles, but somehow, Angelou still infuses her words with beauty. I think the emotions her poems invoke in people, is what all poets strive to do.
I will definitely read more of her poetry in the future.
They accuse me of livin’
from day to day,
But who are they kiddin’?
So are they.
September 12, 2016
This book was wonderfully short and meaningful. Maya Angelou's poetic voice is an endless burning flame of passion and wisdom. And it's ironic that a phenomenal woman wrote a book of the same title.
August 23, 2022
A great selection of poems about the beauty and strength of women and specifically the greatness of black women.
"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.”
"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.”
March 8, 2022
"You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies, you may trop me in the very dirt but still, like dust, I'll rise"
July 15, 2025
A small book with such profoundness on each page! Just what I needed this evening.
May 3, 2025
I have never encountered poetry that I love as much as this. I feel such a deep connection with her that I’ve never experienced from other types of poetry. I’m excited to read her book
January 1, 2023
Four outstanding poems from Maya Angelou's remarkable collection. 'Still I Rise' and 'Phenomenal Woman' are all-time classics!
February 18, 2022
Pretty pretty.
October 7, 2015
If every woman believed this and lived this Phenomenal Woman, what a powerful force we would be.Maya simply extols the WOMAN. She is effortlessly eloquent and each word is perfectly selected to fit. I take pride in being a woman more so since Maya can express my feelings that I could never put into words. Her poetry deserves as many stars as there are in the black night sky.
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.
Maya Angelou
Phenomenal Woman is an AMAZING poem that has touched so many females, showing that it is not whats on the outside that counts. showing that you dont have to be pretty or skinny to be phenomenal. this poem is one of my favorites because it made me stop worrying about what people think of me. i love this poem because when i am feeling ugly or fat i can read this poem and it will make me feel so much better
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.
Maya Angelou
Phenomenal Woman is an AMAZING poem that has touched so many females, showing that it is not whats on the outside that counts. showing that you dont have to be pretty or skinny to be phenomenal. this poem is one of my favorites because it made me stop worrying about what people think of me. i love this poem because when i am feeling ugly or fat i can read this poem and it will make me feel so much better
April 23, 2013
Phenomenal Woman is one of my favorite Maya Angelou poems. Although I have read the poems several times before, I have never looked at the poem through the eyes of a writer. When I read the poem this last time, I was able to pick up on so much more about the content Maya Angelou discussed in her poem.
One of the major elements recognized when reading the poem is Maya Angelou's use of repetition with the lines "I'm a woman, Phenomenally, Phenomenal Woman, That's me." This element ties with what is talked about in chapter 5 of the Fletcher book which talks about the author's voice. By the use of repetition, the author's voice comes more alive to us as readers, and the main idea of the poem is constantly echoed in the reader's mind. We can also hear and sense how "phenomenal of a woman" the author is in the opening lines "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." Not only can we as readers hear the author's voice, but we can visualize her words so that the poem comes more alive.
I think that this poem could be used in helping to teach writing to students. The overall theme of the poem talks about the author's view of herself, and how phenomenal she is despite what others may think or how hard she tries to help them see the phenomenal woman that she is. Students could create a poem where they take the theme and discuss how phenomenal they are. They should focus in on making sure their voice comes alive in the poem, and if possible, incorporate some use of repetition.
One of the major elements recognized when reading the poem is Maya Angelou's use of repetition with the lines "I'm a woman, Phenomenally, Phenomenal Woman, That's me." This element ties with what is talked about in chapter 5 of the Fletcher book which talks about the author's voice. By the use of repetition, the author's voice comes more alive to us as readers, and the main idea of the poem is constantly echoed in the reader's mind. We can also hear and sense how "phenomenal of a woman" the author is in the opening lines "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." Not only can we as readers hear the author's voice, but we can visualize her words so that the poem comes more alive.
I think that this poem could be used in helping to teach writing to students. The overall theme of the poem talks about the author's view of herself, and how phenomenal she is despite what others may think or how hard she tries to help them see the phenomenal woman that she is. Students could create a poem where they take the theme and discuss how phenomenal they are. They should focus in on making sure their voice comes alive in the poem, and if possible, incorporate some use of repetition.
April 23, 2013
One of my all-time favorite poems! Growing up I was always exposed to poetry. My mother writes and has published two poetry books of her own. TO future show the love of poetry in my family my mother and father decided to name me after the famous author/poet Nikki Giovanni. In the 5th grade I preformed this poem for a school function for black history month ever since then I have always enjoyed reading this poem. This poem is such a wonderful piece of literature that no matter how many times I read it, it doesn’t get old. The voice of the women in the poem is so strong. Maya Angelou doesn’t say she is talking about one woman in particular, and reading it I always feel like she is talking about women as a whole. The message is so strong; the words she uses to describe this “women” give you visual in your head of who this woman may be. She also does a great job a repetition. I usually don’t like books or poems that use repetition throughout it, but in this case I feel it was done in a way that only magnified the beauty of this poem. Every time she wrote the line “I’m a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s Me.” it made it you think back in your mind that women you pictured in your head. I would use this book inside my classroom when talking about the proper use of repetition and how to bring your audience into your poems by doing so.
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May 30, 2012Maya Angelou is a huge inspiration. She is a black women that grew up in times of oppression and prejudice yet still managed to become a hero. She wrote books, poems and short stories about her life and ideas. This collection of poems is my favorite because they encourage women to be all that they can be. "Phenomenal Women" reminds us that we are special. Most of her poems help inspire good self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. other ideas in these poems are: to embrace your culture, be proud of yourself, love your family, work hard and we will be rewarded, and to help inspire others. Maya Angelou has been a huge influence on my life. She has worked through so many hard times and still managed to get her doctorates degree, become a public speaker, a teacher, and a phenomenal woman.
I read these poems to myself and to my little sisters often, hoping we can learn from them and remember what is truly important in life. I know that these few poems have made me a stronger person with pride and confidence. Maya Angelou has bettered my life in so many ways and for that i am thankful. Please read this book. It can change your life.
I read these poems to myself and to my little sisters often, hoping we can learn from them and remember what is truly important in life. I know that these few poems have made me a stronger person with pride and confidence. Maya Angelou has bettered my life in so many ways and for that i am thankful. Please read this book. It can change your life.
July 11, 2009
this book was given to me by a dear friend when i first moved to new york city from texas. someone had gifted her a copy when she moved out to LA from texas a year or two before and she was paying it forward.
i suppose the idea was for it to serve as a reminder of our strength - something we easily forget when we find ourselves all alone in a big, strange city.
it definitely gave me a little bit of comfort and reassurance at the time.
every young girl should be forced to read this over and over. you know....actually, just every woman should, period.
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i recently paid it forward to a friend of mine currently going through a divorce. she feels a bit lost and i hope this jump starts her journey back to herself. and that eventually, she pays it forward, as well.
i suppose the idea was for it to serve as a reminder of our strength - something we easily forget when we find ourselves all alone in a big, strange city.
it definitely gave me a little bit of comfort and reassurance at the time.
every young girl should be forced to read this over and over. you know....actually, just every woman should, period.
=============
i recently paid it forward to a friend of mine currently going through a divorce. she feels a bit lost and i hope this jump starts her journey back to herself. and that eventually, she pays it forward, as well.
August 29, 2019
My favorite poems by Maya Angelou... "Phenomenal Woman," "Still I Rise," "Weekend Glory," and "Our Grandmothers," ... always recommended as a must read!
"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."
"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."
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