Today is the famed poet, Maya Angelou’s 84th birthday. She has received three grammys for her spoken word albums. From her early days as a modern dancer working with Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey to her famed book, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou has been a shining star in creative writing and dancing. Maya Angelou’s work with Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey has always been a inspiration to to young women. From Alicia Keys to Mýa, have both at different points sited Maya Angelou as a inspiration in there careers. Poems are like nourishment for the soul so here is a poem by Maya Angelou in honor of her 84th birthday!
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.
-Michele Amira (@nicejewishswag)
