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Hump Day Happiness: Phenomenal Woman

Hump Day Happiness: Phenomenal Woman

Last updated on: May 28, 2014 at 9:43 pm by Osheta Moore

Hump Day Happiness: Phenomenal Woman 2014-05-28T21:43:32-08:00 Osheta Moore

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Today, one of my favorite poets Maya Angelou passed away at the age of 86. Today’s Hump Day Happiness is her poem, “Phenomenal Woman”. This poem. Wow…this poem. When I first read “Phenomenal Woman” I was struggling with my identity as a black woman, trying to own this curvy figure, and questioning my value in the world. I wondered if I’ll even feel comfortable in this brown skin, then I read Angelou’s words and a whole world of self-acceptance and deep pride opened up to me. This woman could write and speak truth and empower with great, great love. I praise Jesus for Maya Angelou’s life. I hope you are inspired by her words today.

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 for my care.

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Learning to love Phenomenally Me,

African-American. Pride

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