A Phenomenal Poem.

When I went to the library to pick out Maya Angelou's memoir, I noticed a collection of her poetry sitting next to it on the shelf. Being myself, I naturally checked that one out as well. This afternoon, waiting for students to arrive for my classes, I flipped through its pages, reading this verse or that, losing myself in the rhythm of her voice.

I love poetry. There is something beautiful and monumentous about riding the ebbs and flows of language and cadence. I need to read poetry more often: this I realize every time I do immerse myself in verse. Sigh. And let it be.

Anyway, here's a poem from Maya that I - and the friends I read it aloud to this evening - absolutely adore. And I dedicate its posting to all the phenomenal women in my life...

"Phenomenal 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 for my care.

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.