Born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou was a multi-talented child that experienced hardships like her parents divorce and rape at the hands of her mother's boyfriend, and discrimination while living in Arkansas. Her legacy is as an author and activist best known for her memoir I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings-the first nonfiction bestseller written by an African-American woman. Her collection of poetry Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Die was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. She wrote and recited her famous poem, "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993.
The tone of the poems in this collection is a strong, independent woman who knows her self-worth and isn't concerned with what others think of her. "Still I Rise" exemplifies the power in some one who can look past what others think of them and rise above to be a stronger person and "Weekend Glory" shows the pride people, specifically women, can have in a certain job and lifestyle even if others judge them for living "week to week".
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.
Phenomenal Woman shares the idea that women are phenomenal by simply being themselves. "I’m a woman/Phenomenally./Phenomenal woman,/That’s me." The first poem in the collection and the one it is named after, shares the ultimate themes of strength and independence. When expressing my own concerns through verse, I could include my own insights on being an independent woman, talking about my own experiences.
Allen, Austin. "Phenomenal Woman." Poetry Foundation. Poetry Foundation, n.d. Web. 07 Jan. 2016.
"Maya Angelou." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 07 Jan. 2016.
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