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.
