Now, this is an amazing poem. To me anyways. Many years ago, gleamed from my mothers end table, this poem opened my eyes. I didn't want to be a pretty woman. I didn't feel pretty and didn't desire it. I wanted to be known for me. Not for how I looked, but for who I was. This poem personified that for me.
Years later, it has taken on even more meaning for me. Now from a womans eyes, I see this as the true definition of physical beauty as well as a womans inner beauty. I am not your traditional beauty, but I am fucking beautiful. In my own way. Not because I fit the normal standards of physical beauty. Because I am what I am and carry myself with pride. This is the package I was given to work with. Flaws and all, it is mine. I love my big ass, it provides cushioning when I fall. My obnoxious laughter means I am enjoying my life. I love my thick calves, they provide strength and stability. My crooked smile adds character. I adore my scars, for they remind me where I've been. My stretch marks remind me I've brought new life into this world. If you can point out a physical flaw of mine, I can retaliate with what makes it beautiful. I've felt this way for a long time. I honestly think I can attribute this mindset to this poem being in my subconcious all these years and forming what 'a real woman' is in my mind.
So if you are a woman, I ask you to reread this poem. Again and again. And again. Realize the Phenomenal Woman within you. Find her. Don't worry so much about how you paint and dress the outer shell. Nourish that Goddess within and it will shine thru to the outside. You will be stunning.
More so than you already are.
If you are a male, read this and think 'who does it remind me of?' Some woman is bound to come to mind. If she embodies this poem, tell her. Make it known to her that she is a Phenomenal Woman. Not every woman realizes it or sees the potential. Make her aware, you will be doing something great for her. It will feed her ego and make her feel appreciated.
So I guess that pretty much wraps this all up. Just wanted to encourage everyone to recognize beauty where the rest of the world may not see it. And if you're not seeing it: Open your fucking eyes! It's there. Embrace and acknowledge it. But for now, this Phenomenal Woman has shit to do....
Phenomenal Woman
By Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion 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 steps
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 of 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.
