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Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women
by
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou, the bestselling author of On the Pulse of Morning, Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now, and other lavishly praised works, is considered one of America's finest poets. Here, four of her most highly acclaimed poems are assembled in a beautiful gift edition that provides a feast for the eyes as well as the heart. (Poetry)
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
January 17th 1995
by Random House
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Feb 19, 2008
Clare Bear
marked it as to-read
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...more
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...more
15 likes · like · see review
view all 13 comments
One of my all-time favorite poems! Growing up I was always exposed to poetry. My mother writes and has published two poetry books of her own. TO future show the love of poetry in my family my mother and father decided to name me after the famous author/poet Nikki Giovanni. In the 5th grade I preformed this poem for a school function for black history month ever since then I have always enjoyed reading this poem. This poem is such a wonderful piece of literature that no matter how many times I re...more
Phenomenal Woman is one of my favorite Maya Angelou poems. Although I have read the poems several times before, I have never looked at the poem through the eyes of a writer. When I read the poem this last time, I was able to pick up on so much more about the content Maya Angelou discussed in her poem.
One of the major elements recognized when reading the poem is Maya Angelou's use of repetition with the lines "I'm a woman, Phenomenally, Phenomenal Woman, That's me." This element ties with what is...more
One of the major elements recognized when reading the poem is Maya Angelou's use of repetition with the lines "I'm a woman, Phenomenally, Phenomenal Woman, That's me." This element ties with what is...more
Phenomenal Woman By: Maya Angelou is known to be classic poem in literature. In fact, it is one of her most popular pieces. I absolutely loved this poem. It was very descriptive in nature. While reading this poem, a major component of writing stuck out to me, and that was the authors voice, which Fletcher describes in chapter 5. As you read this poem, it is easy to see the personality of the writer coming through the words. It may not be the voice of Maya Angelou in particular, but she captured...more
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 t...more
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 t...more
May 30, 2012
Gala Ostlund
added it
Maya Angelou is a huge inspiration. She is a black women that grew up in times of oppression and prejudice yet still managed to become a hero. She wrote books, poems and short stories about her life and ideas. This collection of poems is my favorite because they encourage women to be all that they can be. "Phenomenal Women" reminds us that we are special. Most of her poems help inspire good self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. other ideas in these poems are: to embrace your culture, be proud o...more
I used to walk around quoting Phenomenal Women while thrusting out my hips to one side, throwing out my arms with my hands in what I thought were sophisticated poses(one higher than the other, and puckering my lips. I realize now that this must have been extremely annoying to all those forced to witness it.
I bought this book for one of the most phenomenal women I know and by now she has received it as a birthday gift so I can post my review.
Somehow I stumbled upon a review of this collection on GR and it stuck with me. So much so that I blindly went and bought 2 copies of this book without even cracking open the spine….
It’s a pity there are only 4 poems as I really enjoyed this new experience which is a celebration of women regardless of race, creed, or colour. I am sure this short but powerful...more
Somehow I stumbled upon a review of this collection on GR and it stuck with me. So much so that I blindly went and bought 2 copies of this book without even cracking open the spine….
It’s a pity there are only 4 poems as I really enjoyed this new experience which is a celebration of women regardless of race, creed, or colour. I am sure this short but powerful...more
1 like · like · see review
Maya Angelou is an amazing poet whose casual, musical style makes the reader almost feel as if they are hearing a song as opposed to reading a poem. In the poem "Phenomenal Woman," Angelou depicts a woman who is confident in her appearance and demeanor despite not being "built to suit a fashion model's size" or adhering to any stereotypical feminine ideals.
As an aspiring poet, I am constantly envious of Angelou's superb mastery of rhyme and meter, as well as her use of repetition. Her strong vo...more
As an aspiring poet, I am constantly envious of Angelou's superb mastery of rhyme and meter, as well as her use of repetition. Her strong vo...more
this book was given to me by a dear friend when i first moved to new york city from texas. someone had gifted her a copy when she moved out to LA from texas a year or two before and she was paying it forward.
i suppose the idea was for it to serve as a reminder of our strength - something we easily forget when we find ourselves all alone in a big, strange city.
it definitely gave me a little bit of comfort and reassurance at the time.
every young girl should be forced to read this over and over....more
i suppose the idea was for it to serve as a reminder of our strength - something we easily forget when we find ourselves all alone in a big, strange city.
it definitely gave me a little bit of comfort and reassurance at the time.
every young girl should be forced to read this over and over....more
I had read the first poem in here when I was in college, but the others were new to me. I must admit I don't always get poetry, but I do like Maya Angelou.
If you have never read Maya Angelou or are like me and don't always get poetry, you should give this little book a try. It's only four poems and they each have their own kind of power and resonance.
If you have never read Maya Angelou or are like me and don't always get poetry, you should give this little book a try. It's only four poems and they each have their own kind of power and resonance.
Phenomenal Woman is an absolutely must have collection for young teenage girls. It promotes a healthy self esteem. Maya Angelou focuses on the power of woman and her inner beauty and grace as well as her physical presence. This collection would defiantly be great to discuss the theme/concept of pride and body image. Excellent poetry collection!
When I was battling anorexia, my best friend gave me this collection of poems. It helped motivate me to see the beauty in myself and no longer harm myself. Maya Angelou has a special place in my heart forever and always.
A beautifully written gem!! ..."When you learn, teach.
When you get, give.
As for me,
I shall not be moved." p.19
When you get, give.
As for me,
I shall not be moved." p.19
This is a book with a meaning. That meaning is to be a "Phenomenal Women" which I also take as to be a "Strong Women" It struck you in the chest... I hope everyone enjoys this book. I know I did.
"Phenomenal Woman" is my favorite poem ever. This is a short little collection of awesome, powerful poems by Maybe Angelou my pal, Hyde lent to me! I loved it!
What I like most about this version are the paintings by Paul Gauguin on every page. The colors and curves are a beautiful accompaniment tot he words.
I love the rhythm and message of this poem. It is one I share every year with my students. Maya is an amazing writer and a beautiful speaker.
Oprah did a reading of "Phenomenal Woman" years ago on the Essence Awards show that made me cry....and then I read every book Maya ever wrote!!!
This book made me feel like singing, and I can't sing. I did notice that my footsteps were snappier and my face had a little smile.
I love this women. Such a powerful women. She hits the nail on the head. Did I say that I love her. Please read her and enjoy
I really do not like her memoirs, but her poetry, which I have never read, is really strong, especially in this small little book.
This would be an excellent book to share with the strong women you know or the strong women you are encouraging others to be.
I read this the same day I read I know Why The Caged Bird Sings. The poetry is beautiful and is best when read out loud.
Apr 28, 2010
Yolanda
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Mother's Everywhere, of all walks of life. Enjoy and do you!
"It's in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step,...Phenomenal Woman...That is me! : )
Honestly, these poems were a bit hard to digest and some of them I couldn't really relate to. But the over all theme is one of women overcoming great odds and battling with reality and spirituality. It sheds light on the plight of the black slave women and gives a glimpse into their psyche.
Here is an excerpt from "Our Grandmothers"
"Centered on the world's stage,
she sings to loves and beloveds,
to her foes and detractors:
However I am perceived and deceived,
however my ignorance and conciets,
lay asi...more
Here is an excerpt from "Our Grandmothers"
"Centered on the world's stage,
she sings to loves and beloveds,
to her foes and detractors:
However I am perceived and deceived,
however my ignorance and conciets,
lay asi...more
Phenomenal Woman has always been one of my favorite poems. It is such an empowering piece.
The Phenomenal Woman poem helped me remember who I am and what I'm made from
This is a very inspiring collection of poems by one of my favorite poets.
Inspiring and it lets a woman know you are beautiful just as you are.
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Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Ann Johnson April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, is an American poet, memoirist, actress and an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. In 2001 she was named one of the 30 most powerful women in America by Ladies Home Journal. Maya Angelou is known for her series of six autobiographies, starting with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, (1969 which was no...more
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“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.”
—
1,654 people liked it
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.”
“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.”
—
155 people liked it
More quotes…
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.”
