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Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women
by
A collection of beloved poems about women from the iconic Maya Angelou
These four poems, "Phenomenal Woman," "Still I Rise," "Weekend Glory," and "Our Grandmothers," are among the most remembered and acclaimed of Maya Angelou's poems. They celebrate women with a majesty that has inspired and touched the hearts of millions.
These memorable poems have been reset and bound in a ...more
These four poems, "Phenomenal Woman," "Still I Rise," "Weekend Glory," and "Our Grandmothers," are among the most remembered and acclaimed of Maya Angelou's poems. They celebrate women with a majesty that has inspired and touched the hearts of millions.
These memorable poems have been reset and bound in a ...more
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Update Sadly, after a tragic childhood but a wonderful, fulfilled life as an adult, Maya Angelou, a truly phenomenal woman, has died this morning 27th May, 2014 at 86.
______
Maya Angelou is such a wonderful wordsmith, you can see she writes with a smile, and maybe a wink, and a backward glance, half flirtatious, over her shoulder. She's a phenomenal author.
______
Maya Angelou is such a wonderful wordsmith, you can see she writes with a smile, and maybe a wink, and a backward glance, half flirtatious, over her shoulder. She's a phenomenal author.
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies....more
Im not cute or built to suit a fashion models size
But when I start to tell them,
They think Im
"I write for the Black voice and for any ear which can hear it."
So said the author of this little book, who sadly died earlier this year. It is a beautiful slim hardback book, slightly wider than an average paperback, and contains just one famous poem Phenomenal Woman by the great Maya Angelou. The poem is given an extra dimension, as it is accompanied by reproductions of paintings of Tahitian women by Paul Gauguin, who died 25 years before Angelou was born. Although the two are miles apart ...more
So said the author of this little book, who sadly died earlier this year. It is a beautiful slim hardback book, slightly wider than an average paperback, and contains just one famous poem Phenomenal Woman by the great Maya Angelou. The poem is given an extra dimension, as it is accompanied by reproductions of paintings of Tahitian women by Paul Gauguin, who died 25 years before Angelou was born. Although the two are miles apart ...more
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,
...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,
...more
"Phenomenal Woman" has always been one of the unforgettable poems to me, though it is about a women or women as a whole. As the title claims to be, these four poems are the greatest works of Maya Angelou, celebrating women.
Though it says "Celebrating Women", it is not necessary that only women can read these quintessential poems. "Still I rise" and "Weekend Glory" are hard to forget once we read them, as the unrelenting words would start resonating deep within us.
The last poem "Our Grandmothers" ...more
Though it says "Celebrating Women", it is not necessary that only women can read these quintessential poems. "Still I rise" and "Weekend Glory" are hard to forget once we read them, as the unrelenting words would start resonating deep within us.
The last poem "Our Grandmothers" ...more
Absolutely fantastic little book containing 4 of Maya Angelou's well known poems - Phenomenal Woman, Still I Rise, Weekend Glory, Our Grandmothers. Four fabulous poems celebrating women in their extraordinariness! It's 22 pages and it's small format makes it a lovely present for the important exceptional women in your life. Phenomenal Woman is also a great way to get acquainted with Maya Angelou's wonderful poetry. A pleasure to read and to savour over and over...
Absolutely beautiful.
Makes me stand up so tall.
Gave me goosebumps.
Phenomenal Woman is one of my favourite poems.
Makes me stand up so tall.
Gave me goosebumps.
Phenomenal Woman is one of my favourite poems.
Whenever I feel the pressure of a misogynistic world, this is the book I will run to. I will open this tiny collection of four poems and gain the strength and power of a truly phenomenal woman. When I have my own home and I begin to collect the books that I want at my side, this will be one of the first I seek.
...
They accuse me of livin'
from day to day,
but who are they kiddin'?
So are they.
My life ain't heaven
but it sure ain't hell.
I'm not on top
but I call it swell
From Weekend Glory
...
They accuse me of livin'
from day to day,
but who are they kiddin'?
So are they.
My life ain't heaven
but it sure ain't hell.
I'm not on top
but I call it swell
From Weekend Glory
At first these poems appear crafted. Upon closer reading, they appear to be transcribed from Angelou's highest self. My GR friend Petra describes Angelou's writing style perfectly: Petra's review
Angelou's writing is something beyond words, images, meaning. . . . It also compasses Sound. I may have first heard Angelou read her work at President Bill Clinton's first presidential election (1993). She used her resonant voice, a voice trained to sound forth without magnification aids. With such a ...more
Angelou's writing is something beyond words, images, meaning. . . . It also compasses Sound. I may have first heard Angelou read her work at President Bill Clinton's first presidential election (1993). She used her resonant voice, a voice trained to sound forth without magnification aids. With such a ...more
Still I Rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, Ill rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
Cause I walk like Ive got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still Ill rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my ...more
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, Ill rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
Cause I walk like Ive got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still Ill rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my ...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.
- Phenomenal Woman
A short, very short collection of Maya Angelou's poetry. Four poems, to be exact: "Phenomenal Woman", "Still I Rise", "Weekend Glory", and "Our Grandmothers". All of which are, as the ...more
Its the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
Im a woman
Phenomenally.
I really enjoyed this one! ...more
This book was wonderfully short and meaningful. Maya Angelou's poetic voice is an endless burning flame of passion and wisdom. And it's ironic that a phenomenal woman wrote a book of the same title.
If every woman believed this and lived this Phenomenal Woman, what a powerful force we would be.Maya simply extols the WOMAN. She is effortlessly eloquent and each word is perfectly selected to fit. I take pride in being a woman more so since Maya can express my feelings that I could never put into words. Her poetry deserves as many stars as there are in the black night sky.
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, ...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, ...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
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 ...more
May 25, 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
...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 ...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 ...more
Jun 17, 2013
Tania
rated it
really liked it
Recommended to Tania by:
Sonja Arlow
Shelves:
non-fiction
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
I especially enjoyed the first and last poem in the book. All of the poems are a compelling reminder of the special strenght of being a woman.
I will be sharing all of them with my daughter once she is old enough.
Thanks Sonja, this is such a beautiful gift.
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 absolutely love this cute, little book with Maya Angelou's poems. And when i say little i am referring to the number of pages rather then its meaning which i find inspirational, magnificent and unforgettable.
This book gives amazing imagery and the last poem especially is wonderful. The metaphors included in this book are truly beautiful. It's a bit short, but good for a quick read.
I have heard and read this poem several times. I enjoy reading it because of the powerful language that Maya Angelou uses throughout it. She achieves this powerful language through imagery, detailed descriptions, slant rhyme, metaphors, and repetition. The terms phenomenal and phenomenal woman are repeated at the end of each stanza of the poem. This is a constant reminder to the reader that this poem is primarily about a phenomenal woman. The slant rhyme also adds power to the language. We can ...more
Personal Response:
I really enjoyed this poem. It explained how personality means more than looks. I loved the message this poem gives.
Plot Summary:
The poem starts with her attacking all stereotypes on women. She explains how she doesnt have a perfect body or a beautiful face, but somehow men still flock to her. Other women are baffled on why men are attracted to her. She says that it is the click in her step and the way she smiles that makes them want her. She explains that it is her ...more
I really enjoyed this poem. It explained how personality means more than looks. I loved the message this poem gives.
Plot Summary:
The poem starts with her attacking all stereotypes on women. She explains how she doesnt have a perfect body or a beautiful face, but somehow men still flock to her. Other women are baffled on why men are attracted to her. She says that it is the click in her step and the way she smiles that makes them want her. She explains that it is her ...more
Phenomenal Woman is a beautifully written poem by Maya Angelou. The poem speaks of the uniqueness of women and what makes her a phenomenal woman. Angelou incorporates metaphors well into her writing by using lines like "Then they swarm around me. A hive of honey bees" and "the flash of my teeth." She also uses comeback lines and repeats "I'm a woman. Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman. That's me." I loved reading this poem and experiencing Angelou's use of subtly rhymes that didn't over power the
...more
My favorite poems by Maya Angelou... "Phenomenal Woman," "Still I Rise," "Weekend Glory," and "Our Grandmothers," ... always recommended as a must read!
"Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
Im not cute or built to suit a fashion models size
But when I start to tell them,
They think Im telling lies.
I say,
Its in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
Im a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
Thats me."
...more
"Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
Im not cute or built to suit a fashion models size
But when I start to tell them,
They think Im telling lies.
I say,
Its in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
Im a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
Thats me."
...more
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 ...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 ...more
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 ...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 ...more
Maya Angelou is an American Treasure, whose voice uplifts and carries the spirit of all who hear it. As she says, "All of my work is meant to say, 'You may encounter many defeats but you must not be defeated,' In fact, the encountering may be the very experience which create the vitality and the power to endure." - As quoted in The Norton Anthology of African American Literature
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May 27, 2016
Ylenia
rated it
liked it
Recommended to Ylenia by:
Gemma
Shelves:
yleniareads-library,
2016-reads
PopSugar 2016 Reading Challenge: a book of poetry.
The reason why I'm giving this only three stars it's simply because poetry is not for me.
I especially liked Still I Rise and Weekend Glory but I'm more of like a prose type of girl.
If you're really into poetry I think you'll really love this little book, and it also could be an awesome gift since it's so tiny but so powerful.
The reason why I'm giving this only three stars it's simply because poetry is not for me.
I especially liked Still I Rise and Weekend Glory but I'm more of like a prose type of girl.
If you're really into poetry I think you'll really love this little book, and it also could be an awesome gift since it's so tiny but so powerful.
This was another beautiful piece of poetry and absolutely worth the 4 stars. It was actually a collector's edition with four brilliant poems about women, and for women.
This again gave an insight into the African American lives and the diversity of experiences in the community, and was a very light and yet thought provoking and engaging read.
Highly recommended.
This again gave an insight into the African American lives and the diversity of experiences in the community, and was a very light and yet thought provoking and engaging read.
Highly recommended.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read and Watch Group: Maya Angelou | 1 | 7 | Jan 30, 2017 08:48AM | |
| My last post....Phenomenal Woman poem | 2 | 5 | Dec 08, 2014 07:01PM |
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Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Ann Johnson April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, was 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
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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.”
—
2957 likes
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.”
—
416 likes
More quotes…
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.”
