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.

“I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me….”

maya-angelou-phenomenal-woman-quote-illustration

Maya Angelou – A phenomenal writer

I will never tire of reading Maya Angelou’s work.

This poem in particular captures the essence of self-assured femininity and unapologetic confidence.

Phenomenal Woman is a powerful celebration of inner beauty, self-worth, and the magnetic strength that comes from embracing our true self.

Angelou’s story radiates power through authenticity, resilience, and grace—reminding women everywhere that our worth isn’t measured by our outer skin, but by our presence.

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About the Author

Maya Angelou

1928 — 2014

Maya Angelou was an acclaimed American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist known for her powerful voice and unapologetic celebration of Black womanhood.

Through works like Phenomenal Woman, she inspired generations to embrace their strength, beauty, and worth with pride and grace.