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.

Dear child if you are reading this

Then you know

I have passed away

Dear child please forgive me

For there are so many things

I wanted to say

Dear child I should have told you

I love you everyday

It is amazing the perspective you get

When you are about to pass away

Dear child I want you to know

That I will always be with you

And whatever hardship lies in your way

Know that mommy is watching over you

Each and everyday

Dear Child please try not to be upset with me

I have made arrangements so that

You will have someone loving you constantly

Dear Child it seems God

Had a different plan for me

I love you forever

My baby you will always be