‘Phenomenal Woman’ Maya Angelou Dies At Age 86

Legendary memoirist and poet, Maya Angelou, passed away today from unknown causes in her home in Winstom-Salem, NC.  Angelou’s death was confirmed by her longtime literary agent, Helen Brann. According to Brann, the 86 year-old’s health had been deteriorating and she also suffered from heart issues.

The life of Maya Angelou is a compelling one in that she was the first Africa-American woman to gain global recognition for her writing.  In 1969, her autobiography “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” became a global best-seller and a permanent staple in the literary world. She was respected by everyone from celebrities to Presidents. In 1993, she gained major exposure at the President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. Angelou delivered the inaugural poem, “On The Pulse of Morning,” as Clinton was sworn in as the 42nd President of the United States.

Angelou has received many accolades from her peers. She’s written several books, mainly autobiographies which chronicles experiences she’d been through. Angelou has also guest starred in several movies, TV shows, and talk shows.

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One of the most powerful poems ever written was Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman.” It reflects on the plight of a women (especially an African-American one) whose struggles with abuse and neglect only strengthens her sense of self-confidence. In the poem, Angelou’s own personal experiences and thoughts on social injustice are outed. But, it is her strength and rise of hope and pride that allows those pains to fade away.

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 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.

– Maya Angelou