Today’s post is dedicated to all the lovely moms out there. I think being a mother is the hardest job in the world (which is partly why I never wanted to become one), but I admire and respect anyone who has taken it on. Honestly, I don’t know how you mothers do it. When I think of all the time, love, and sacrifice involved in being a good parent, it kind of overwhelms me. It takes a special woman to be a mother.
In honor of all you lovely ladies, today I thought I would share my absolute favorite poem in the world: Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou. I’ve read these words during some really dark times. They helped me hold my head up when I was at my lowest. This poem helped me to feel strong, if only for a moment, and sometimes a moment is all we need to take the deep breath that allows us to put the next foot in front of the other. The power of words can be transformative… pure magic.
I hope this poem reminds you of that mysterious power that lies in all of us women: our “special something” that Maya Angelou describes so well. Today I dedicate it to all the mothers out there. You are phenomenal, never let anyone tell you otherwise.
Wishing you a happy Mother’s Day.
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.
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I loved the poem! Thank you! 🙂
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I’m so glad you like it, it’s my favorite.
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Our world was diminished when Maya left us. So glad we have these powerful reminders. Love this. This woman isn’t me, but I can hope. And dream.
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This woman is ALL women
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Maya Angelou has always been instrumental in my work.
Caroline, you are a girl after my HEART ❤ xx
PS. O, and I continually utilize "I RISE" in all of my sentences w/ DV.
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Oh, how beautiful! Thank you for sharing that poem, Caroline. I’m a huge fan of Maya Angelou however, I don’t recall reading that spectacular beauty. Phenomenal, yes!
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