Rest In Paradise, Dr. Maya Angelou

 



Maya Angelou lived an incredible life. She departed this Earth today at 86 years old. I know we are all mourning this loss. But, in actuality, we should be celebrated the well lived life of an amazing woman. I was a kid the first time I was introduced to the work of Dr. Angelou. From my first reading of "Still I Rise," "Phenomenal Woman," and "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings," I was changed. Her words enlightened me. Over the years, I became a fan. Her voice is so distinctive. There aren't enough words to fully express how important Maya Angelou has been on the literary world. She was one of my early influences when I began writing poetry. Her words made me want to write more. She will be missed dearly. Her legacy will live on for centuries. A writer truly never dies because they leave their work here for us. Rest in paradise, Ms. Angelou.

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 of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me."