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,

the 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 of 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