Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman” is a powerful celebration of womanhood, confidence, and inner beauty. First published in her 1978 collection “And Still I Rise,” the poem is a declaration of self-assurance and pride in being a woman. Unlike conventional beauty standards, Angelou emphasizes the attributes of confidence, grace, and strength that define her allure. The poem resonates with a universal message of empowerment and is regarded as one of her most iconic works that champions the uniqueness and strength of women. Angelou’s unapologetic tone, vivid imagery, and rhythmic style make this piece a timeless anthem of self-love and femininity.
Back to: List of Poets in Alphabetical Order
Table of Contents
Phenomenal Woman Poem by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
~ Maya Angelou
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.
Synopsis of Phenomenal Woman Poem
In “Phenomenal Woman,” Maya Angelou rejects society’s narrow standards of physical beauty and instead celebrates the qualities that make her extraordinary. The poem is a direct address to both women and men who are captivated by her presence but fail to understand the source of her allure. Angelou explains that her power lies not in conventional appearances but in her inner confidence, joy, and self-assuredness. Through repeated affirmations of being a “phenomenal woman,” she defines her strength and sensuality as integral aspects of her identity. The poem’s refrain reinforces her pride and the universality of her message.
Back to: List of Poets in Alphabetical Order
Summary of Phenomenal Woman Poem
The poem begins with Angelou noting the curiosity of pretty women who wonder about her secret to being captivating, despite not fitting into conventional standards of beauty. She responds by describing the physical expressions of her confidence—her arms, hips, stride, and lips—all of which reflect her self-assured nature. Declaring herself a “phenomenal woman,” she asserts her unique charm.
In the second stanza, Angelou describes the effect she has on men when she enters a room. Her cool demeanor and magnetic energy draw them in, like bees attracted to honey. She attributes her allure to the “fire” in her eyes and the “joy” in her feet, emphasizing that her power comes from within rather than external appearances.
The third stanza explores the mystery men feel about her charm. Despite their efforts to understand her, they remain unable to grasp the essence of her power. Angelou explains that her inner beauty is evident in her grace, smile, and poise. Her repeated declaration of being a “phenomenal woman” reinforces her pride and confidence.
In the final stanza, Angelou reflects on her self-assured nature. Without needing to shout or demand attention, her mere presence commands respect and admiration. She attributes her power to small, subtle gestures—the click of her heels, the palm of her hand, and the care she offers. The poem ends with a triumphant repetition of her identity as a “phenomenal woman,” celebrating the spirit, grace, and strength that define her womanhood.
List of Poets in Alphabetical Order
Explore our Literature YouTube Channels:
YouTube Channel Link:
YouTube Channel Link:
