Almost every woman (if not all) have dealt with low self-esteem at some point in life. Whether in relationships or life in general, loving yourself is a life-long journey. On those days of low self-esteem and self-hate, you can turn to friends, family and even art.
Maya Angelou, one of the most respected poets and civil rights activists, wrote plenty of poems that emphasized the need for racial justice, equality and self-love. One of her poems, “Phenomenal Woman,” promotes the idea of self-love and confidence.
First Stanza
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.
Angelou describes in the first stanza the “secret” to her beauty. She explains that even though she doesn’t meet society’s Euro-centric standards of beauty, she still captures the attention of everyone in her presence. She takes pride in her hips, which women usually criticize. Angelou even mentions women’s doubts about a woman ever being comfortable in her own skin and feeling beautiful with the way she is built. This stanza challenges the idea of beauty standards.
Second Stanza
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.
The second stanza focuses on how Angelou catches the attention of men. She describes men as “A hive of honey bees” because they swarm around her when she enters the room. The attributes that caught their attention were not only her looks but also the fire in her eyes, the flash of her teeth and the swing in her waist when she walks. Angelou uses this an as opportunity to show that there are more aspects to your looks that can catch a man’s eye. That makes Angelou a phenomenal woman.
Third Stanza
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.
Angelou states in this stanza the confusion in everyone’s fascination. Men wonder why they are fascinated by this woman, and Angelou describes her features, her body and this “mystery” that causes this fascination. This “phenomenal woman” has attributes that blows everyone away and command the attention of everyone nearby. This stanza proves that a woman who is sure of herself and charming can take charge.
Fourth Stanza
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.
The last stanza of this poem is a perfect description of self-love. Angelou’s summary of why she loves herself and has self-confidence proves that all it takes is grace to capture an audience. She further explains how she doesn’t have to behave a certain way in order to get noticed. Angelou’s personality and overall presence are what make her a phenomenal woman. A phenomenal woman exudes love for herself and others.
Throughout the poem, Angelou repeats a different list of attributes and the term “phenomenal woman” to emphasize that she is not your typical pretty woman. She promotes the idea of being confident in yourself, which is what makes you a “phenomenal woman.” This poem is a reminder that we should all keep our heads high and remain confident in our beauty. Despite what others or society may believe, being a phenomenal woman means being happy in yourself, with all of yourself. Every part of you is beautiful, and you should be proud of that.
