Each year a WREEL Readers establishes a theme to help us enhance a new area of our life. The theme for 2009 is “Phenomenal Woman”. Webster’s new world dictionary defines phenomenal as extremely unusual, extraordinary and highly remarkable. The slang version phenom is defined as extremely talented, able or skilled.
Here is the kicker:
Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman” reads:
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 a 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, 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.
Here is the catch:
The statement that I find most profound in this poem is “Now you understand just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about or have to talk real loud”.
Here is the Pass:
So, what are your thoughts?
- What is your perspective of Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman”?
- How do you define phenomenal woman?
- What characteristics, skills or abilities you believe a phenomenal woman should posses?
- Do you believe a phenomenal woman has to be heard to be seen?
2 comments:
A woman that dresses from head to toe,holding her head up, not letting the world know when she's going throw. She knows her direction in life and who she is within herself. This is what I think mostly about a "Phenomenal Woman"
1) What is your perspective of Maya Angelou's poem "Phenomenal Women"?
This poem lets women know that they don't have to go to extremes to get attention from other people. It's letting women know that they don't have to dress like video stars to attract a man. Woman should be humble. When a woman enters a room gracefully, people will know her presence. In other words, this poem is saying carry yourself like a lady.
2)How do you define phenomenal woman?
Personally, I think that a phenomenal woman is one who loves God. A woman who can overcome any obstacle set before her.A woman who respects herself and demand respect from others. An educated woman. A woman who reaches for her goals no matter the odds against her. A woman who can acknowledge her weakness and turn her weakness into a strength.
A woman who stays focused no matter the stress and pain. A woman who can raise her kids on her own. A woman who can reach out and help another woman. Indeed, she's a woman phenomenally, phenomenal women...WE ARE!!!!
3)What characteristics, skills,or abilities you believe a phenomenal woman should posses?
A phenomenal woman should have confidence in herself. Her self-esteem should remain high. She should be able to help another woman realize her self worth and how she too should carry herself as a woman.
4) Do you believe a phenomenal woman has to be heard to be seen?
A phenomenal woman never has to be heard in order to be seen. If she carry herself in a graceful manner, she will be recognized.
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