This week I decided to share an inspirational poem, for women and young girls that will one day grow up to be women. What does a phenomenal woman look like? Is it a physical attribute? Or is it something that comes from the core of who we really are inside? Websters dictionary defines phenomenal as an extraordinary person or thing. Here is a question for you to ponder: Are you living up to your extraordinary potential? Are you a phenomenal woman?

When I need a little encouragement, I go to my elders or sometimes I find it in an inspirational poem, for women.

The words in this poem capture the truth about the way we all need to feel and think about ourselves and acknowledge in others. It is a gentle reminder and a confidence booster when we lose focus. I hold these words dear to my heart as a source of clarity when my mirror of self gets foggy. There are days when I get caught up and frustrated with what I consider to be  my outward imperfections and I start to measure myself with a broken ruler. I keep this poem in my arsenal of weapons and I fight the good fight with these truths that I have extracted from this poem:

• True beauty comes from a sacred place of spirit within that no one can touch. It is indeed a mystery that leaves those that love you wondering, “what is that indescribable, untouchable thing about you that makes me love you so much?!”
• You may not look like the typical carbon copied cover of a magazine but neither do the models in reality. Superimposed pictures of barbie dolls are not to be compared to the real essence of your beauty. They can’t figure out how you do it. You are an original. Often imitated, never duplicated!
• You don’t ever have to pretend to be something your not or put on a show. Your grace and style exude everywhere you go. Even when you are silent, your presence is just that powerful.

Those are just a few points that I take away from the remarkable words of Dr. Maya Angelou. I hope that you will be fed from her well of wisdom today. Don’t let anything or anyone dim the fire in your eyes. Let your light shine for the world to see, the phenomenal woman in you and me!

This youtube video clip is taken from an amazing performance of  the poem “Phenomenal Women” being recited by the one and only Dr. Maya Angelou. This lovely dancer does an interpretive dance creatively using her body to express the emotions that are invoked through these powerful words. Enjoy!

Phenomenal Woman by: Dr. Maya Angelou

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.

I always look forward to hearing from you so write in and post your favorite inspirational poem for women. Be sure to cite the author or feel free to share an original copy written piece.