Phenomenal Woman By: Maya Angelou ------------------------------------------------------------------- Pretty women wonder where my secret lies, I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion 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 steps, 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. 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. 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.