i [am] & wiLL [aLways] be . .

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. -Maya Angelou