Phenomenal Woman

BY 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 for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

"I don't shout or jump about or have to talk real loud"- ha

It is interesting how men can view women differently - even "friendly" while other women just know. They know when there are particular other women around that just are simply seeking attention. Loudly. Obnoxiously. Competitively.

Whenever there is a couple, I go out of my way to talk to the woman first or even include her first, I do not "seek the attention" of the man they are with. It's common sense and respect.
These particular other women will only talk to the guy, trying to grab their attention, to  prove to themselves that "they still have it" when they leave their husband at home with the kids or they are out mid-life partying with their girlfriends. Women know this because who better knows women than women. It is a shame when we compare or when people feel like they need to fight for attention - loudly.

We all know what a sincerely friendly person is and how they make others feel around them.

With more hype about International Women's day, it is wonderful to see more people talking about women supporting women. As it should be.
Simply put, humans supporting other humans, instead of always seeing other people as competition.
It comes down to respect.

Another quote to end this post:

Instead of saying "she's beautiful, how do I measure up to her?" we said "she's beautiful, but so am I" (beautiful, wonderful, smart - whatever word you want to put)