Honestly, when I first read these poems, I found them a bit difficult to understand and fully appreciate. Some of them seemed rather abstract, and I struggled to establish a personal connection. However, as I delved deeper, I began to recognize the overarching theme that runs through them. It is a theme of women who have overcome tremendous obstacles, who have engaged in a fierce battle with both reality and spirituality. These poems offer a poignant and powerful exploration of the plight of black slave women, providing us with a rare glimpse into their complex and often overlooked psyches.

Here is an excerpt from "Our Grandmothers" that truly captures the essence of this struggle and resilience:

"Centered on the world's stage,
she sings to loves and beloveds,
to her foes and detractors:
However I am perceived and deceived,
however my ignorance and conciets,
lay aside your fears that I will be undone,

for I shall not be moved."

This excerpt speaks volumes about the strength and determination of these women. Despite the challenges they faced, they refused to be broken. They stood firm in their beliefs and their identities, and their voices continue to resonate with us today.

My life isn't a paradise,

but it surely isn't a hell either.

I'm not at the top,

yet I consider it great

if I can work

and get paid properly,

and have the fortune to be Black

on a Saturday night. (Weekend Glory, 13 - 14)

"Phenomenal Woman" is an excellent introduction to Maya Angelou's poetry. For 2021, I made a resolution to read a poem every day and realized this was a perfect chance to reacquaint myself with Maya Angelou's work. This thin volume is a success. The poems included are both celebratory and emotional tributes to women in all their complexity and power. I was already familiar with "Still I Rise" and "Phenomenal Woman" (obviously), but it was a delight to re-read them and discover the two new works for me. I was touched by "Our Grandmothers" and amused by "Weekend Glory". I mean this in the best possible way. I had forgotten how cheeky and sly Ms. Angelou can be. She owns her sexuality. And while many of us know her for her inspirational poems, this collection shows that she also had a zest for life and enjoying all of life's pleasures. There were so many great lines. It was difficult to narrow down which one to use for the introduction of this review, but ultimately I wanted to go with a poem that I found fun and had not previously heard. I'm now trying to memorize "Phenomenal Woman" (the titular poem) in its entirety, but this is a collection that I plan to revisit until I have it all memorized. I highly recommend this collection to those who are looking to ease their way into poetry or learn more about Maya Angelou's renowned works.

These poems are truly remarkable as they exude an incredible amount of power. They drip with confidence, as if they are unafraid to take up space and make a statement. Angelou's words have the ability to incite this swagger, a sense of owning one's space and celebrating one's strength as a woman.

Literally, the line "no men talk to me today" sets the tone for a sense of independence and self-assurance. The poem then goes on to ask thought-provoking questions like "Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise that I dance like I've got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs?" These lines not only celebrate a woman's sexuality but also challenge the norms and expectations placed upon her.

The word "SLAY" in bold further emphasizes the power and confidence within the poems. Each poem speaks to different facets of the female (and black female) experience, touching on themes such as identity, empowerment, and struggle. Despite their differences, they all share this underlying feeling of sisterhood that is truly beautiful and comforting. It is a reminder that women are not alone in their experiences and that they can find strength and support in one another.

Overall, these poems are a powerful testament to the strength and beauty of women. They encourage us to embrace our individuality, celebrate our power, and find unity in sisterhood.

Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women is a remarkable slender book. It features four outstanding examples of Maya Angelou's poetry, namely "Phenomenal Woman," "Still I Rise," "Weekend Glory," and "Our Grandmothers."

"You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise."

This collection serves as a wonderful introduction to Angelou's writing. It offers a tantalizing taste that is sure to prompt readers to explore more of her works.

The book was published in 1995 and falls within the genre of poetry. With a page count of just 32 pages, it can be easily devoured in a single sitting. I read it on 3/16/23, and it is my 70th reading journal entry for 2023.

Maya Angelou's words in these poems are powerful and inspiring, celebrating the strength and beauty of women. Her unique style and profound insights make this book a must-read for anyone interested in poetry or the female experience.

Overall, Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women is a captivating and thought-provoking collection that leaves a lasting impression. It is a testament to Maya Angelou's talent as a poet and her ability to touch the hearts of readers with her words.

**"Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou: A Celebration of Inner Strength and Confidence**

Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman" is a powerful and inspiring poem that delves deep into the essence of what it means to be a woman. The poet's bold and cheeky attitude challenges the traditional notions of beauty and femininity. She questions whether her confident way of walking, as if she had oil wells in her living room, offends others. But she doesn't care, for she is like the moon and the sun, rising inevitably.

The book's autobiographical nature adds to its vibrant appeal. Maya, an African-American woman, has faced discrimination due to her skin color. However, she emphasizes herself and feels smug about who she is. She has developed her mental faculties through various experiences in life, including singing, acting, writing poems, mastering languages, and lecturing at the university level. Despite all her accomplishments, she doesn't mention them all in the poem.

The poem focuses on what makes a woman truly extraordinary. Maya is not a fashion model with a conventionally beautiful figure, but she has her own attractive features. Her right attitude gives her poise, sensuality, and charisma. She doesn't need make-up or intrusive manners to attract attention. The poem has four irregular stanzas in free verse, with the natural cadences of a good lyric. It expresses the passion, flow, and eloquence of an inspired poet.

Maya has great self-belief and confidence in her body language. She repeatedly calls herself a "phenomenal woman" and shares her joy and secret with others. She feels powerful but not superior. Her impact on men is due to her mystery as a woman, which lies in her womanliness. She describes various aspects of her body language, such as the click of her heels, the bend of her hair, and the sway of her waist, all of which express her passion. She argues that true self-expression lies at the heart of a successful personality and that body language is the means of such self-expression.

Maya is not influenced by the views of others about her African American identity or her background. She is certain about her grace as a woman and doesn't need to brag. The words of the poem are simple and easy to understand, yet they communicate her joy effectively. The book can be seen as a powerful statement against anti-black racism in America, but its celebration of dignity in the face of oppression is universal. It can be applied to any situation where a marginalized person refuses to be broken by prejudice and hatred. Along with "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," this book has catapulted Maya Angelou to a place of cultural fame, and she has become a major figure in both literature and cultural struggles. Her significance as an African American writer and a poet in general cannot be overstated.

I initially picked up this book for a library summer reading challenge.

As I delved into its pages, a memory resurfaced. I recalled having read this very book in high school as part of a speech contest.

The poems within were truly exquisite and filled with depth. Each word seemed to dance off the page, creating a vivid tapestry of emotions and images.

What struck me even more was how much the writing meant to me today, considering all the experiences I have had since my high school days.

The passage of time has given me a new perspective, allowing me to appreciate the beauty and significance of these poems on a whole new level.

It is as if the book has aged gracefully, just like a fine wine, becoming more precious and valuable with each passing year.

I am grateful to have rediscovered this literary gem and look forward to exploring its depths further.

Maya Angelou is an incredibly huge inspiration.

She is a remarkable black woman who endured the hardships of growing up in an era filled with oppression and prejudice.

Nevertheless, she managed to rise above it all and become a true hero.

She has written numerous books, poems, and short stories that vividly depict her life experiences and profound ideas.

This collection of poems is my absolute favorite as they powerfully encourage women to strive for their fullest potential.

"Phenomenal Women" serves as a gentle reminder that each and every one of us is special.

Most of her poems are a source of inspiration, instilling in us a healthy sense of self-esteem and a strong belief in our own self-worth.

Other valuable ideas presented in these poems include the importance of embracing one's culture, being proud of oneself, loving one's family, working hard with the understanding that we will be rewarded, and the significance of inspiring others.

Maya Angelou has had a profound and lasting influence on my life.

Despite facing countless difficulties, she persevered and achieved great things, obtaining her doctorate degree, becoming a renowned public speaker, a dedicated teacher, and, most importantly, a phenomenal woman.

I often read these poems to myself and to my little sisters, hoping that we can all learn valuable lessons from them and remember what truly matters in life.

I firmly believe that these few poems have made me a stronger person, filled with pride and confidence.

Maya Angelou has enhanced my life in so many wonderful ways, and for that, I am deeply thankful.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to read this book.

It has the potential to change your life for the better.

Phenomenal poems, from a phenomenal woman.

Her words have the power to touch the deepest recesses of our souls.

She weaves magic with her pen, creating masterpieces that stand the test of time.

Always go back to the classics, for they are the foundation upon which great literature is built.

Her poems are like precious gems, shining bright and captivating our hearts.

Each line is carefully crafted, filled with emotion and meaning.

They transport us to different worlds, making us feel and experience things we never thought possible.

Her work is a testament to her talent and creativity, and it will continue to inspire generations to come.

We should cherish and celebrate her phenomenal poems, for they are a gift to the literary world.

Let us always remember to go back to the classics and discover the beauty and wisdom hidden within them.

A book-object as sublime as the poem it contains.

In just a few lines, Maya Angelou challenges patriarchal norms and celebrates her body and the power of her self-confidence.

It is filled with self-love and pride.

Magnificent! This work by Maya Angelou is truly a masterpiece. The way she uses words to break free from the constraints of traditional gender roles and embrace her own identity is both inspiring and empowering.

Her poem is a celebration of the female body and the strength that comes from within. It encourages readers to love themselves unconditionally and to be proud of who they are.

The book-object itself is also a thing of beauty, adding to the overall experience of reading and enjoying the poem.

It is a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired and uplifted by the power of words.

Maya Angelou is truly the best!

Her poems are not only simple but also deeply meaningful. They have the power to touch the hearts and souls of people from all walks of life.

She is a phenomenal woman, a literary icon who has left an indelible mark on the world of literature.

Her works explore themes such as identity, race, gender, and love, and offer profound insights into the human experience.

Maya Angelou's poetry is a celebration of life, a testament to the resilience and beauty of the human spirit.

Her words continue to inspire and empower generations of readers, making her one of the most beloved and influential poets of all time.

We should all be grateful for the gift of her poetry and the wisdom and inspiration it provides.

In a small mountain side town, in the back forgotten shelf of a second-hand store, I chanced upon this book of poems.

At first, I didn't buy it. Instead, I deliberately relocated it. My intention was simple yet profound. I wanted everyone who visited that store to have the opportunity to spend an extra five minutes there and read the remarkable poem, "Phenomenal Woman".

This poem had such a profound impact on me that it became the very first of numerous lessons I imparted to all-girl classes. It was about the essence of being an amazing woman.

I encourage you to read these words of wisdom. Memorize them, let them sink deep into your heart. And then, pass them on. Teach them to your children, so that they too can understand the true meaning of being a phenomenal woman.

Let this poem be a guiding light, inspiring generations to come.

Pretty women often wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to fit the size of a fashion model. But when I begin 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, and the curl of my lips. I'm a woman, phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me. - Phenomenal Woman

This is a short, yet profound collection of Maya Angelou's poetry. There are exactly four poems: "Phenomenal Woman", "Still I Rise", "Weekend Glory", and "Our Grandmothers". As the subtitle indicates, all of these poems are celebrations of women and womanhood. They are beautifully written, meeting the high standards set by Angelou's best works. Each poem offers a unique perspective on the strength, beauty, and resilience of women. Through her powerful words, Angelou inspires women to embrace their individuality and to take pride in who they are. These poems are not only a joy to read but also a source of inspiration and empowerment for women everywhere.

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.
- Phenomenal Woman

A short, very short collection of Maya Angelou's poetry. Four poems, to be exact: "Phenomenal Woman", "Still I Rise", "Weekend Glory", and "Our Grandmothers". All of which are, as the subtitle states, celebrations of women and womanhood. All beautifully written, up to the high standards set by Angelou's best.