My favorite poem, by far, is “Our Grandmothers.” It truly touches my heart. Below are a few excerpts that I absolutely love.

“You have tried to destroy me
and though I perish daily,
I shall not be moved.” (p. 17) This line shows the strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

“She said, But my description cannot
fit your tongue, for
I have a certain way of being in this world,
and I shall not, I shall not be moved.” (p. 18) It emphasizes the individuality and unwavering nature of the subject.

“When you learn, teach.
When you get, give.” (p. 19) This simple yet profound advice encourages us to share our knowledge and blessings with others.

I also have a great affection for “Phenomenal Woman.” Lately, I have been going through a rough time, and when I read this poem out loud to myself, it gives me an immense amount of strength. It makes me feel empowered and confident in my own skin. These poems have a special place in my heart and always manage to inspire me.

Maya Angelou was indeed a phenomenal woman.

She was not only a renowned poet but also a talented author, actress, and civil rights activist. Her works touched the hearts and souls of millions around the world.

With her powerful words, she was able to convey the experiences and emotions of the African American community, as well as the universal themes of love, loss, and hope.

Her autobiographical works, such as "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," gave readers an intimate look into her life and the challenges she faced growing up.

Maya Angelou's impact on literature and society cannot be overstated. She will always be remembered as a trailblazer and an inspiration to future generations.

Her words will continue to live on and inspire people to fight for justice, equality, and a better world.

A great selection of poems exists that beautifully captures the essence of the beauty and strength of women. In particular, it shines a light on the remarkable greatness of black women. These poems are like precious gems, each one revealing a different facet of their allure and power.

Take, for example, the words: "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.” This stanza paints a vivid picture of a woman who is confident in her every step, proud of her natural features, and aware of her nurturing nature.

These poems not only celebrate the physical beauty of women but also their inner strength, courage, and resilience. They remind us that women, especially black women, have overcome countless obstacles and continue to shine brightly in a world that often tries to dim their light. Through these poems, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the unique and wonderful qualities that make women truly phenomenal.

Expansive
The world around us is truly expansive, stretching out in all directions as far as the eye can see.

Lyrical
It is a place filled with lyrical beauty, where the gentle breeze seems to whisper secrets and the songs of the birds carry a melody that touches the soul.

Harrowing
Yet, it can also be a harrowing place, with challenges and difficulties that test our strength and resolve.

Joyful
But in the midst of it all, there are moments of pure joy, when we experience the simple pleasures of life and feel a sense of happiness that is indescribable.

Lovely
Overall, the world is a lovely place, full of wonder and beauty, waiting for us to explore and discover. It is a place that can inspire us, challenge us, and bring us great joy if we are willing to open our hearts and minds and embrace all that it has to offer.

Personal Response:

I truly relished this poem. It expounded on the fact that personality holds greater significance than mere physical appearance. I adored the profound message that this poem conveys.

Plot Summary:

The poem commences with her vehemently attacking all the stereotypes imposed on women. She elucidates that she lacks a flawless body or a conventionally beautiful face, yet men inexplicably swarm around her. Other women are left completely bewildered as to why men are drawn to her. She asserts that it is the distinct click in her step and the enchanting way she smiles that make them desire her. She elaborates that it is her unwavering confidence that proves to be so irresistibly attractive. She proudly proclaims herself a “Phenomenal Woman” because her personality is indeed extraordinary.

Recommendation:

I would wholeheartedly recommend this poem to any woman. Particularly, it would be highly beneficial for anyone who grapples with issues regarding confidence.

Character Description:

Speaker:

She is a woman who may not possess remarkable physical allure, but she compensates with an outstanding personality and an abundance of self-confidence. She expounds on the notion that it doesn't matter how one looks; rather, it is how one behaves that truly counts. One doesn't necessitate a perfect body; all that is required is to be a good person and have some degree of confidence in oneself.

Now you understand,
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about,
Or have to talk real loud.

This excerpt from a poem truly touched my heart. It speaks volumes about the inner strength and dignity of a person. It makes me think about how often we feel the need to conform to certain norms or express ourselves in a particular way to be noticed or heard. But this poem reminds us that sometimes, the quietest strength is the most powerful.

I especially enjoyed the first and last poem in the book. All of the poems are a compelling reminder of the special strength of being a woman.

The book is filled with such beautiful and inspiring poems. Each one seems to capture a different aspect of a woman's experience and the unique strength that comes with it. Whether it's the strength to persevere through difficult times, the ability to love unconditionally, or the courage to follow one's dreams, these poems celebrate the power and beauty of womanhood.

I will be sharing all of them with my daughter once she is old enough. I want her to grow up knowing that she is strong, capable, and beautiful just the way she is. I believe that these poems will help her to see the special qualities within herself and to embrace her femininity with pride.

Thanks Sonja, this is such a beautiful gift. Your words have touched my soul and I will cherish this book always.

This book holds a special place in my heart.

It was given to me by a dear friend when I first made the big move from Texas to New York City.

Interestingly, someone had given her a copy when she relocated from Texas to LA a year or two before, and she was now passing it on.

The idea, I suppose, was for it to be a reminder of our inner strength, something that's easily forgotten when we find ourselves all alone in a big, strange city.

At that time, it truly provided me with a little bit of comfort and reassurance.

I firmly believe that every young girl should be made to read this book over and over again. In fact, not just young girls, but every woman should, without a doubt.

Recently, I had the opportunity to pay it forward to a friend of mine who is currently going through a divorce.

She's feeling a bit lost, and I truly hope that this book can jumpstart her journey back to herself.

And I also hope that, eventually, she will pay it forward as well, continuing this beautiful cycle of kindness and inspiration.

  “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.”

This poem truly captivated me. The vivid imagery it presents is simply remarkable. The description of the fire in the eyes gives the impression of a woman full of passion and determination. The flash of her teeth adds a touch of confidence and perhaps a hint of playfulness. The swing in her waist implies a sense of grace and femininity, while the joy in her feet suggests a lightness and a zest for life. The line "I'm a woman Phenomenally" sums it all up, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the woman being described. It makes me think about the strength and beauty that women possess, and how they can shine brightly in the world. This poem is a celebration of womanhood, and it has left a lasting impression on me.

What else should I say, reading Maya Angelou's poems, than they are truly Phenomenal! Just the way she is. She has this remarkable ability to spread the strength of her spirit through her words, captivating readers and leaving a lasting impact.

Her poems are like powerful anthems that resonate with the human experience. Take, for example, the lines:
\\"...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...\\"

These words are so profound and inspiring, teaching us to rise above the challenges and hardships that come our way.

Maya Angelou's poetry is a celebration of life, love, and the indomitable human spirit. It encourages us to be brave, to be true to ourselves, and to always keep rising. Reading her poems is not just an intellectual exercise but a journey of the heart and soul.

Reread of Phenomenal Woman.

This powerful piece of writing holds great significance. It not only encourages us to continuously learn and then share that knowledge by teaching, but also to give when we receive.

It speaks of the resilience within us. Despite being attacked with hurtful words, cut by the judgmental eyes, and even killed by hatefulness, we should rise like air.

We should not let the negativity of others bring us down. Instead, we should use it as fuel to soar higher.

Being a phenomenal woman means having the strength to overcome all obstacles and shine brightly. It means being unafraid of the challenges that come our way and facing them with courage and grace.

We should embrace our unique qualities and use them to make a positive impact on the world around us.

"Phenomenal Woman" has always been one of the most unforgettable poems for me, even though it is about women as a whole. As the title suggests, these four poems are the greatest works of Maya Angelou, celebrating the essence of women.

Although it is titled "Celebrating Women", it doesn't mean that only women can read these essential poems. "Still I rise" and "Weekend Glory" are so powerful that once we read them, the unyielding words start to resonate deep within us. They inspire us to be strong and resilient in the face of challenges.

The last poem, "Our Grandmothers", is a beautiful ode to grandmothers. Through this masterpiece, Maya reveals to us the arduous path that her grandmothers took to unlock the doors of freedom. They did so with unwavering determination, while helplessly sending their ignorant and shoeless children away. It is a touching and poignant portrayal of the sacrifices made by our ancestors.

Another one of my favorites from Maya is Mother: A Cradle to Hold Me. This poem beautifully captures the love and comfort that a mother provides. It is a reminder of the special bond between a mother and her child.

A woman of great talent in writing, her poems, which I had never come across before, now have a profound impact on my daily life. They serve as a source of inspiration that constantly enriches my days. This collection of poems is truly a gem, and it has quickly become one of my absolute favorites. The words seem to dance off the page, captivating my heart and mind with their beauty and depth. Each poem tells a unique story or evokes a specific emotion, making it a truly engaging and enjoyable read. I find myself constantly turning back to these pages, eager to soak up the wisdom and inspiration they hold. It is truly a remarkable little book that I will cherish for a long time to come.