At first glance, these poems seem to be carefully crafted.

However, upon closer inspection, they give the impression of being transcribed directly from Angelou's innermost self. My GR friend Petra has described Angelou's writing style perfectly in Petra's review.

Angelou's writing transcends mere words, images, and meaning. It also encompasses sound. I vividly remember first hearing Angelou read her work at President Bill Clinton's first presidential inauguration in 1993. She utilized her resonant voice, a voice that had been trained to project without the need for amplification. With such a powerful voice, the words took on a more profound and rounded meaning. Everything she wrote and everything I heard her say, I wholeheartedly believed.

As I read these four poems, two of which I have been reading and re-reading for years, I can distinctly hear Angelou's voice. Four poems are simply not enough. I feel compelled to go in search of more of her wonderful poems.

To truly understand the power and sound of Angelou's voice, you can watch Angelou reciting \\"Still I Rise\\".

Maya Angelou is an exceptionally talented wordsmith. You can sense that she writes with a smile, perhaps a wink, and a backward glance that is half flirtatious over her shoulder. She is truly a phenomenal author. If you read her work aloud while looking in a long mirror and follow what the poem suggests, it will have a significant impact on your presentation. Give it a try!

Pretty women often wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to fit 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, and 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 either stand or fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me like a hive of honey bees. I say it's the fire in my eyes, 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 hard, 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, and 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, and the need for my care. 'Cause I'm a woman, phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me.

I read this years ago. The pleasure it brings, like with all good poetry, isn't lessened by the passage of time or the number of times I've reread it. Sadly, after a tragic childhood but a wonderful and fulfilled life as an adult, Maya Angelou, a truly phenomenal woman, died on 27th May, 2014 at the age of 86.

Rewritten 31st July 2022 because there were too many cliches and typos.

Moving, inspiring, and empowering - these are the words that perfectly describe this wonderful piece. It is a must-read for women everywhere, regardless of the circumstances of their days. Whether it's a good day or a bad one, this work has the power to touch their hearts and lift their spirits.

The beauty of this writing lies in its simplicity. The use of simple short sentences makes it incredibly easy to read, allowing the reader to quickly absorb the powerful messages within. Additionally, the master phrases such as 'I shall not be moved' and 'I am a woman, phenomenally' have an instant empowering effect. They make the reader feel strong, confident, and capable of achieving anything.

At its core, these poems are reminders of the things we need to hear ever so often. They are a source of inspiration and motivation, encouraging us to believe in ourselves and to never give up. This is truly a remarkable work that has the potential to change lives.

Still I Rise

This powerful poem, "Still I Rise," takes us on a journey through the experiences of a person who has overcome great adversity.

Out of the huts of history's shame, the speaker rises. Rising up from a past that is deeply rooted in pain, they refuse to be held back. The speaker compares themselves to a black ocean, vast and powerful, leaping and wide. They are welling and swelling with strength, bearing the tide of life.

Leaving behind the nights of terror and fear, the speaker rises into a daybreak that is wondrously clear. They bring with them the gifts that their ancestors gave, carrying the dream and the hope of the slave. With each "I rise," the speaker's determination grows stronger, and they assert their resilience and ability to overcome any obstacle.

This poem is a celebration of the human spirit and a testament to the power of perseverance. It encourages us to rise above our own challenges and to believe in our ability to create a better future.

[Disclaimer: Whenever I peruse an autobiographical work, I find myself at a loss. I don't believe I have the right to opine on whether I liked it or not. In fact, I can't even pose the question to myself. It seems as if by doing so, I am rating Maya Angelou herself. It's a complex and delicate matter for me, and I hope you can understand.]
I will assert, however, that I highly recommend it. The authenticity and tone within it are truly remarkable. The stories and experiences shared offer profound insights into the human condition. It is a work that merits not only individual study but also inclusion in school curricula. The words have the power to inspire, educate, and touch the hearts of readers. Whether you are seeking inspiration, knowledge, or a deeper understanding of life, this autobiographical oeuvre has something to offer. So, I encourage you to pick it up and embark on this literary journey. You won't be disappointed.

This book was truly and wonderfully short, yet it was filled with profound meaning.

Maya Angelou's poetic voice emerged as an unquenchable and endless burning flame of both passion and wisdom. It was as if her words had the power to ignite the hearts and minds of readers.

Moreover, it was quite ironic that a phenomenal woman like Maya Angelou herself wrote a book titled "Phenomenal Woman". The title seemed to encapsulate her own essence and the remarkable qualities that made her such an extraordinary individual.

Her work not only entertained but also inspired and enlightened, leaving a lasting impression on all those who had the privilege of experiencing it.

Overall, this short yet impactful book was a testament to Maya Angelou's literary genius and her ability to touch the souls of people through her words.

Poems to be read and reread forever.

They are like precious gems that sparkle with eternal charm. Such a literary genius and icon, whose works have stood the test of time.

Their words have the power to touch our hearts, stir our emotions, and transport us to different worlds.

With each reading, we discover new meanings, new interpretations, and new beauties.

These poems are not just words on a page; they are a reflection of the human spirit, a celebration of life, and a source of inspiration.

They will continue to be read and reread by generations to come, leaving an indelible mark on the history of literature.

PHENOMENAL WOMAN

Pretty women often wonder about the secret that lies within me. I'm not cute in the traditional sense nor built to fit the size requirements of a fashion model. But when I begin to share with them, they think I'm telling tales. 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.

When I walk into a room, as cool as can be, to a man, the fellows either stand or fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me like a hive of honey bees. I say, it's the fire in my eyes, the flash of my teeth, the swing in my waist, and the joy in my feet. I'm a woman, phenomenally.

Men themselves have wondered what it is they see in me. They try so hard, but they can't touch my inner mystery. When I attempt to show them, they claim 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, and the grace of my style. I'm a woman, phenomenally.

Now you understand just why my head's not bowed. I don't shout or jump about or have to talk really 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, and the need for my care. 'Cause I'm a woman, phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me.

This poem beautifully describes the multi-faceted beauty, grace, and power of a woman and her femininity. It shows that a woman's allure goes beyond the physical and encompasses her confidence, style, and inner strength. It's a celebration of the unique qualities that make a woman truly phenomenal.

I truly had a great affection for this particular work. It is an extremely inspiring and powerful concise collection of poems. The rhyming style employed within it is highly relatable, almost to the point of being casual. This gives the poems a unique charm and makes them easily accessible to a wide range of readers. Each poem seems to carry a profound message that can touch the hearts and minds of those who take the time to read and reflect upon them. The simplicity of the rhyming, combined with the depth of the themes explored, creates a captivating and engaging reading experience. It is a collection that has the potential to leave a lasting impression and inspire readers to look at the world around them in a new and different light.

Maya Angelou is truly an American Treasure. Her powerful and inspiring voice has the ability to uplift and carry the spirit of all those who have the privilege of hearing it.

As she so beautifully put it, "All of my work is meant to say, 'You may encounter many defeats but you must not be defeated.' In fact, the encountering may be the very experience which create the vitality and the power to endure." This profound statement, as quoted in The Norton Anthology of African American Literature, encapsulates the essence of her work and the message she aimed to convey.

Maya Angelou's words serve as a source of strength and motivation for people from all walks of life. She reminds us that setbacks and defeats are an inevitable part of life, but they should not define us. Instead, we should view them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Her work has touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Maya Angelou's contributions to literature and society are truly remarkable, and she will always be remembered as a great American icon.

Maya is an extremely brilliant and highly precise writer.

The initial two of these poems irked me to a certain extent. The first one was due to its performance oriented towards a male gaze and heteronormativity. It seemed to be catering to a specific set of expectations that didn't quite resonate with me.

The second poem felt rather cliched, although it's quite possible that Maya herself was the one who originated that particular style or idea.

However, despite these limitations, the writing itself was truly delicious. The words seemed to dance on the page, creating a vivid and engaging experience.

The collection includes the poems "Phenomenal Woman", "Still I Rise", "Weekend Glory" and "Our Grandmothers".

An excerpt that I particularly enjoyed from "Weekend Glory" is as follows:

"They accuse me of livin’
from day to day,
but who are they kiddin’?
So are they."

This excerpt shows a certain defiance and a recognition of the commonality in the way people live their lives. It's a powerful statement within the context of the poem.

Absolutely fantastic little book!

It contains 4 of Maya Angelou's well-known poems, namely Phenomenal Woman, Still I Rise, Weekend Glory, and Our Grandmothers.

These four fabulous poems are a celebration of women in their extraordinariness!

The book is only 22 pages long, and its small format makes it a lovely present for the important and exceptional women in your life.

Phenomenal Woman, in particular, is a great way to get acquainted with Maya Angelou's wonderful poetry.

It is a pleasure to read and to savour over and over again.

The words flow beautifully, and the messages are powerful and inspiring.

Whether you are looking for a gift for a friend, a family member, or yourself, this little book is sure to delight.

It is a must-have for any poetry lover or anyone who appreciates the beauty and strength of women.

So go ahead and pick up a copy today, and let Maya Angelou's words touch your heart and soul.