On this eve before the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, I just stopped for a moment to think of all you phenomenal women out there. All of you rushing about to get that last load of laundry washed, dinner cooked, dishes washed, babies out of the tub and into bed, lunches packed, backpacks checked, clothes laid out, teeth brushed, faces washed, to do lists checked, groceries put up, emails returned, dogs walked, phones answered, kids tucked in, floor swept, pants pressed, and so it goes.
Whether you work in or out of the home, old job or new (like my friend Joy(ous) and her new principal job) you are probably doing most of this with little (very little in my case :) ) or no help. And yet, you are fabulous, in control,vulnerable, effective and efficient, witty, sexy, loving and wise. You can't be replaced. No, you can't do it all, but all that you do...you do MAH-VA-LOUS-LY!! Here's to you!
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.
4 comments:
I love Maya Angelou's poetry. I first fell in love with it after watching Poetic Justice.
I also love "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
Valley Girl,
She honors all women so beautifully. She tells the truth and helps us to remember to honor OURSELVES! Her life is a testament to someone who has always lived for love, respect and passion. She and her poetry help me to remember that love and life are not supposed to be painful and unfulfilling, but fulfilling and joyful.
Gosh, isn't this the truth! I'm seriously trying to adjust from working 70 hours a week to being a stay at home mom. It's so great to be able to do all the stuff I was doing after work.
Liz,
That is a big adjustment! And I know that stay at home mom's work is double! You don't get to clock out at 5! I hope all the women who are struggling in making the decision to work outside of the home or at home or some combination of both make their decision based on what is truly satisfying for them, like it sounds like you have. I know you are on the right track, you Phenomenal Woman you!
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