The Impact of Maya Angelou`s `Phenomenal Woman` poem

Maya Angelou 's (1995 ) `Phenomenal Woman ' changed my life because of its grandeur to support a woman 's self-respect . The poem was a trailblazer for all women searching for equality and respect during the earlier years of the 1990 's . This inspirational piece changed the way women were perceived . In her poem , `Phenomenal Woman , Angelou shattered the shadows I placed upon myself for so many years . Her words enlightened my spirit as I read the words of encouragement and such dignity "Pretty women ask where my secret lies / I 'm not cute or

built to suit a model 's fashion size /But when I start to tell them /They think I 'm telling lies (p .1 " The poem continued into "I say / It 's in the reach of my arms /The span of my hips /The stride of my steps / The curl of my lips (p . 1

As a mother of four , I know what it means to have a full-figure . Angelou rejuvenated my need for understanding of what "true womanhood " could be It led me to the conclusion that my womanhood is determined by my ability to make positive changes in others ' lives . We , as a people , are encouraged to find happiness in money , clothes , and fame but true heroes are within our hearts . My deeds will lay seeds in the hearts of many The work I want to pursue is not for my own glory , but for the glory of others

With the curve of our lips , we (women ) must speak out and let go of the media 's perception of who we should be and what roles we are to play . I learned that the script must be rewritten in this society . To be a phenomenal woman , you must let your mind free to experience the greatness this world has to offer

So what is the definition of a phenomenal woman ? A phenomenal woman is a speaker of serenity , a believer of abundance , and a worker of truth Angelou sparked flames in women movements around the world because of "Phenomenal Woman . Now , I take her words with me in every stride I take because I am this phenomenal woman in progress . I understand that my personal growth will continue through my experiences , but where I stand today is just as graceful as where I stood yesterday

Reference

Angelou , Maya . Phenomenal Woman . Retrieved August 24 , 2006 , from http /www .feminist .com /resources /speech /insp /maya .htm

The Impact of Maya Angelou 's `Phenomenal Woman ' poem...