Phenomenal Woman

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 of my care.
'Cause I'm a woman, phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman, that's me.
- Maya Angelou