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

This poem has been a part of my life and my psyche from the moment I read it probably more than 20 years ago, any time there is BS about I think of those words and they inspire and motivate me to end the nonsense. So today I dedicate this poem to all my Sisters. You’ve probably seen it more times than you care to already, but it ain’t gonna hurt to see it one more time. Ladies

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE! Let no one bring that which you do not want into your life, let no one define who you ought to be, that is your responsibility. By virtue of your birth you have earned the right to your own self-possession, let no one convince you otherwise. Continue to Shine in Your Womanhood today and every single day of your Life!

Happy International Women’s Day!

We are Yours Always

The Traveling Black Chicks!

LH

The Paintings in this post are NOT the property of the Black Chick Group or the Traveling Black Chicks. They are Borrowed with respect.