We are phenomenal women...

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


I breathed in greatness last night as I listened to Maya Angelou guide me through a cloud. Angelou visited the college where I teach yesterday. A deep breath of clean air. I feel rejuvenated by her and by all the women in my life who encircled me with rainbow love after my last post. Thank you for your love, your hopefulness, and your friendship.

Rainbows. Ms. Angelou spoke of the need to be a rainbow in the lives of others. She continued to say that rainbows are the momentary evidence of hope that God promised would be present when the storm subsides. Life is filled with clouds of self-doubt, discouragement, and sometimes even despair. But, sitting within those clouds are rainbows. Who are the rainbows in your lives?

My life is truly filled with rainbows. From the Facebook friend who promises me treats just for hanging in with my goals, to my lovely neighbor who is brimming with wisdom and gentleness. There is my mother. The woman in my life who truly knows how to love me and loves me no matter what.

Tell me about your rainbow moments. Read a poem and share it with me. I would love to hear about how you find hope in life.