Maya Angelou is a “Phenomenal Woman”

Maya Angelou is an icon of strong femininity. In her poem “Phenomenal Woman”, she sends out a message to all female readers that beauty is what you define it. She is not the conventional definition of beauty, yet she holds a certain inner mystery that makes the men fall to her feet. She says that “It’s in the reach of my arms, the span of my hips, the stride in my step, the curl of my lips” (Angelou, 6-10). Because she believes in herself and holds herself with confidence, she radiates beauty to others. She acknowledges that other women who are enslaved to the symbol of beauty of the day are surprised that this is her secret. They equate looking like a super model to true beauty, but instead it is what lies inside. If you don’t believe in yourself, then no one else will. Maya’s true ode to strength in femininity rings true to this day, and serves as a good lesson for all young girls to read. She truly is a “Phenomenal Woman”.