Illustration Friday - Strength

This week I thought of the author Maya Angelou. I will never forget having the honor of seeing her speak one year. This woman captivates you with the tone of her voice so soft and raspy - yet so very powerful. The words she chooses create wonderful imagery.

So I struggled this week trying to think of what to do using one of her poems for inspiration. I began to think of women in general and how we play dual roles whether we are mothers, sisters, business women, or friends. It's amazing the loads we carry on our backs and how we manage to awaken everyday to start anew. To all women who do a phenomenal job of just being you and having the strength to do what you do my hats go off to you.

Phenomenal Woman

written by author and poet - Maya Angelou

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.