Journal #1 My Favorite Writing (revision)

One of my favorite types of writing is poetry, and slam poetry. I really love how this writer expresses herself through her poetry. I like slam poetry because of its message, and so much can be said in a few simple lines. I especially enjoy writing that I can relate to, and understand the author's point of view. The name of the poem is Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou. I think this is an excellent example of writing particularly poetry. It was interesting to read about how she explains how she is beautiful; without having to look like a Barbie doll. The repetition of “I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me,” adds to the effect and flow of the poem. That is why I like this piece of writing because of the message, and the rhythm of the poem.

Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
"Four Poems for Women" 1995

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 for my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.