Dr. Maya Angelou

"Hailed as a remarkable Renaissance woman, a beloved poet and best-selling author, Dr. Angelou has the unique ability to captivate listeners through the vigor and sheer beauty of her lyrics and words. A world renowned educator and historian, critically acclaimed actress, playwright, producer and director and leading civil rights activist, Dr. Angelou shares her legendary wisdom to help listeners find their true voices. Taking on issues spanning race, sex, age and religion, Dr. Angelou's extraordinary insight will continually challenge and inspire listeners."

I want you to know, I'm not a kumbaya kind of person but last year I was fortunate to be able to see Dr. Maya Angelou. It was a sold out event and an evening full of inspiration and love.
It was an audience of mainly women but a few brave men attended. She spoke of love & life, war & peace, beauty & wonder, it was amazing. I had my reservations, I had never been to anything like that, never really had any interest but when my sister bought us tickets, I have to say I had no idea what to expect. I really only knew of Dr. Angelou her from Hallmark greeting cards & gifts and I had seen her once on Oprah......that was all about to change. There were about 300 of us in the audience but I felt like she was talking to me and only me. She is soft spoken but her voice resonates through every pore.
At the end of the eveing I felt inspired, full, enlightened & empowered. She is one incredibly fasinating woman. 
This is one of her poems and I have to say, I have never heard a poet read their own poem. I should correct myself, she didn't read it, instead it poured out from her very soul. Enjoy.

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.

Remember: You’re Beautiful!!!

Maya Angelou