“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.”
Happy International Women's Day!
“If any female feels she need anything beyond herself to legitimate and validate her existence, she is already giving away her power to be self-defining, her agency.” -bell hooks, Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics
Today we celebrate the beauty of being a woman. I salute those resilient women making a difference in their communities, the workplace, and the world. It isn't always easy but we make it happen working full-time jobs, leading in every industry, building businesses, teaching the next generation, cooking the best meals in the world with babies strapped across our backs, all done with style and grace. I am empowered by the amazing women in my life to continue to be the best I can be, to lean in, and step out on faith in the midst of my fears, and I will support and uplift my sisters along the way.
Today we celebrate the beauty of being a woman. I salute those resilient women making a difference in their communities, the workplace, and the world. It isn't always easy but we make it happen working full-time jobs, leading in every industry, building businesses, teaching the next generation, cooking the best meals in the world with babies strapped across our backs, all done with style and grace. I am empowered by the amazing women in my life to continue to be the best I can be, to lean in, and step out on faith in the midst of my fears, and I will support and uplift my sisters along the way.