She must resist considering herself a lesser version of her male counterpart. And it is under those very circumstances that the woman’s toughness must be in evidence. In a time a nd world where males hold sway and control, the pressure upon women to yield their rights-of-way is tremendous. She must have convinced herself, or be in the unending process of convincing herself, that she, her values, and her choices are important. The woman who survives intact and happy must be at once tender and tough. Becoming an old female may require only being born with certain genitalia, inheriting long-living genes and the fortune not to be run over by an out-of-control truck, but to become and remain a woman command the existence and employment of genius. Not without joy and even ecstasy, but still relentless, unending work. Even if I made an inane and stupid choice, I stuck by it rather than ‘be like a woman and change my mind.’īeing a woman is hard work. The phrase ‘A woman always has the right to change her mind’ played so aptly into the negative image of the female that I made myself a victim to an unwavering decision. But as I matured, I began to resent being considered a sister to a changeling as fickle as luck, as aloof as an ocean, and as frivolous as nature. In fact, there were so few public acknowledgments of the female presence that I felt personally honored whenever nature and large ships were referred to as feminine. In my young years I took pride in the fact that luck was called a lady. Her poems about women are a testament to the importance of feminine energy in the world, and they will move and inspire anyone who reads them. She explores the strength and power of women, as well as their vulnerability and fragility. Maya Angelou’s poetry about women is some of the most beautiful and moving writing about femininity that exists. I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

Maya Angelou’s Poem “Phenomenal Woman” | SuperSoul Sunday | Oprah Winfrey Networkīringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. In “ Still I Rise,” she speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. In “Phenomenal Woman,” for example, she uses these devices to convey the strength and beauty of black women. Her work is characterized by its use of metaphor and simile to capture the essence of her subjects. Maya Angelou’s poems about life offer a unique perspective on the human experience. Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. With her trademark honesty and insight, she gives voice to the emotions that we all feel but often struggles to express. In these poems, she explores some of the most universal themes: love, loss, hope, and courage. Her work is characterized by its elegant and moving use of language, as well as its insights into the human condition. These Maya Angelou poems have made her one of the most prolific and respected poets of our time. Maya Angelou poems are some of the most prolific and well-known pieces of literature in recent history.

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