Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928)

Phenomenal He-man

Hunky guys wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not big or built to suit a sport star’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the whiff from me pits
And the thickness of me thighs,
The hardness of me mitts,
The way me hair lies.
I'm a he-man
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal he-man,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a woman,
The ladies stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the redness in me eyes,
And the hair on me chest,
The way I swing at guys,
When I give me best.
I'm a he-man
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal he-man,
That's me.

Women 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 stiffness of me neck,
And the crookedness of me teeth,
The bulge of me deck,
The cool that lies beneath.
I'm a he-man

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal he-man,
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 stomp of me boot,
The grease in my hair,
That I don’t give a hoot,
My devil may care,
'Cause I'm a he-man
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal he-man,
That's me.

Leon Leonidas

I dont see why this poem should be number one. Feminism? As poetry its certainly no great shakes. Certainly 'Love after Love' by Derek Walcott is far superios. To me this poem doesnt deserve to make it to the top 500.

Wow, each time I read Maya's poetry it brings strength to my soul. I've been a fan for over 20 years and still, Phenomenal Woman and I Rise, lift my heart with joy. Thank You Ms. Angelou.

I am one who wont be caught standing in the sub lines, nor will I stand behind you Maya... I'm right there side by side walkin' every step w/ you adding more rhythm to that 'phenomenal' glide. I've always been an inspired fan of yours. You've always been a personal inspiration to me. A woman who's succeeded to many lengths and proved many unspeakable times just how strong, independent, and truly magnificent she it! This piece along w/ many others Ms Angelou has written, sung, screen played, produced, ect. will never be forgotten and has and will forevermore continue to mold me for who I am today and for who I will be tomorrow!

*curtsies*
Kristin Davis

Maya Angelou is one of the best poets whose work I ever read. She speaks the truth and brings up many topics that many ignore

Maya Angelou is one of the most empowering, influential, inspiring woman whose poetry I read on a daily basis to empower my soul. She is a Phenomenal Woman.
Each one of the lines in her poems has a profound impact on all woman alike and yes, men too.
Good Bless

I beleive that poetry in itself is an art form. Art then, is individual creativity, emotion and expression, by my definition. Therefore, although many choose to judge a poem by strict poetics and poetic forms, in my best opinion, poetry should come from the heart and not be dominated by whether or not in some else's opinion, the poem is not structurally sound. Therefore, Maya Angelou's poems are not simply prose, they are an art form within themselves! Who would judge Michelangelo's or Rembrandt's art? Therefore Maya's poems as well are art. They move and inspire people. The content of her poems far outweigh any traditional structure that many obsess about. The aesthetics and meaning behind her words are simply put, magnificent! In my opinion, she's one of the best poets around!

Thank-you for letting me share my insight!

I have had the privilage to listen to Maya Angelou speek tonight. It was the most incredible experience I have ever had. She had a presence like no other person. Her voice was hypnotizing and her words were filled with wisdom. I stood 20 feet away from such an amazing person and it will change me for the rest of my life. She is beautiful.

And she is such a funny and witty person.

Maya Angelou is lyrical in her poetry form. Her poetry speaks of the depths of human soul and of human imagination. Her life in itself is an inspiration because it is what she draws on to write poetry. If you would like to know more about Maya Angelou I would read her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou is one of the most inspirational and wisest people that has ever walked this earth. Through everything no matter what she has risen above. Her poetry and her words of wisdom inspire me through everyday life.

She is a beautiful person and if by chance I would one day be in the same room as her it would be a blessing and an honour.