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Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or…

“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…” quote by Maya Angelou
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““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.””

Maya Angelou

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poem celebrates intrinsic confidence and the unique, unquantifiable qualities that make a woman powerful and admirable.

In simple terms: Confidence comes from inner qualities, not appearance.

Key Takeaway

Embrace your inner strength.

Themes

self‑esteem identity empowerment

Mood

proud assertive

Type

poetic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • leadership
  • personal branding
  • social interactions

Key Concepts

feminine power self‑acceptance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What inner qualities define your confidence?
  • How can you express them daily?
A Different Perspective

May overlook external validation but internal confidence remains essential.

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