I need help interperting this poem. I am a senior in high school and I need this class to graduate. The poem is Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou. I need a reply ASAP. This Oral Interpertaion is due at 8:00 a.m. eastern time sept.8, 2004.
Thank you,
*Yesenia A.*
P.S. I really need help.

Maya Angelou
"Phenomenal Woman"

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.

Yesenia, what is your question about this poem?


Les

In the class the students come and go,
Speaking of Maya Angelou.

I suspect Yesenia A. may have dawdled a bit too long before seeking help on this one, Les.

Too bad, it's a good poem. "I am woman, hear me roar" kind of theme.


Les