Day 224 Question 224:
What is one of your favorite/most inspirational poems?
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.
It's a New Day... 
Well said, well done!!!!
I hadn’t heard that one yet. Amazing!
Vitaï Lampada
There’s a breathless hush in the Close to-night—
Ten to make and the match to win—
A bumping pitch and a blinding light,
An hour to play and the last man in.
And it’s not for the sake of a ribboned coat,
Or the selfish hope of a season’s fame,
But his captain’s hand on his shoulder smote
“Play up! play up! and play the game!”
The sand of the desert is sodden red,—
Red with the wreck of a square that broke;—
The Gatling’s jammed and the Colonel dead,
And the regiment blind with dust and smoke.
The river of death has brimmed his banks,
And England’s far, and Honour a name,
But the voice of a schoolboy rallies the ranks:
“Play up! play up! and play the game!”
This is the word that year by year,
While in her place the school is set,
Every one of her sons must hear,
And none that hears it dare forget.
This they all with a joyful mind
Bear through life like a torch in flame,
And falling fling to the host behind—
“Play up! play up! and play the game!”
by Henry Newbolt
My inspiration is from a poem of my own writing called ‘King of the Wood..
http://cobbie69.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/king-of-the-wood-poem/
Diane: This is one of my favorites. I take it out and read it regularly to remind myself of how phenomenal I am. Every woman ought to have a copy.
Lovely poem, from a great woman. Mine is probably Robert Frost’s ‘The Road not Taken’ as it seems to sum up my somewhat random life choices perfectly!
Diane: I am such a huge fan of Maya Angelou. My dream is to one day see her and listen to her talk.
I’ve never seen that one of her poems, and I have read a lot of them. I have tremendous respect for her and now have one more reason. Thanks for sharing.
You could definitely see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart.