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Rest In Peace: Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014)

by Miracle
written by Miracle

xmaya-angelou.jpg.pagespeed.ic.sMJluTmRg-(Photo By Google Images)

The world experienced a huge loss today with the passing of legendary writer/poet/activist Maya Angelou. The beloved literary talent died in her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina following an extensive stay in the hospital due to heart complications. According to her family she departed this life peacefully in her sleep and was discovered by her caretaker. She was 86 years old. She leaves behind not only her loved ones but a legacy of artistic works as well as quotes. She is additionally remembered for her advocacy in regards to: education, justice, and equality. With an extensive background that ranges from her enduring unspeakable ordeals such as rape & prostitution to her receiving over 30 honorary degrees & putting her pen to work internationally; Dr. Maya Angelou was a true inspiration to people from all walks of life. This can been witnessed by the non-stop out pouring of accolades she’s been receiving all over the internet since the news of her death reached the masses. The Illixer team sends condolences to those closest to her and wishes for her to rest in paradise. Please enjoy one of her many infamous selections below in her honor.

“Phenomenal Woman”

(Poem By Maya Angelou)

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 for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

 **My Two Cents: I won’t put up a front like most are doing today and pretend that I was a Maya Angelou stan or anything. But as a huge reader, writer, lover of poetry, and African American woman I most certainly appreciate her work and what she stood for. She was an amazing spirit and she blessed many a soul in her 86 years on this Earth. She may be gone but will certainly never be forgotten. The above video features veteran R&B diva Janet Jackson‘s version of “Phenomenal Woman” during the Urban classic film Poetic Justice which stars her and the late Tupac Shakur. -MinM

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