Phenomenal WOMAN: Rest In Paradise Maya Angelou

Women need role models. 

My mom is an avid reader and my lifelong support system, who has always passed along books on life and poetry to help me on my journey as a young adult and now woman. One of the best books she ever passed down was Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women. I read that book over and over, until I had her famous Phenomenal Woman poem memorized. As I have grown and endured different life circumstances, I have used her words of wisdom from her work including: And Still I Rise, I Shall Not Be Moved, The Heart of A Woman, and Letter To My Daughter,  to name a few.

There aren't many writers that truly speak to my spirit and inspire me to be the best woman I can be for my family and friends. Maya's words are felt, never solely read and will linger in your heart and mind long after you have finished reading. She inspired me to write poetry when I was young and as an adult she inspires me to be true to myself, my craft and this world. Today, my heart feels heavy as the original Phenomenal Woman puts a period on her final poem at the age of 86. You will be missed, but you and your words will never be forgotten.

Rest in Paradise Maya Angelou.  Thank you for your lifelong inspiration. Which books/poems are your favorites? Share below.