In Maya Angelou's third book of poetry, And Still I Rise, the personal struggles of the African American woman are brought to life through poetic works. Drawing on the personal journeys of Maya Angelou herself, powerful poems praise, celebrate, and sympathize with the colorful female experience. Angelou's writing shines a bright light on themes of female power, beauty, and perseverance, elevating the African American woman to a pedestal that demands respect and adoration. For Angelou's audience, the everyday woman is presented equipped with everything necessary to thrive and shine in the face of adversity. In Maya Angelou's works "Phenomenal Woman", "Woman Work" and "Still I Rise", audiences can connect to the strength and virtue of women brought to life through the praise of femininity and its power to impact society. In the poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou, the audience is drawn to the speaker’s bold confidence and power. In this poem, Maya Angelou creates an image of a woman whose confidence is neither hindered nor threatened by imperfections and flaws. In many analyzes of this work, audiences connect this poem to Maya Angelou's expression of individualism and self-love after facing many personal struggles throughout her life. In a review found in the Virginia Quarterly Review, a critic states that "her ['Phenomenal Woman'] theme—the power and depth of women—echoes her own personal story […]." This theme of power transcends this poem and is found in many of Angelou's works. Additionally, Angelou's reflection on her own life through this poem is evident in the way she defines this power. Rather than emphasizing perfection and ideal... middle of paper ... all audiences can deal with their personal challenges. No matter the color of your skin or your gender, Maya Angelou's works are timeless testaments to the potential of the human spirit to overcome adversity and constant reminders that even if the world is against us, we must still raise. Works CitedAngelou, Maya, Diego Rivera and Linda Sunshine. I get up anyway. New York: Random House, 2001. Print. Angelou, Maya, Paul Gauguin and Linda Sunshine. “Phenomenal women (poem).” Phenomenal woman. New York: Random House, 2000. N. pag. Print.Angelou, Maya. “I’m getting up anyway.” Poets.org. Academy of American Poets, nd Web. December 10, 2013. Bender, L D. Readings on Maya Angelou. , 1997. Print “Literature, Arts and Medicine Database”. What's new. Np, and Web. December 12, 2013. “Maja”. Maja RSS. Np, and Web. December 10, 2013. “Still I Rise.” - Analysis. Np, and Web. December 13. 2013.