In Maya Angelou's third book of poems And Still I Rise, the African American woman's personal struggles come to life through poetic works. With inspirations drawn from the personal journeys of Maya Angelou herself, powerful poems praise, celebrate, and empathize with the colorful female experience. Angelou's writing sheds a dazzling light on themes of female power, beauty, and perseverance, elevating the African American woman onto 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”, the audience is able to connect with the strength and virtue of the woman who comes to life through the praise of femininity and through her power to have an impact on society. In Maya Angelou's poem "Phenomenal Woman," the audience is drawn to the speaker's bold confidence and power. In this poem, Maya Angelou creates the image of a woman whose confidence is not hindered or 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, one critic states: "Her theme ["Phenomenal Woman"] – the power and depth of women – echoes her personal story […]". This theme of power transcends this poem and is seen in many of Angelou's works. Furthermore, Angelou's reflection on her own life through this poem is evident in how she defines this power. Instead of emphasizing perfection and the ideal… in the middle of the paper… all audiences can face their own personal difficulties. No matter your skin color or gender, Maya Angelou's works are timeless testaments to the potential of the human spirit to overcome adversity and constantly remind us that even if the world is against us, we must still rise again. Works Cited Angelou, Maya, Diego Rivera, and Linda Sunshine. I still get up. New York: Random House, 2001. Print.Angelou, Maya, Paul Gauguin, and Linda Sunshine. “Phenomenal Women (poem).” Phenomenal woman. New York: Random House, 2000. No. pages. Print.Angelou, Maya. "Still I get up." Poet.org. Academy of American Poets, n.d. Web. December 10, 2013.Bender, L D. Readings on Maya Angelou. , 1997. Print "Database of literature, art and medicine". What's new. Np, nd Web. December 12, 2013."Maja." Mary RSS. Np, nd Web. December 10, 2013."Still I Rise." - Analyses. Np, nd Web. 13 December. 2013.