In Loving Memory...

Then sadly, on 6 April 2009, I lost yet ‘another’ mother… one had nurtured and groomed me, as her own… Mme Ivy, was a mother, a mentor and a beacon of strength, courage and wisdom. From her I learnt my work ethic, and adopted a drive that will continue to push me beyond all physical, mental and emotional limitations…

This is my tribute to Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri… a truly 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.

Maya Angelou