18 pages • 36 minutes read
Making a Fist
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Further Reading & Resources
Related Poems
"Different Ways to Pray" by Naomi Shihab Nye (1995)
“Different Ways to Pray” (1995) covers themes of faith, methodology, and the multi-generational connection. Nye creates a poem that weaves together people of all ages and backgrounds and the various ways each pray or communicate their faith. She acknowledges the gap in faith between younger and older generations, touching on how faith can both connect and differentiate between people.
"Yellow Glove" by Naomi Shihab Nye (1995)
In the same way “Making a Fist” (1988) connects the reader to the theme of childhood, so does “Yellow Glove” (1995). In both poems Nye addresses the concept of severity through a child’s eyes. “Yellow Glove” is a poem about a child who loses her yellow glove in a stream one winter and is terrified of the consequences awaiting her when her parents find out. The child is astounded by the miracle of finding the glove three months later. Each poem displays a child’s resilience in the face of adversity.
"Boy and Egg" by Naomi Shihab Nye (1998)
“Boy and Egg” (1998) contains themes of childhood isolation and connection. A boy, still too young to play with the older children, finds his connection with hens and their eggs. He presses the hot eggs to his ear and feels hesitant to bring the egg inside or leave it with the hens. The poem contrasts with “Making a Fist” (1988) because in “Boy and Egg,” the child must self-soothe instead of reaching for help from his mother.
"My Uncle’s Favorite Coffee Shop" by Naomi Shihab Nye (1998)
“My Uncle’s Favorite Coffee Shop” (1998) relates to the tradition of Arab poetry’s centering of family. The poem reflects Nye’s style in writing about the ordinary day to day life of her uncle and the simple pleasures that his favorite coffee shop offers him. The poem bridges the simplicity of the uncle with the disconnect felt by immigrants like him in America. The poem centers on themes of loss, family, and connection.
Further Literary Resources
Interview with Naomi Shihab Nye by Rachel Barenblat (1999)
In an interview with Rachel Barenblat of the literary magazine, Pif, Nye speaks on writing poetry as a child, the publishing process, and how her travels have affected her poetry. She describes how politics and poetry intersect, both relating to humanity, as well as the editing process of her anthologies. Nye offers advice to new writers on the importance of a supportive writing circle, and to always read poetry that speaks to the self.
"Kindness and coincidence–Naomi Shihab Nye" with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski (2020)
Nye is a guest speaker on the podcast Conversations, with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski of ABC Radio (2020). In this podcast episode, Nye describes her life during the COVID-19 pandemic, talking about the books on her shelf and her writing practices. She reads an unpublished work, “We Could Not Know,” written during the pandemic, as well as “Kindness” (1995). Nye also talks with Fidler and Kanowski about her childhood and her hobby of trash collecting.
"Poetry joins San Antonio, via vaccines and agua" by Nicholas Frank (2021)
Nicholas Frank of the San Antonio Report speaks with Nye about her work with the Traveling Stanzas project. Traveling Stanzas seeks to globally unify voices, and its 2021 project, Dear Vaccine, aims to collect poetry surrounding the invent of COVID-19 vaccines. Nye hopes that the collection of poetry aids in feelings of mutual encouragement, combining voices in a collective goal across humanity. Nye’s influence has drawn many voices, including local San Antonians.
"Before You Know Kindness as the Deepest Thing Inside…" with Naomi Shihab Nye and Krista Tippett (2021)
Krista Tippett speaks with Nye on her podcast On Being (2021). The pair discuss Nye’s experiences at home during her childhood, her passion for various religions, and the meaning behind a poem. Nye describes the connection between thoughts, emotions, and language—a convergence that forms poetry and serves to unite people of all backgrounds.
Listen to Poem
Nye reads her poem “Making a Fist.” She speaks with precision, emotion, and clarity. The listener can note the consonance as Nye reads aloud, and her inflections and pauses convey the intended emotions within the poem.
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By Naomi Shihab Nye
