Jerusalem

"Arabic" by Naomi Shihab Nye (1994)

In “Arabic,” Shihab Nye explores her relationship to the language of her father. She does not speak it fluently, and her cab driver says that unless you do, you do not understand pain. It is a way of exploring the pain that many Arabs feel because of the grievous situation they have been in. Characteristically, Shihab Nye ends the poem by expanding the concepts out to all people of the world, saying that when she shouts “pain” people stop “in every language” (Lines 33-34).

"Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye (1995)

This is one of Shihab Nye’s most read and anthologized poems. As in “Jerusalem,” she expresses a desire for unity and understanding. Her refrain, that “before you know kindness you must know” various degrees of suffering, suggests that the response to acts of hostility and war should be met not with retaliation but with an increased desire to love and understand one another, seeing that we are all alike.

"One Boy Told Me" by Naomi Shihab Nye (1998)

In addition to being a poet who can speak intimately about the Middle East, Shihab Nye is also known for her work with children.