Making a Fist

"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.