Update on Oct. 19th poem, "Before I was a Gazan" by Naomi Shihab Nye

 I wrote to Naomi Oct. 20:

Her reply about the poem:

Your thoughts on this poem (which is a very precious poem to me) are so astute, I don't think you need my help in any way, but I would surely give you my applause for such a close, caring reading. 

Why I used a boy instead of a girl - I don't know. I raised one boy, and we now have one grandson. I feel very close to boys and girls both, but I'd been Zooming with some kids in Gaza and the little boys, so often the victims of the violence,

really caught my heartstrings. 

**  My initial email asked about Before I was a Gazan

I don’t know if you remember me, but I thoroughly enjoyed attending one of your workshops, and am an ardent supporter

of your poetry!  Thank you, thank you for sharing your insights and craft in such an eloquent, unpretentious and heartfelt way in your poetry!

Today, in a poetry appreciation discussion group I lead, we discussed Before I was a Gazan… 

We admired the “economical” understatement set up by the title and first line, the juxtaposition of something ordinary missing, like homework,

with the brutal subtraction caused by war… how the measures used for  math homework, the pride of additions made, multiplied…  become 

unsolvable problems.

We related so much to this boy, this “I” which brought up this question.  Why did you pick a boy, and not a  “child” or “a girl" as the speaker of the poem?

We were curious, and don’t want to make assumptions! 

Was it easier to write imagining a boy?  Is a boy’s perspective to be taken more seriously perhaps?  

We all concur, that the poem is so stunningly executed, the surprises deftly dealt… that small enjambed addition about the baby sister / “who couldn’t talk yet”.

One of the readers was reminded of the passage in Job, “And I only have escaped to tell you.”  Indeed, this poem is given to the world… like the one remaining voice,

and we all become the “I” who must resolve to find something, that can find answer to the situation, not just in Palestine, but every place  where a child is at risk, school is not a safe place, and everyone suffers from the heartbreak of genocide, of murder.

 

I hope all is well with you.

May you continue your work which so gently and compassionately reminds people of the importance of caring for fellow human beings and working to ensure

ways to bring out the best in all.

With heartfelt good wishes,

gratefully,

** What was uncanny was finding this out in her Nov. 26 reply:

On Nov 26, 2022, at 4:56 PM, nshihab@aol.com wrote:

Hi Kitty, Please forgive me for taking so long to reply. We were stunned by the shock of our own son's sudden death on Oct. 5 (he'd had Covid 5 times, it was brutal to him) and I barely glanced at my emails till now.

We've been in a nightmare. I'm so sorry.

+reply (above) + I just really appreciate you. Gratefully, Naomi 

My reply 11/26: Dear Naomi,

Please know how shocking this news is to hear.  Thank you, that in the midst of grief you could answer such a small question.

I know I am not alone but all the people this poetry group join me with heartfelt condolences.

We so appreciate you.  I am glad you have a grandson and can share your precious spirit with him.  I  cannot imagine the brutal shock of losing your son.

Grateful to you and wishing you all the courage it takes to continue,

sending gentle, healing thoughts,

Kitty  

11/27

Deepest love for your consoling, tender reply. I am grateful to you.  Courage is needed down here! 

It's been very strange, since we were speaking of poems, how the Kindness poem keeps replaying line by line in my own head,

as if to say, see? I really meant it.

love, naomi

Elaine Richane also wrote her a heartfelt condolence on 11/30 

May I convey my deepest sympathy to you, your husband and loved ones.  My heart cries and aches for you and yours.

Your poetry has blessed and enriched me and our poetry group, O Pen, for years.  As an Lebanese-American, I identify closely with the essence of what it means to be of Arabic heritage and have found  so much comfort and familiarity when I read your work.   May you and your family find comfort knowing you are on our hearts and thoughts.

Warmly,
Elaine Richane

to which she replied.

Elaine, I appreciate your remark about being Arab American too. A close Mexican friend, whose own son died at the age of 3, told me he prayed to

his ancestors who surely survived worse things in harder times, to help him get through the pain. This has helped me. Love and good health to all of you, naomi