18 pages • 36 minutes read
Naomi Shihab NyeA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
The “Greasy sausage balls” (Line 8) in the second stanza focus the mind on what “parties are like” (Line 4). Instead of considering the positive aspects of social gatherings, Shihab Nye spotlights the low-cost food, hastily prepared, served on a “paper plate” (Line 8). This image, next to the person speaking in a “loud voice” (Line 6), suggests the speaker does not like the party or parties in general. It is a way of critiquing social gatherings, showing their superficiality and distasteful qualities with one memorable image.
The speaker says, “[y]ou’re trying to remember something / too important to forget” (Lines 13-14), then she lists as examples trees and a monastery bell (Line 15). Both are important on their own; together they become doubly significant. Trees suggest a natural setting. The speaker is suggesting the reader take more time to connect with the natural world. A “monastery” (Line 15) signifies multiple abstract concepts. It is a building where spiritual seekers live in solitude for contemplation and devotion to their spiritual quest. A “monastery bell” (Line 15) calls people to worship. To remember the “monastery bell at twilight” (Line 15) signifies the reader may need to take time for spiritual practice with a ritual at the beginning and end of each day.
By Naomi Shihab Nye
300 Goats
300 Goats
Naomi Shihab Nye
Alphabet
Alphabet
Naomi Shihab Nye
Blood
Blood
Naomi Shihab Nye
Burning the Old Year
Burning the Old Year
Naomi Shihab Nye
Different Ways to Pray
Different Ways to Pray
Naomi Shihab Nye
Famous
Famous
Naomi Shihab Nye
Gate A-4
Gate A-4
Naomi Shihab Nye
Jerusalem
Jerusalem
Naomi Shihab Nye
Kindness
Kindness
Naomi Shihab Nye
Making a Fist
Making a Fist
Naomi Shihab Nye
Morning Song
Morning Song
Naomi Shihab Nye
My Uncle’s Favorite Coffee Shop
My Uncle’s Favorite Coffee Shop
Naomi Shihab Nye
Shoulders
Shoulders
Naomi Shihab Nye
The Rider
The Rider
Naomi Shihab Nye
The Turtle of Oman
The Turtle of Oman
Naomi Shihab Nye
The Words Under the Words
The Words Under the Words
Naomi Shihab Nye
Valentine for Ernest Mann
Valentine for Ernest Mann
Naomi Shihab Nye