'Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting...' by Naomi Shihab Nye


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A small striped sleeve in her lap,
navy and white,
needles carefully whipping in yarnfrom two sides.
She reminds me of the wide-angled women
filled with calm
I pretended I was related to
in crowds.In the next seat
a yellow burst of wool
grows into a hat with a tassel.
She looks young to crochet.
I'm glad history isn't totally lost.
Her silver hook dips gracefuly.And when's the last time you saw
anyone sew a pocket onto a gray linen shirt
in public?
Her stitches must be invisible.
A bevelled thimble glitters in the light.On Mother's Day
three women who aren't together
conduct delicate operations
in adjoining seats
between La Guardia and Dallas.
Miraculously, they never speak.
Three different kinds of needles,
three snippy scissors,
everybody else on the plane
snoozing with The Times.
When the flight attendant
offers free wine to celebrate,
you'd think they'd sit back,chat a minute,
tell who they're making it for,
trade patterns,
yes?But a grave separateness
has invaded the world.
They sip with eyes shut
and never say
Amazing
or
Look at us
orMay your thread
never break.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting… by Naomi Shihab Nye

Naomi Shihab Nye is a poet, novelist, and songwriter whose works have won numerous awards and accolades. In her poem “Poetry, Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting…,” Nye explores the relationship between the art of writing poetry and the art of crafting.

At first glance, the title of the poem seems to suggest that Nye is drawing a parallel between poetry and various forms of needlework. However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that she is not simply equating these different activities, but rather exploring the ways in which they intersect and complement each other.

The poem opens with a series of questions: “How do we store what we don’t know? / How do we stitch what hasn’t been said?” These questions set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is both contemplative and introspective.

Nye goes on to describe the act of writing poetry as a form of “threading” words together. This metaphor of threading is particularly apt, as it evokes the image of a needle weaving in and out of fabric, creating a pattern and structure that is both beautiful and functional.

Nye then shifts her focus to the art of sewing, describing it as a way of “mending what’s torn / and making it stronger.” This description highlights the restorative power of needlework – something that is also true of poetry. Both crafts have the ability to heal and transform, whether it be through repairing a torn seam or giving voice to a previously unexpressed emotion.

The poem then moves on to knitting, which Nye describes as a way of “weaving together / one small stitch at a time.” This image of slow and deliberate progress is a reminder that both poetry and needlework require patience, dedication, and attention to detail.

Finally, Nye turns her attention to crocheting, describing it as a way of “looping, knotting, forming / the shapes of our lives.” This description is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the act of crocheting is not just about creating a physical object, but about shaping and crafting our own identities.

Throughout the poem, Nye uses vivid and evocative language to describe the different crafts she is exploring. She speaks of “spools of thread,” “needles like pens,” “yarns like words.” These comparisons serve to highlight the similarities between these different activities, while also emphasizing the unique qualities of each.

At its core, “Poetry, Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting…” is a celebration of the creative process. It is a reminder of the powerful and transformative nature of art, whether it be in the form of poetry or needlework. Nye’s poem is a testament to the ways in which these seemingly disparate activities can intersect and reinforce each other, creating something that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

In conclusion, Naomi Shihab Nye’s “Poetry, Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting…” is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the intersection between writing, crafting, and art. Through her use of rich and vivid language, Nye creates a powerful and evocative portrait of these different activities, highlighting their shared qualities while also celebrating their individual strengths. This is a poem that speaks to the creative spirit in all of us, reminding us of the transformative power of art and the ways in which it can shape and define our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting... by Naomi Shihab Nye is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the connection between poetry and the art of crafting. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and uncover the various themes and motifs that make it such a timeless piece of literature.

The poem begins with the line, "A poem is a garment," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "garment" is significant as it suggests that poetry, like clothing, is something that can be crafted and tailored to fit a particular purpose or occasion. This idea is further reinforced in the following lines, which describe how a poem can be "sewn from scraps" and "knitted from wool."

The use of these crafting metaphors is particularly effective as it allows the reader to visualize the process of creating a poem in a tangible way. Just as a garment is made up of individual pieces of fabric that are sewn together, a poem is made up of individual words and phrases that are carefully crafted and woven together to create a cohesive whole.

As the poem progresses, we see the speaker exploring the different ways in which poetry and crafting intersect. For example, they describe how "a poem is a shawl" that can be wrapped around the shoulders of the reader, providing comfort and warmth. This image is particularly powerful as it suggests that poetry can be a source of solace and support in times of need.

Similarly, the line "a poem is a hat" suggests that poetry can be used to express one's individuality and personality. Just as a hat can be used to make a statement or convey a particular style, a poem can be used to express one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a unique and personal way.

Throughout the poem, we also see the speaker exploring the idea of transformation. They describe how "a poem is a dress" that can be worn to transform oneself into someone new. This idea is particularly poignant as it suggests that poetry has the power to change us and help us become the person we want to be.

The use of the word "dress" is also significant as it suggests that poetry can be used to create a persona or identity. Just as a dress can be used to create a particular image or impression, a poem can be used to create a particular voice or perspective.

As the poem draws to a close, we see the speaker reflecting on the importance of crafting and poetry in their life. They describe how "knitting a poem" can be a way of "knitting oneself back together" after a difficult experience. This image is particularly powerful as it suggests that poetry can be a form of self-care and healing.

The final lines of the poem, "Weaving a poem, we are weaving ourselves," bring together all of the themes and motifs that have been explored throughout the piece. The use of the word "weaving" is significant as it suggests that poetry and crafting are intertwined and interconnected. Just as a garment is made up of individual threads that are woven together, a poem is made up of individual words and phrases that are woven together to create a cohesive whole.

Overall, Poetry Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting... by Naomi Shihab Nye is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the connection between poetry and the art of crafting. Through the use of powerful metaphors and imagery, the poem encourages us to think about the ways in which poetry and crafting intersect and how they can be used to transform ourselves and the world around us.

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