MENTOR TEXT - Making a Fist

Making a Fist is a short poem told and written by Naomi Shihab Nye in 1952. Nye writes about her experience as an Arab-American discussing her heritage and journeys. Born in Missouri Naomi moved to Jerusalem and eventually Texas where she received her BA in English and world religions. She is known for her humanitarian spirit and bringing encouragement to her writing pieces. Making a Fist is a free verse poem, the aspect of death could classify it as an elegy poem and could also be considered epic or dramatic. It presents a sad but hopeful and empathic vibe. This text reminds me of many texts we would read in middle school history classes about immigration. I think the intend audience could be anyone wanting to learn more about Arab American’s. Teachers could use it to bring light open they journey and teach students. These poems are true stories based on what Naomi had to go through and I think she writes them to share her journey with others. I think a very import part of this poem is the hope aspect. In the poem Naomi says, “Years later I smile to think of that journey…”. I think a big take away for me was to be more grateful just to live every day.