Naomi Shihab Nye has been named the Young People’s Poet Laureate of the US. I can’t think of anyone better. I’ve met Naomi on a few occasions, most recently when I moderated an NCTE presentation in November, 2018. Her gentle manner and down-to-earth style is just right for these times. She’s comfortable and makes you feel comfortable, too.
One of my favorite young people’s poetry book by Naomi Shihab Nye is A Maze Me. For one, this is a great title with multiple meanings. It’s a book of poems specifically for girls. The poems comfort, amaze, and give readers a sense of the timelessness of childhood.
My favorite line of poetry appears in the poem Ringing that seems to be about all the sounds of ringing a child may hear. The vegetable truck, milk truck, and the ever-ringing ice-cream truck. “They are all bringers.”
The last line reads “I want to be someone making music with my coming.”
Along with all the luscious on the lips m-sounds is a deeper meaning. A longing we can all relate to. We want to be expected. We want to be adored. We want to be loved. Naomi captures this universal longing in one simple line. That is the genius of her poetry.
I sing lullabies to my grandson. I am embarrassed if anyone hears me. But I shouldn’t care. I want to be the someone in his life who makes music with my coming. This is love.
Reflections on the Teche 
How beautiful the immense meaning of one single NSN poems. I’ve had A Maze Me on my desk at school during testing breaks
Beautiful line and book, plus a beautiful meaning just for you, Margaret!
Yes, that is an amazing line. And it makes the perfect Big Truth, along with what you added about love.
What an amazing line. And how lucky your grandson is to have you reading poetry to you.
I meant reading to him.
Perfect! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Beautiful!! Words to live by. (Don’t be embarrassed about your singing!)
What a lovely goal! I know your grandson will treasure his memories of your lullabies. I always sang to my boys at bedtime, and to my nieces, too, when we were all together. We were on a camping trip when they were teenagers, and they all wanted me to sing to them like I had when they were little. As you so wisely said, “this is love.”
This is lovely, Margaret. The image of you singing to Leo touches my heart. Keep on singing!!
This is a beautiful truth, Margaret. Thank you for sharing it and putting it into context for us. I have no doubt you are a bringer, though—no doubt whatsoever.
“Bringers” and ringers, with love, music and ourselves–it’s the core of being human, and she brings it all so beautifully in one small line. Thanks Margaret for sharing this, and love, with all of us!
This collection sounds wonderful, and I look forward to tracking it down. Thanks for sharing.
You are, Margaret–someone who brings music! Lovely post.