Lynn's Review of 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East

Naomi Shihab Nye goes back to her cultural roots with this collection of poems in 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East. As an Arab American, her struggles with the political and emotional effects of war are prevalent throughout the collection. She gives her perspective from the Middle East through her experiences growing up and visiting with family there.

Honestly, a lot of the poetry in this collection was difficult for me to understand, but I appreciated what I learned about Middle Eastern beliefs and traditions. Still, there were references that were incomprehensible to me due to my lack of experience and knowledge of the Middle East.

After reading Nye's poetry, I do feel as if I've literally had a taste of the Middle East. As our pecans or peaches influence our life here in Texas, the presence of fig trees, olives, and almonds provide a taste of Nye's homeland to readers. In Olive Jar, we are invited to an Arab kitchen on the West Bank, in the village of almonds and olives. As a guest, we are at the family meal where olives are the center of every table. As with many families, it seems as though the time spent around the table is a peaceful time that is cherished. Nye also uses olive as irony in the poem, Passing the Refugee Camp. Olives are a symbol of peace and are native to the Middle East; however, olive is also used to describe the color of American soldiers' uniforms, suggesting war and unrest.

Something I admire about Naomi Shihab Nye's writing is that it is so accessible and honest. She writes simply about things that she knows and loves, and makes you think that it is possible for you to put your own thoughts and feelings into your own poetry as well. She writes about what she is passionate about. Her vision of peace is very clear, as well as admirable, and reminds us all that it is the true meaning of what we all seek. In How Long Peace Takes, Nye gives analogies as to how much time we must wait for peace. So how long does peace take? Nye answers, "As long as the question - what if I were you? - has two heads." Hmm, it really makes you think about considering others' perspectives.