Naomi Nye conducted a poetry workshop in the afternoon of April 7, 2016 in the library of Bishop Dunne Catholic School. Students who had expressed an interest in becoming poets wrote poetry with her prompts and then shared their poems with the group and Ms. Nye.
Internationally Lauded Poet Comes to Bishop Dunne, Inspires Students to Write
Poet Naomi Shihab Nye spoke to a rapt audience of over 200 middle school students on Thursday, April 7, 2016, to encourage them to write a little bit every day.
A self-described "wandering poet" and author and editor of over 30 books of poetry, Ms. Nye discussed her growth as a writer and poet, and then conducted a poetry workshop for students who had expressed an interest in following in her footsteps.
Born to a Palestinian father and an American mother, Ms. Nye grew up in Ferguson, Missouri, Jerusalem, and San Antonio. She has won numerous awards and accolades for her poetry, and she read from her work and her favorite poets.
She also spoke of her childhood and how her mother inspired her by reading her poetry as a toddler.
Ms. Nye's poetry is meditative and gives voice to children, teenagers, and immigrants. Her work is acclaimed for her sensitivity and cultural awareness. Nye writes of nature, war, family, and neighbors, and small incidents of daily life that show the importance of relationships and awareness. She condemns prejudice and injustice and reminds readers that we all have ties to other lands and that we all face issues that are universal.
At lunch she met with students and the English department faculty, sharing her experiences of workshops in remote Alaska and meeting with students in Nepal. She advised hopeful poets and writers on how to cope with writer's block and making writing a part of their life.
Ms. Nye's visit was part of the GeoTech Lecture Series and an important component of Bishop Dunne's participation in National Poetry Month.
For more information about Bishop Dunne Catholic School, see the school's website at: www.bdcs.org.