'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 yarn
from 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
or
May your thread
never break.
Submitted by R. Joyce Heon
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting...
Introduction
Naomi Shihab Nye is a Palestinian-American poet, known for her evocative and thought-provoking poetry. One of her most famous works is the poem "Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting...", which explores the theme of female creativity and the power of domestic crafts.
Analysis
The poem begins with the line "Sewing, knitting, crocheting, all three together". This opening immediately signals the importance of these three crafts and the connection between them. The repetition of "together" emphasizes the unity of the crafts and suggests that they are intertwined in some way.
The next stanza describes the materials used in these crafts: "yarn, wool, cotton, and silk." These materials have a tactile quality that is emphasized by the way they are listed, creating a sensory experience for the reader. The use of natural materials also connects these crafts to the natural world and suggests a connection to tradition and history.
The third stanza describes the act of creation: "stitch by stitch, row by row, until something is born." This line emphasizes the slow and deliberate nature of these crafts, as well as the idea that something new and unique is created through the process. The use of the word "born" also implies a sense of creation as a life-giving process.
The fourth stanza introduces the idea of the crafts as a means of memory-keeping: "blankets, scarves, sweaters, all keep memories in their stitches." This line suggests that the act of creating these items is a way of preserving memories and creating a tangible reminder of the past. The use of the word "stitches" emphasizes the idea that memory-keeping is an active and intentional process.
The fifth stanza turns the focus to the women who create these crafts: "women who knit, sew, crochet, are the ones who keep the world going." This line suggests that these crafts are not just a means of personal expression, but are instead a vital part of the community and society as a whole. The use of the word "keep" emphasizes the idea that these crafts are a necessary and important part of the world.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of the unity of these crafts: "Sewing, knitting, crocheting, all three together, are the three graces of the handmade world." This line emphasizes the connection between these crafts and the idea of grace, suggesting that they are not just practical or utilitarian, but are also beautiful and meaningful.
Interpretation
At its core, "Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting..." is a celebration of female creativity and the power of domestic crafts. By focusing on these traditionally feminine activities, Nye is making a statement about the importance of valuing and celebrating women's work.
The repetition of "together" throughout the poem suggests that these crafts are not just individual pursuits, but are instead connected to a larger community of women who share a love of creating. This communal aspect is further emphasized in the line "women who knit, sew, crochet, are the ones who keep the world going", which positions these crafts as a vital and necessary part of society.
The poem also touches on the idea of memory-keeping, suggesting that these crafts are a way of preserving the past and creating a tangible connection to history. This is particularly significant for women, who have historically been excluded from traditional means of record-keeping and historical documentation.
Finally, the poem positions these crafts as a form of grace and beauty, a reminder that practicality and functionality do not have to come at the expense of aesthetic value. By celebrating the beauty and creativity of these crafts, Nye is making a statement about the importance of valuing and celebrating the contributions of women to art and culture.
Conclusion
"Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting..." is a powerful celebration of female creativity and the importance of domestic crafts. Through her use of repetition, sensory language, and evocative imagery, Nye creates a vivid and poignant portrait of the significance of these crafts in the lives of women. By positioning these crafts as a means of memory-keeping, a vital part of society, and a form of grace and beauty, she makes a compelling case for the value of valuing and celebrating women's work.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting… by Naomi Shihab Nye is a classic poem that celebrates the art of crafting. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the women who have dedicated their lives to creating beautiful things with their hands. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the line, “A woman who loves to sew, knit, or crochet…” This line immediately sets the tone for the poem and establishes the subject matter. The poem is about women who love to create, and it celebrates their passion and dedication to their craft. The use of the word “love” is significant because it shows that these women are not just skilled at their craft, but they also have a deep emotional connection to it.
The next few lines of the poem describe the act of sewing, knitting, and crocheting. The imagery used in these lines is vivid and evocative. For example, the line “She makes a straight seam every time” paints a picture of a woman who is precise and skilled in her craft. The line “She can knit a sweater in a week” shows the speed and efficiency with which these women work. The use of imagery in these lines helps to create a sense of admiration and respect for these women and their craft.
The poem then goes on to describe the different things that these women create. The line “She can crochet a blanket in a day” shows the speed and efficiency with which these women work. The line “She can sew a dress that fits like a glove” shows the attention to detail and precision that goes into their work. The use of specific examples like these helps to create a sense of awe and wonder at the skill and dedication of these women.
The poem then takes a turn and begins to explore the deeper meaning behind these women’s craft. The line “She makes things that keep people warm” shows that these women’s craft is not just about creating beautiful things, but it also serves a practical purpose. The use of the word “warm” is significant because it shows that these women’s craft is about creating comfort and security for others.
The poem then goes on to describe the emotional impact that these women’s craft has on others. The line “She makes things that people wear close to their skin” shows that these women’s craft is not just about creating something beautiful, but it is also about creating something intimate and personal. The use of the word “close” is significant because it shows that these women’s craft is about creating a connection between the wearer and the item.
The poem then ends with the line, “She makes things that people love.” This line is significant because it shows that these women’s craft is not just about creating something practical or beautiful, but it is also about creating something that people have an emotional connection to. The use of the word “love” is significant because it shows that these women’s craft is about creating something that is cherished and valued.
In conclusion, Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting… by Naomi Shihab Nye is a beautiful tribute to the women who have dedicated their lives to creating beautiful things with their hands. The poem celebrates the skill, dedication, and passion of these women and shows the emotional impact that their craft has on others. The use of vivid imagery, specific examples, and emotional language helps to create a sense of admiration and respect for these women and their craft. This poem is a timeless tribute to the art of crafting and the women who have dedicated their lives to it.
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