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The Space Between Our Footsteps: Poems and Paintings from the Middle East
A collection of poetry and artistic works by people from the Middle East invites readers to explore a mosaic of culture, tradition, and common human ground, and includes additional notes of interest about the contributors.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1998
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149 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Shihab Nye
134 books979 followersNaomi Shihab Nye was born to a Palestinian father and an American mother. During her high school years, she lived in Ramallah in Jordan, the Old City in Jerusalem, and San Antonio, Texas, where she later received her B.A. in English and world religions from Trinity University. She is a novelist, poet and songwriter.
She currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. She was elected a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets in 2010.
She currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. She was elected a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets in 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 24, 2023
He read each day like a book
and saw the world like a lantern
in the night of his fury.
He saw the horizon come to him
as a friend.
He read directions
In the face of poetry and fire
From the poem The Beginning of the Road by Adonis
Translated by Samuel Hazo
Over 500 invitations were sent out all over the Middle East for this stunning collection of poetry and paintings selected by Naomi Shebab Nye.
I hear the sound of gardens breathing
the sound of the darkness raining from a leaf
the light clearing its throat behind the tree....
From The Sound of Water's Footsteps by Sohreb Sepheri
Translated by Massud Furzan
Alone, now you are free
You pick a sky and name it
From the poem Freedom by Saadi Youssef
Translated by Khalid Mattawa
In the spirit of the children at the Cairo Library who said, during the worst sandstorm..."Just keep reading." From the introduction
and saw the world like a lantern
in the night of his fury.
He saw the horizon come to him
as a friend.
He read directions
In the face of poetry and fire
From the poem The Beginning of the Road by Adonis
Translated by Samuel Hazo
Over 500 invitations were sent out all over the Middle East for this stunning collection of poetry and paintings selected by Naomi Shebab Nye.
I hear the sound of gardens breathing
the sound of the darkness raining from a leaf
the light clearing its throat behind the tree....
From The Sound of Water's Footsteps by Sohreb Sepheri
Translated by Massud Furzan
Alone, now you are free
You pick a sky and name it
From the poem Freedom by Saadi Youssef
Translated by Khalid Mattawa
In the spirit of the children at the Cairo Library who said, during the worst sandstorm..."Just keep reading." From the introduction
February 16, 2009
In The Space Between Our Footsteps, renowned poet Naomi Shihab Nye has compiled an anthology of Middle Eastern poetry from over 100 poets and the paintings of 19 artists. In this compilation Nye hopes to create a better understanding of the oft misunderstood and negatively stereotyped culture of the Middle East "...which is as rich and intersting as life anywhere else (p. vii)." The compilation includes a range of subjects, such as childhood, family, homeland, grief, nature, displacement, love and war. The art of the written word is enhanced by the rich, beautiful and descriptive illustrations of varying mediums and origin. The reader will enjoy the comprehensive and personal introduction, as well as the biographical index of contributers. The expressive poetry and images of this collection evokes awareness as to the unsubstanitated space between our cultural footsteps and hopefully help close the metaphorical gap.
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January 21, 2025The real strength of this book, to me, is that it does not shy away from putting poetry about Palestinian fedayeen and resistance alongside poetry written about Israeli kibbutzim. Beautiful narrative here about culture, and how the land ties all of its people together.
December 11, 2011
It's little weird but it was an okay book. Some part's I just didn't understand.Other part's were just a little strange. It isn't a book I would recommend.
July 3, 2022
I don’t know a lot about poetry, but I am trying to read more of it, which is how I ended up with this from my local library. Because of my inexperience with poetry, I can’t offer an insightful review, but I did enjoy this collection. Being an anthology of different artists, it offered a variety of tones and styles. I also really like that the editor included artwork. It really rounded out the experience of the reader. I read this collection over the span of a day. Maybe a more experienced poetry reader could/would take more time with it. But it was a breeze to go through and still enjoy.
May 2, 2019
I loved this anthology of poems from the Middle East. The poems were poignant, funny sometimes, sad often. I also loved the art in this book. A diverse collection of poems from the Middle East which I enjoyed reading.
March 2, 2022
This collection of poetry and illustrations by artists from the Middle East is beautiful and compelling. These pieces describe common ground in a conflicted land.
April 19, 2009
SUMMARY
Nye’s compilation of poetry from 100+ poets and paintings of 19 artists seeks to dispel the stereotypical idea that western literature has given young people of the people who live in the Middle East and of their lives there. Through this simple poetry and art, we get a full picture of the richness and diversity of life there, dispelling the stereotypical notions that all Middle Easterners live, dress, and eat the same ways, and value the same things, or that Arabs are the people who “ride out of the desert on horseback” (vii). The book is divided into parts: “A Galaxy of Seeds,” “Pick a Sky and Name It,” and “There was in Our House a River.” Themes explored include: childhood, friendship, family, identity, education, history, growing up, spirituality, the world, loss, love, and poverty v. wealth. Poems are mostly written in free verse, but there are some examples of metrical poetry. The artwork mostly reflects the abstract style of most Middle Eastern artists. Nye’s personal, conversational introduction is a fine way to get into the book, because, as she explains, she never really identified with A Thousand and One Nights, either. But there are no magic carpets or genies in lamps hiding in these pages. What’s in store for the young reader who picks up this book is surprising because it’s so familiar. How could this be a book about the Middle East? It can because it’s not—it’s a book about people and feelings and homes and simple things like love.
EVALUATION
One of the things that I often struggle with about poetry and children is that we tend to introduce poetry to children with the attitude of sink or swim. While I have to say, “Bravo!” to Nye’s collection here, it still must be said that the poetry is still a bit dense for the younger readers, and that I feel this is more appropriate for middle and high school readers unless careful guidance is offered. It is a wonderful read, without relying on the stereotypical. .
Nye’s compilation of poetry from 100+ poets and paintings of 19 artists seeks to dispel the stereotypical idea that western literature has given young people of the people who live in the Middle East and of their lives there. Through this simple poetry and art, we get a full picture of the richness and diversity of life there, dispelling the stereotypical notions that all Middle Easterners live, dress, and eat the same ways, and value the same things, or that Arabs are the people who “ride out of the desert on horseback” (vii). The book is divided into parts: “A Galaxy of Seeds,” “Pick a Sky and Name It,” and “There was in Our House a River.” Themes explored include: childhood, friendship, family, identity, education, history, growing up, spirituality, the world, loss, love, and poverty v. wealth. Poems are mostly written in free verse, but there are some examples of metrical poetry. The artwork mostly reflects the abstract style of most Middle Eastern artists. Nye’s personal, conversational introduction is a fine way to get into the book, because, as she explains, she never really identified with A Thousand and One Nights, either. But there are no magic carpets or genies in lamps hiding in these pages. What’s in store for the young reader who picks up this book is surprising because it’s so familiar. How could this be a book about the Middle East? It can because it’s not—it’s a book about people and feelings and homes and simple things like love.
EVALUATION
One of the things that I often struggle with about poetry and children is that we tend to introduce poetry to children with the attitude of sink or swim. While I have to say, “Bravo!” to Nye’s collection here, it still must be said that the poetry is still a bit dense for the younger readers, and that I feel this is more appropriate for middle and high school readers unless careful guidance is offered. It is a wonderful read, without relying on the stereotypical. .
July 3, 2013
5Q 4P (my codes)
I read the following poems:
"From This Star to the Other": A beautiful portrait of a hard-working father as well as the length of a laborer's day--the father is the center and the brightness of this poet's life.
"Dust": an achingly sad portrayal of loneliness written with words of elegance and simplicity. A child's imagination is her best companion and her protection.
"I Remember My Father's Hands": what stories can be told by the things hands do in everyday lives. ripping, raising, trimming, cupping, pleading. A lifetime expressed through manual labor.
"Growing": Peace--evoked through the symbolism of the moon, or perhaps the moon represents escape and transcendance. A poem brimming over with sensory details, of scents of jasmine and sights of bright moonlight, of the taste of freedom.
"Awakening": A poem that begins slowly, lazily, stretching and coming to life. The sentences become longer, the images more varied, the pace picks up, and soon the street is bustling busy loud. A beautiful portrait of a transition moment.
These poems are evocative and beautiful--each poet's voice shines through with longing and love and identity. What a stunning collection!
I read the following poems:
"From This Star to the Other": A beautiful portrait of a hard-working father as well as the length of a laborer's day--the father is the center and the brightness of this poet's life.
"Dust": an achingly sad portrayal of loneliness written with words of elegance and simplicity. A child's imagination is her best companion and her protection.
"I Remember My Father's Hands": what stories can be told by the things hands do in everyday lives. ripping, raising, trimming, cupping, pleading. A lifetime expressed through manual labor.
"Growing": Peace--evoked through the symbolism of the moon, or perhaps the moon represents escape and transcendance. A poem brimming over with sensory details, of scents of jasmine and sights of bright moonlight, of the taste of freedom.
"Awakening": A poem that begins slowly, lazily, stretching and coming to life. The sentences become longer, the images more varied, the pace picks up, and soon the street is bustling busy loud. A beautiful portrait of a transition moment.
These poems are evocative and beautiful--each poet's voice shines through with longing and love and identity. What a stunning collection!
March 2, 2010
Weaving the complexity of a culture that so greatly effects the world, this poetry collection allows the reader an inner window to the soul, passion and hurt that have influenced the region and more importantly the people of the Middle East.
A glimpse into a world that seems far away, but reaches into the very heart of our community here in the Chicagoland. An eye-opening connection to the people who make up the complex and rich culture of the Middle East. As a teacher I would have students discuss the stereotypes and prejudices that have arisen surrounding the Middle East, particularly after 9-11. Building on that idea I would have students discuss what overall stereotypes and prejudice have been brought about in the past in our country and how they are only negative towards building peace and community. Hopefully this would result in students understanding the need for education and understanding rather than judgment.
A glimpse into a world that seems far away, but reaches into the very heart of our community here in the Chicagoland. An eye-opening connection to the people who make up the complex and rich culture of the Middle East. As a teacher I would have students discuss the stereotypes and prejudices that have arisen surrounding the Middle East, particularly after 9-11. Building on that idea I would have students discuss what overall stereotypes and prejudice have been brought about in the past in our country and how they are only negative towards building peace and community. Hopefully this would result in students understanding the need for education and understanding rather than judgment.
October 30, 2013
1. Genre- Poetry
2. Awards- None
3. Grade Level- 5-6
4. This book compiles many different poems and paintings from the Middle East. This book can be used in the classroom to introduce students to a culture's traditions other then their own, and the importance of family. She particularly focuses on her elder relatives. To relate these poems of another culture to their own culture, I will have students write their own poems. These poems will be about an older family member. To help them get started, I will ask them to bring in pictures of the family member and to share stories of the member within small groups. They will then write a poem about them, making sure to use plenty imagery. They will use Naomi Shihab Nye's poems as models. Not only are her poem good models for that type of poem, but using those poems as a model will help students to grasp the concept that no matter what country or culture you were raised, their are similarities among you.
2. Awards- None
3. Grade Level- 5-6
4. This book compiles many different poems and paintings from the Middle East. This book can be used in the classroom to introduce students to a culture's traditions other then their own, and the importance of family. She particularly focuses on her elder relatives. To relate these poems of another culture to their own culture, I will have students write their own poems. These poems will be about an older family member. To help them get started, I will ask them to bring in pictures of the family member and to share stories of the member within small groups. They will then write a poem about them, making sure to use plenty imagery. They will use Naomi Shihab Nye's poems as models. Not only are her poem good models for that type of poem, but using those poems as a model will help students to grasp the concept that no matter what country or culture you were raised, their are similarities among you.
May 17, 2009
The art and poetry throughout is beautiful, poignant, and contextual to a culture that is mostly foreign to an American audience. Nye is correct regarding the American sentiment of the Middle East and Muslims, and her attempt to ratify that, while somewhat lofty, is still admirable all the same. The poetry collected reveals something about people’s hearts, loves, dreams, hates, and fears that media cannot. Much of the writing is so fiercely honest that one can’t help but to feel drawn into the narrative of the people in a way that bridges the gap of religion, distance, and culture. I recommend this to all readers, because I believe that anyone who reads it will be positively changed by the poetry within, and hopefully the attempts toward peace and understanding will continue to move forward.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com
November 29, 2011
This anthology of poetry from the Middle East is one that will bring another culture into your classroom. It provides readers with the intense emotions and feelings that the writers place into their writing. Although most of the poems have been translated, one can still hear the narration and some dialogue that occurs in this literature. Some of these poems have rhythm, perhaps with the translations, while other poems are simply free verse, which allows for the writer to express his or her emotions of their daily life in the Middle East. These poems and paintings from the Middle East truly do provide a profound insight into a culture that neither my students nor I have come to know. Truly, a remarkable anthology of poetry that makes me want to read more of this culture.
October 31, 2013
Genre: Poetry
Grade: 5-6
Award(s): none
This rich anthology opens the door to the Middle East. This book can introduce students to different cultures through poetry. The main focus area of this book is family. I would want the studnets to write a poem about a family member that they admire. I would want them to look at some of the poems in the book and compare and contrast to see if people of other cultures go through the same thing that they go through. This would allow students to know that just because we live in different places doesnt mean that we do not go through the same thing.
Grade: 5-6
Award(s): none
This rich anthology opens the door to the Middle East. This book can introduce students to different cultures through poetry. The main focus area of this book is family. I would want the studnets to write a poem about a family member that they admire. I would want them to look at some of the poems in the book and compare and contrast to see if people of other cultures go through the same thing that they go through. This would allow students to know that just because we live in different places doesnt mean that we do not go through the same thing.
April 13, 2010
I've been reading poetry anthologies lately. One based upon the urban landscape of Singapore and this one based on the urban and rural landscape of the Middle East. Although themes such as warfare often surface in this book, there is also a more acute sense of the awe of nature and the appreciation of the little blessings in life than the general malaise and apathy of 1st world living in Singapore.
April 6, 2012
Beautiful, haunting anthology of poetry and art by and about the Middle East! Nye's collection is a voice of reason and hope for the Middle East. She presents art with the personal yet universal point of view.
December 28, 2007
Beautiful selection by one of the most thoughtful poets I know who works indefatigably for peace. Wonderful introduction to the world of Arab poetry and art.
February 15, 2008
This is a beautiful book of poetry that I shared with students on many occasions.
February 11, 2015
Read most of the poems within, a really nice collection and a great introduction to poems from another culture.
Read
December 23, 2009Beautiful poems from all over the Middle East including Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews