One of the very best perks of being a librarian is getting to meet the fantastic authors, poets, and storytellers that stock a library. For the past few days, I’ve been lucky enough to make a new friend in Naomi Shihab Nye. I had always wanted to meet her ever since Shannon introduced me to her back in 1999, and the two of us then went on to become librarians. I got very close to meeting Naomi while working in Mumbai, but visa circumstances denied us then. Now here in Hong Kong we’ve been lucky to have her here with us all week long. Plus, my family has had the chance to hang out with her too! Naomi has such a positive energy about her that in knowing her I am left with a new set of opened eyes. She was so amazed by Hong Kong and loved it so much. She enjoyed our students and was impressed by our school. She’s a super thoughtful person–she brought me a little something each day from an article to a scarf to a loaf of bread. I just feel privileged to have met Naomi and to call her my new friend.
During her time with the students, she taught us a little about writing. I plan to try keeping a notebook for one month to see if it works. In the meantime, I’m actually going to share my poetry. It was just too fun to write, and I like what I wrote so why not!? I’ll go out on a limb. ‘m a poet and I didn’t know it!
I <3 HK
I caught her cold
when she sneezed,
“This is AMAZING!”
She spread her contagion
of positive energy,
but I didn’t call the doctor.
Like her,
I wanted to be sick in love with Hong Kong.
Directions to Her
On the moon,
look for Jojo,
ask for a cocktail
with an umbrella.
Cross the street,
and ask for Maya.
Find a seat,
and cook with vegetables.
Open the book
that guides you to
the librarians in the house.
That’s where you’ll find her.
She’s the one in the middle.
Connected Stuff
The travel candle
lights up the jewellery
that makes my bed.
Weekly Schedule
On Monday I’ll share
And Tuesday connect
Yet Wednesday write
Oh! On Thursday I’ll travel
Ah man, on Friday I’ll have to work
The Story
The bed dreams it.
The dining room table writes it.
The kitchen cooks it.
The bus carries it.
The library organizes it.
But hey, who reads it?!
Could be the Weather….
Sweet, nice, helpful
Is she? Is she not?
There’s your answer
if she is so.
Short, cold, protective,
Is she not? Is she?
You have your answer, no?
Success
Wake up driver!
I said wake up!!
You want success?
Don’t stop.
The road’s side is not yours.
Although the day is.
Point your bright finger
on the yellow line.
Continue on the road
to your success.
That’s the one way.
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