“I think the air is full of voices. If we slow down and practice listening, we hear those voices better. They live on in us. Inspiration? We need it every day. We deserve it. It is essential, like food, water, clean air, shelter. Here are some poems celebrating the voices that have changed my life and continue to do so.”—Naomi Shihab Nye Award-winning poet and author Naomi Shihab Nye has written more than 100 poems inspired by the artists, writers, poets, historical figures, politicians, ordinary people, and other diverse luminaries from past and present who inspire us, give us solace, and create hope. Featuring black-and-white spot art throughout, as well as brief bios of the “voices,” an index, and an introduction by the author.
Author
Naomi 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.
