[Unedited] Naomi Shihab Nye with Krista Tippett

In the '[Unedited] Naomi Shihab Nye with Krista Tippett' episode of the 'On Being with Krista Tippett' podcast, the conversation explores the life, insights, and poetry of Naomi Shihab Nye, a renowned poet, writer, and teacher. The discussion begins with Naomi's reflections on her multicultural upbringing and the open-mindedness of her parents, which fostered her appreciation for different faiths and cultures. Her father, a Palestinian refugee, and her mother, who distanced herself from her strict Lutheran background, instilled in Naomi a deep sense of curiosity and empathy, which later permeated her writing. Naomi shares her early passion for poetry, writing from the age of six, and her belief that all humans think in poems. She describes poetry as a form of conversation and a means to cherish small details, especially in times of crisis. Naomi recounts her experience of being robbed while on her honeymoon in Colombia, which led to the creation of her well-known poem 'Kindness.' She also discusses the importance of writing down even the smallest observations and how this practice can bring clarity and connection to one's experiences.

The episode delves into Naomi's perspective on the world post-9/11, the American response to the tragedy, and the missed opportunity for collective empathy. She talks about the significance of her Arab heritage and the pain she feels when seeing the violence and suffering in the Middle East, regions she holds dear. Naomi's poetry often addresses the humanizing details that are lost in the grand narratives of conflict and disaster. The conversation also touches on her practice of reading poetry to her son as a way of starting the day with beauty and contemplation. The episode concludes with Naomi reading several of her poems, including 'Two Countries,' 'Cross That Line,' 'The Sweet Arab, The Generous Arab,' 'Alive,' and 'Endure,' each reflecting her nuanced understanding of identity, empathy, and the human condition.