Gate A-4

Written by noted American poet Naomi Shihab Nye, “Gate A4” is a narrative prose poem that eschews formal metrical conventions. “Gate A4” recounts an experience the speaker underwent at Albuquerque International Airport in New Mexico which affirmed her hope in humanity. Though the poem’s tone is conversational and its diction plainspoken, “Gate A4” explores deeply philosophical questions about the necessity of ordinary kindness in a divided, suspicion-riddled world. The poem is meant to be read aloud and preserves the cadences of every-day speech, a quality which adds to its poetic elements despite the prose-like structure. First published in 2008, the poem has a strong, uplifting message. It also marks Nye’s constant evolution towards a more straightforward diction and simple, but symbol-laden language.

Poet Biography

Naomi Shihab Nye (b. 1952) has a prolific poetic career spanning over 40 years. Born to a Palestinian journalist father and an American mother, Nye grew up in St. Louis, Jerusalem, and San Antonio. Nye received her BA from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and continues to live in the Texan city. A poet who writes both for children and adults, Nye frequently draws on her experience of

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