The Art of Disappearing

Naomi Shihab Nye

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1994

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Summary

Background

Poem Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Symbols & Motifs

Greasy Sausage Balls

The “Greasy sausage balls” (Line 8) in the second stanza focus the mind on what “parties are like” (Line 4). Instead of considering the positive aspects of social gatherings, Shihab Nye spotlights the low-cost food, hastily prepared, served on a “paper plate” (Line 8). This image, next to the person speaking in a “loud voice” (Line 6), suggests the speaker does not like the party or parties in general. It is a way of critiquing social gatherings, showing their superficiality and distasteful qualities with one memorable image.

Trees and The Monastery Bell

The speaker says, “[y]ou’re trying to remember something / too important to forget” (Lines 13-14), then she lists as examples trees and a monastery bell (Line 15). Both are important on their own; together they become doubly significant. Trees suggest a natural setting. The speaker is suggesting the reader take more time to connect with the natural world. A “monastery” (Line 15) signifies multiple abstract concepts. It is a building where spiritual seekers live in solitude for contemplation and devotion to their spiritual quest. A “monastery bell” (Line 15) calls people to worship. To remember the “monastery bell at twilight” (Line 15) signifies the reader may need to take time for spiritual practice with a ritual at the beginning and end of each day. Placing these two images in tandem paints a picture of a religious building in a natural setting, even further away from cities, towns, and other people. It emphasizes the privacy of the setting as well as its religious symbolism.

The Leaf

The leaf, which knows it can “tumble any second” (Line 25), is a symbol for mortality. Though trees can be cut down, leaves are far more temporary. They are connected to the more stable tree by a thin stem, easy to break, and every autumn they fall. This is a tangible metaphor for death. To live like a leaf is to know that your time is finite and therefore more precious, which makes decisions about how to spend your time a vital consideration. The poem suggests that when a person is aware of their mortality, they will use their limited time more wisely.