Join 27 Powers and Naomi Shihab Nye for a Journey into the poems that have shaped her life.

What moves the heart of a poet? What lines keep whispering to them long after the book is closed? What words offer comfort or nudge them toward new ways of seeing the world?

That’s what this gathering is all about.

For one rich session, Naomi Shihab Nye-poet, teacher, and benevolent guide-will bring us into her world, sharing five poems by others that she’s carried close and which have nourished her life. Together, we’ll explore how they work, why they hold so much power, and how they’ve been a guiding light in her creative and personal life.

And because words aren’t meant to just sit on the page, Naomi will help us step into our own writing. With short, no-pressure prompts, she’ll guide us to write from a quiet place inside, responding to the poems in ways that feel honest and alive.

What You’ll Experience:

✨ Naomi’s Top 5 Poems
These aren’t just any poems-they’re some that Naomi turns to again and again. She’ll read them aloud, let us sit with them, and then share what they’ve meant to her over time.

✨ Seeing Through the Poet’s Eyes
Naomi will break down the magic of these poems, showing us the layers of meaning and craft tucked inside. She’ll invite us to find our own connections, sparking new ways to think about and feel poetry.

✨ Write With Naomi
After each poem, Naomi will offer a simple writing prompt. Just a few minutes to see what bubbles up-no rules, no judgment, just a chance to play and be curious.

✨ A Room Full of Warmth
Naomi has this way of making everyone feel welcome, like you’ve just pulled up a chair in her kitchen. Whether you’re new to poetry or someone who’s been writing for years, this is a space where you belong.

Why This Class?

Poetry is a way of holding the world, of finding your place in the swirl of it all. Naomi is here to share how these poems have done that for her-and to help you see how they might do the same for you.

When you spend time with Naomi, you’re reminded of how powerful words can be. She invites you to slow down, pay attention, and notice the small miracles hiding in plain sight.

What You’ll Walk Away With:

A deeper love for poetry and the way it moves through life.
Fresh eyes for reading poems with curiosity and heart.
Five pieces of your own writing-small but meaningful gifts you’ve created in the moment.
The rare and beautiful experience of sitting with a poet who truly embodies kindness and connection.

This is your chance to be guided by Naomi Shihab Nye-a poet whose work has connected hearts around the globe-and to discover the power of poems that have already stood the test of time.

I’M EXCITED TO BE PARTNERING WITH CHAPTER 510, A NONPROFIT GROUP IN OAKLAND SERVING BLACK, BROWN, AND QUEER KIDS, AGES 7-18.

Chapter 510 is a writing, bookmaking & publishing center that wants every young person in Oakland to write with confidence and joy. Chapter 510 believes that writing is an act of liberation, and that young people transform themselves and their communities when they write and get published, succeeding in work, school, and life.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to supporting their free creative writing programs for black, brown, and queer youth.