Explication of a Poem: Making a Fist by Naomi Shihab Nye

The title contributes, to us readers as it shows, that we are alive and strong as long as we can still make a fist. The person speaking in this poem is speaking to her daughter after a long car ride of days and days, maybe even weeks. Her mother is giving her comfort and reassuring her that even though people go through obstacles, you need to be strong enough to go through many aspects in life to bring happiness. And just tells her if you can still make a fist you are still alive.
You will make it through because she believes her daughter has the strength to get through all the obstacles they have and will go through. This poem is very easy to understand, I think she did very well with her words and references of the content. I believe this story develops as a true statement, I think the lady speaking with her daughter has gone through similar obstacles as a child and her mother reassured her as she does for her daughter. It is always important to tell your children that they are strong and can make it through anything and that’s all she is trying to do.
Many people face difficult times in life and that’s why it sounds so much like a true statement then just a story. Strength is very important to have and is always nice to have someone’s reassurance. Main idea of this poem is Strength. To never give up, and you are strong enough to get through anything even at rock bottom. The figurative language is symbolism the writer is giving her worlds to create the image using more meaningful words rather than a writers experience.