Joy Harjo: Poet, Musician, and Cultural Icon

Themes in Harjo’s Poetry

Heritage and Identity

Harjo’s poetry is deeply rooted in her Native American ancestry. Her work often explores the tension between Indigenous traditions and contemporary life. Poems like “Remember” urge readers to stay connected to their roots, emphasizing the importance of ancestral knowledge and the interconnectedness of all living things.

In “An American Sunrise”, the titular poem from her 2019 collection, Harjo reflects on the Trail of Tears and the displacement of Native people, juxtaposing historical trauma with the enduring spirit of her community:

"We were running out of breath, as we ran to meet ourselves.

We were surfacing the edge of our ancestors’ fights, and ready to strike."

Spirituality and Nature

Harjo frequently incorporates elements of nature into her work, drawing parallels between the natural world and human existence. Her poetry often reads like a prayer or meditation, blending a sense of sacredness with a profound awareness of the environment. In “Eagle Poem”, for example, she writes:

"To pray you open your whole self

To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon..."

This reverence for the natural world aligns with Indigenous worldviews, where all elements of creation are interconnected and imbued with spirit.

Resistance and Resilience

Harjo’s work addresses the historical injustices faced by Native Americans, particularly the loss of land, culture, and language. However, her poetry is not solely about grief—it also celebrates the resilience and strength of her people. Her writing carries a message of survival, emphasizing that Indigenous identities are not relics of the past but living, dynamic forces.

Womanhood and Empowerment

As a female poet, Harjo also explores themes of womanhood and empowerment. Her poetry often speaks to the experience of being a woman in a world that has historically marginalized both women and Indigenous people. Her work asserts the importance of self-expression and the reclamation of one’s voice.

Style and Technique

Harjo’s poetry is characterized by its lyrical quality, blending free verse with musical rhythms. Her background as a musician (she plays the saxophone and incorporates song into her performances) often informs the cadence of her writing. She draws on oral storytelling traditions, using imagery and repetition to create a sense of rhythm and movement.

Harjo’s work also incorporates elements of mythology, folklore, and dreams, blurring the line between the tangible and the spiritual. This approach reflects a holistic worldview, where past, present, and future coexist, and the physical and metaphysical are deeply intertwined.

Notable Works

“Remember”

In this widely anthologized poem, Harjo emphasizes the importance of memory and connection to the natural world:

"Remember you are this universe and this universe is you."

The poem is both an invocation and a guide, reminding readers to honor their ancestors and the world around them.

“An American Sunrise”

The title poem from her 2019 collection revisits the forced migration of Native peoples, reflecting on the legacy of dispossession while celebrating cultural endurance.

“Eagle Poem”

This prayer-like piece encourages readers to embrace the interconnectedness of life and find peace in the cycles of nature.

“She Had Some Horses”

One of Harjo’s most iconic works, this poem uses the metaphor of horses to explore themes of identity, desire, and contradiction. The repetition of “She had some horses…” creates a hypnotic rhythm, blurring the line between the literal and the symbolic.

“Grace”

This reflective poem captures moments of beauty and gratitude, even in the face of hardship:

"I think of Wind and her wild ways the year we had nothing to lose and lost it anyway."

Impact and Legacy

Joy Harjo’s influence extends beyond her poetry. As a musician, she has released several albums that blend jazz, blues, and Native rhythms, further showcasing her creative versatility. As a public figure, she has been a tireless advocate for Indigenous rights and the preservation of Native languages and cultures.

Her work has garnered numerous accolades, including the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, the Wallace Stevens Award, and the Academy of American Poets Fellowship. Harjo’s appointment as U.S. Poet Laureate was a groundbreaking moment, bringing Native American literature to the forefront of American cultural consciousness.

Conclusion

Joy Harjo’s poetry is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. By weaving together personal narratives, historical reflection, and cultural memory, she creates a body of work that speaks to both the pain and the beauty of existence. Her poetry invites readers to reconnect with themselves, their communities, and the world around them, offering a vision of healing and unity that feels both urgent and timeless.