Top 73+ Inspiring Joy Harjo Poems Kitchen Table Most Outstanding In 2023

Joy Harjo's poem "Kitchen Table" is a powerful and poignant reflection on the everyday struggles and triumphs of Native American women. The kitchen table, a symbol of domestic life, becomes a metaphor for the larger issues and experiences of Native American women in a society that often ignores or oppresses their voices and stories.

The poem begins with the speaker sitting at her kitchen table, surrounded by the familiar objects and rituals of domesticity. But as she looks around, she sees the history and pain of her ancestors, represented by the "old woman / on the reservation" and "her hands cupping the scars of atrocities." This juxtaposition of the mundane and the profound sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

As the speaker continues to reflect on her own life and struggles, she also remembers the stories and experiences of other Native American women. She recalls the "woman who sings by the fire / and speaks of lost children," a reminder of the devastating impact of colonialism and forced removal on Native families. She also remembers the "woman who dances with the moon" and "screams / for her sisters," a call to action and solidarity for all Native women.

The poem then shifts to a more personal reflection, as the speaker contemplates her own role as a Native American woman. She declares, "I am the woman who laughs with my mouth wide open," a powerful statement of defiance and joy in the face of adversity. She also acknowledges the complexities of her identity, stating, "I am the woman who cries with all the voices of the ancestors," recognizing the weight of history and the struggles of her people.

However, the poem ends on a hopeful note as the speaker declares, "I am the woman who will not be silent." This final line is a powerful affirmation of the strength and resilience of Native American women, who refuse to be silenced and continue to fight for their voices to be heard.

In "She Had Some Horses," Joy Harjo explores the theme of identity and the different facets that make up a person's inner self. The poem begins with a series of descriptions of a woman's horses, each representing a different aspect of her being. These horses are "wild ponies," "buffaloes," and "white manes," symbolizing the wild, untamed, and diverse parts of the woman's psyche.

The horses also represent the woman's Native American heritage, as she is described as having "some horses who were given to her by strange and kind men." This line speaks to the history of Native Americans being given horses by European colonizers, but also acknowledges the kindness and connection that can exist between different cultures.

The poem then shifts to a more personal exploration of the woman's identity, as the speaker declares, "She had some horses she loved." These horses represent the woman's passions, loves, and desires, and are a reminder that despite the pain and struggles she may face, she still finds joy and fulfillment in her life.

As the poem continues, the horses take on more symbolic meanings, representing the woman's emotions and experiences. Some of the horses are "broken," "clumsy," and "bruised," reflecting the wounds and trauma she has endured. But there are also horses that are "wild," "strong," and "free," representing her resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

The final lines of the poem encapsulate the message of empowerment and self-acceptance, as the speaker declares, "She had some horses she would not sell / even for a ton of gold." This is a powerful reminder to embrace all aspects of one's identity, even the ones that may be seen as "wild" or unconventional, and to never compromise one's true self for external validation or material gain.

In "The Woman Hanging from the Thirteenth Floor Window," Joy Harjo tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence and the impact it has on women's lives. The poem is told from the perspective of a woman who witnesses her neighbor being abused by her partner, and the conflicting emotions and thoughts that arise from this experience.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the scene: "She is the woman hanging from the thirteenth floor window / in east Chicago." This opening line immediately sets a tone of desperation and danger, as the woman's life literally hangs in the balance.

As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the woman's life and the choices she has made. She wonders, "What made her choose this bedroom / instead of another?" and acknowledges that "she had a choice." This realization highlights the complicated nature of domestic violence, where victims may have the choice to leave but are often trapped by fear, manipulation, and societal pressures.

The poem then shifts to a more introspective tone, as the speaker contemplates her own feelings of guilt and helplessness in the face of the woman's suffering. She declares, "I am the woman / who is not speaking." This powerful statement speaks to the complicity and silence that often surround domestic violence, as well as the feelings of shame and powerlessness that can prevent people from speaking out.

The last stanza of the poem is a call to action and a reminder of the importance of community and support for victims of domestic violence. The speaker declares, "We must make a pact / to wake up earlier than usual / to call each other / to check if we are alive." This line emphasizes the need for individuals to reach out and support each other, to break the cycle of silence and isolation, and to create a network of safety and empowerment for those who may be suffering in silence.

In "The Flood," Joy Harjo uses the powerful imagery of a flood to explore themes of loss, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life. The poem is set in the aftermath of a natural disaster, where the speaker reflects on the devastation and destruction caused by the flood.

The poem begins with a description of the "river rising like a woman's body," a vivid image that immediately sets a tone of danger and destruction. As the floodwaters continue to rise, the speaker reflects on the loss and chaos that it brings. She remembers "the cities / that we built and destroyed in a day," a reminder of the impermanence and fragility of human creations.

As the poem continues, the speaker shifts her focus to the natural world, where she finds a sense of stability and continuity in the face of the flood. She observes the birds and animals, who "know to leave / before the flood / and to come back after." This contrast between the destruction caused by humans and the resilience of nature highlights the cyclical nature of life and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.

The poem then takes a more personal turn, as the speaker reflects on her own experiences and emotions in the aftermath of the flood. She declares, "I am the woman / who stayed," acknowledging her own resilience and determination in the face of adversity. She also acknowledges the pain and loss she has experienced, stating, "I am the woman / who lost everything," a powerful reminder of the impact that natural disasters can have on individuals and communities.

The poem ends on a hopeful note, as the speaker declares, "I am the woman / who will begin again." This final line speaks to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, and the ability to find hope and strength even in the darkest of times.

"The Woman Who Fell from the Sky" is a retelling of a traditional Muscogee (Creek) creation story, where a woman named Estsanatlehi falls from the sky and becomes the mother of all humanity. In this poem, Joy Harjo puts a feminist twist on the traditional story, highlighting the strength and power of women in the creation and preservation of life.

The poem begins with a description of Estsanatlehi falling from the sky, her "feathered body / spiraling to earth." This image of a woman with wings is a powerful symbol of freedom, transformation, and connection to the natural world.

As the poem continues, Estsanatlehi is described as "the first woman / who ever lived," highlighting her importance and significance in the creation of humanity. She is also described as "the first mother / who ever lived," emphasizing the maternal role she plays in the story.

However, the poem also acknowledges the struggles and challenges that Estsanatlehi faces as a woman and a mother. She is "the first woman / who ever fell," a reminder of the fallibility and vulnerability of all human beings. She is also "the first woman / who ever cried," acknowledging the pain and sorrow that come with the responsibility of creating and nurturing life.

Despite these challenges, the poem ends on a hopeful note as Estsanatlehi is described as "the first woman / who ever sang," a powerful symbol of her strength, resilience, and creativity. This final line also speaks to the healing power of music and storytelling, and the importance of passing down traditions and stories from generation to generation.

In "The Last Song," Joy Harjo explores themes of memory, loss, and the power of music to transcend time and space. The poem is narrated by a woman who reflects on the songs and stories of her ancestors, and the impact they have on her own life and identity.

The poem begins with the speaker remembering her grandmother's songs, which were "the first songs ever sung." These songs, passed down through generations, are a reminder of the enduring power of music and its ability to connect us to our ancestors and heritage.

As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the impact of colonization and forced assimilation on Native peoples and their music. She declares, "We were told our songs were ugly / by people who knew nothing / about beauty," a powerful indictment of the destructive effects of cultural erasure and oppression.

However, the poem also celebrates the resilience and perseverance of Native peoples in the face of these challenges. The speaker declares, "We sing the last song / for our ancestors / who were told / to stop singing / and we sing for ourselves." This final line is a powerful affirmation of the importance of preserving and passing down cultural traditions, and the strength and determination of those who continue to do so despite attempts to silence them.

The last stanza of the poem is a call to action and a reminder of the power of music to heal and transform. The speaker declares, "Sing the last song / for our children / who are listening / and will make their own songs." This line emphasizes the importance of intergenerational connection and the responsibility to pass down cultural knowledge and traditions to future generations.

In "She Had Some Horses," Joy Harjo explores the theme of identity and the different facets that make up a person's inner self. The poem begins with a series of descriptions of a woman's horses, each representing a different aspect of her being. These horses are "wild ponies," "buffaloes," and "white manes," symbolizing the wild, untamed, and diverse parts of the woman's psyche.

The horses also represent the woman's Native American heritage, as she is described as having "some horses who were given to her by strange and kind men." This line speaks to the history of Native Americans being given horses by European colonizers, but also acknowledges the kindness and connection that can exist between different cultures.

The poem then shifts to a more personal exploration of the woman's identity, as the speaker declares, "She had some horses she loved." These horses represent the woman's passions, loves, and desires, and are a reminder that despite the pain and struggles she may face, she still finds joy and fulfillment in her life.

As the poem continues, the horses take on more symbolic meanings, representing the woman's emotions and experiences. Some of the horses are "broken," "clumsy," and "bruised," reflecting the wounds and trauma she has endured. But there are also horses that are "wild," "strong," and "free," representing her resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

The final lines of the poem encapsulate the message of empowerment and self-acceptance, as the speaker declares, "She had some horses she would not sell / even for a ton of gold." This is a powerful reminder to embrace all aspects of one's identity, even the ones that may be seen as "wild" or unconventional, and to never compromise one's true self for external validation or material gain.

"The Woman Who Fell from the Sky" is a retelling of a traditional Muscogee (Creek) creation story, where a woman named Estsanatlehi falls from the sky and becomes the mother of all humanity. In this poem, Joy Harjo puts a feminist twist on the traditional story, highlighting the strength and power of women in the creation and preservation of life.

The poem begins with a description of Estsanatlehi falling from the sky, her "feathered body / spiraling to earth." This image of a woman with wings is a powerful symbol of freedom, transformation, and connection to the natural world.