Joy Harjo

Joy Harjo, poet, musician, and Muscogee Nation elder; Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer-winning poet and Harvard professor. They explore poetry as a technology for compassion and transformation. They read powerful poems, discuss ceremony and healing, creativity born from chaos, listening beyond fear, and poetry's civic role in bridging divides.

In this engaging conversation, celebrated poets Joy Harjo and Ada Limón share their insights on the art of deep listening and the significance of silence in creativity. They explore how metaphor enriches truth and discuss the emotional power of poetic language in cultural anthems. Highlighting the transformative experience of nature, they reflect on how solitude shapes their voices and fosters artistic expression. Their wisdom offers a profound deeper understanding of poetry as a pathway to presence and identity.

“Though we have instructions and a map buried in our hearts when we enter this world,” the extraordinary Joy Harjo has written, “nothing quite prepares us for the abrupt shift to the breathing realm.” She is a saxophone player and performer, a visual artist, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, and the 23rd Poet Lau­re­ate of the Unit­ed States. She opens up with Krista about her life, dreaming as a way of relating to time and place, and the story matrix that connects us all. Joy Harjo — is a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation and the 23rd Poet Lau­re­ate of the Unit­ed States. She is the author of nine books of poet­ry, including An American Sunrise and She Had Some Horses, and a memoir, Crazy Brave. She has also produced several award-winning music albums, including her most recent, I Pray for My Ene­mies. Her new memoir, coming out in September 2021, is called, Poet Warrior.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joy Harjo, 23rd Poet Laureate of the US, discusses conflict resolution through poetry, emphasizing humility, justice, and land acknowledgment. Explore the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of understanding our place in the world through her powerful verses.

Joy Harjo, a three-term U.S. Poet Laureate and member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, discusses the critical role of poetry in times of crisis. She shares her journey of finding voice through art and activism, influenced by the trauma of her family's history. Harjo emphasizes poetry as a ritual and a means of healing, connecting personal struggles to broader societal issues. She also reflects on the importance of recognizing Native voices and the power of community in resilience, urging poetry to be seen as a vital tool for transformation.

Joy Harjo, the 23rd poet laureate of the United States and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, shares insights from her poem "Praise the Rain." She emphasizes celebrating ordinary moments and embracing the full spectrum of life’s experiences, echoing the sentiments found in Rumi's "The Guest House." Through vivid imagery, Harjo invites us to appreciate both the joyful and sorrowful aspects of existence, encouraging a mindset of praise. She poses a thought-provoking question: What can you praise today?

Joy Harjo, a three-term U.S. Poet Laureate and member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, discusses the vital role of poetry in navigating crises. She shares how writing emerged during Native rights movements as a form of healing and activism. Joy emphasizes the importance of storytelling in connecting to Native identity and explores themes like colonial extraction and everyday courage. She reflects on personal experiences with trauma, spirituality, and acts of kindness, ultimately demonstrating how art can foster resilience and justice.

Eileen Myles reads 'Without' by Joy Harjo and their poem 'Dissloution'. The discussion explores themes of mortality, connection, presence, and absence in poetry. They reflect on personal connections to the poet, nature imagery, and the concept of being a two-minded creature. The hosts also anticipate new topics, discuss artistic evolution, comfort in creation, the essence of poetry, and engaging the reader in the poetic 'I'.

Joy Harjo, Poet Laureate of the US, reads Sandra Cisneros' poem about contrasts and paradoxes, discussing themes of identity, memory, survival, and imagination. They explore poetry's power to reflect personal and societal realities, delving into the nuances of rhythm, spirituality, and transformative art.

Joy Harjo, poet, musician, and former U.S. Poet Laureate, reflects on a life shaped by healing and Native literary traditions. She describes writing Poet Warrior during the pandemic and reads a powerful Girl Warrior piece. Conversations center on transforming pain into art, choosing poetry over pre-med pressures, and confronting historical trauma with compassion.