Quotes by Joy Harjo

Joy Harjo, born on May 9, 1951, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a celebrated poet, musician, and the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States. As a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Harjo’s work embodies the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the natural world. Her impactful poetry collections, including "An American Sunrise" and "She Had Some Horses," reflect her deep connection to history and community, solidifying her legacy as a powerful voice in contemporary literature.

6 quotes found

"I don't see the desert as barren at all; I see it as full and ripe. It doesn't need to be flattered with rain. It certainly needs rain, but it does with what it has, and creates amazing beauty."

Joy Harjo

"The creative act amazes me. Whether it's poetry, whether it's music, it's an amazing process, and it has something to do with bringing forth the old out into the world to create and to bring forth that which will rejuvenate."

Joy Harjo

"When you play a sax, that saxophone is irreverent. It's noisy; it's a trickster... you cannot hide the saxophone in your hands, so it's a good teacher."

Joy Harjo

"My ancestors include Monahwee, who was one of the leaders in the Red Stick War, which was the largest Indian uprising in history, and Osceola, who refused to sign a treaty with the United States."

Joy Harjo

"When I began to listen to poetry, it's when I began to listen to the stones, and I began to listen to what the clouds had to say, and I began to listen to others. And I think, most importantly for all of us, then you begin to learn to listen to the soul, the soul of yourself in here, which is also the soul of everyone else."

Joy Harjo

"I chose poetry. Actually, poetry chose me."

Joy Harjo

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