“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.

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.

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, 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?