Joy Harjo

All acts of kindness are lights in the war for justice.

— Joy Harjo

Each of us is descended from poetry ancestors. It’s the same for any art, any occupation. There is a lineage of style, knowledge and culture passed from generation to generation, one artist to another. Ultimately all poetry is related in the family tree of poetry…

— Joy Harjo

A lot of images [of Native Americans] are based on fairy tales or Wild West shows. We are human beings, not just people who have been created for people’s fantasy worlds. There’s not just one Native American. We’re diverse by community, by land, by language, by culture. In fact, we go by our tribal names, and there are 573 tribal nations.

— Joy Harjo

I think it’s easier to honor the male in our culture because it’s much more accepted. There are almost no truly powerful and sustained images of female power. None. Look at Marilyn Monroe? The Virgin Mary? And what images exist for Indian women? The big question is, How do we describe ourselves as women in this culture? It’s unclear.

— Joy Harjo

Be who you are, even if it kills you.

— Joy Harjo

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

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

There is no poetry where there are no mistakes.

— Joy Harjo

Let's not shame our eyes for seeing. Instead, thank them for their bravery.

— Joy Harjo

Be who you are, even if it kills you.

— Joy Harjo

If I think behind me, I might break.

— Joy Harjo