Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "No," Joy Harjo presents a powerful and moving meditation on violence, loss, and the enduring connections between people despite the horrors of conflict. The poem weaves together personal and collective experiences, blending moments of ordinary life with the extraordinary brutality of war and oppression. Through a series of affirmations and negations, Harjo explores the contradictions and complexities of human existence, highlighting resilience, sorrow, and the unbreakable bonds of community.

The poem opens with a stark acknowledgment: "Yes that was me you saw shaking with bravery, with a government issued rifle on my back." This line immediately places the speaker in a context of conflict, indicating a moment of fear and courage. The apology that follows, "I’m sorry I could not greet you as you deserved, my relative," underscores the disruption caused by violence, affecting even the most fundamental human interactions.

Harjo continues to reflect on the emotional toll of these experiences: "They were not my tears. I have a reservoir inside. They will be cried by my sons, my daughters if I can’t learn how to turn tears to stone." This poignant imagery of a "reservoir" of tears suggests a deep, unexpressed sorrow that is being passed down through generations. The desire to "turn tears to stone" speaks to the need for resilience and the burden of unhealed trauma.

The poem then shifts to a scene of everyday life: "Yes, that was me standing in the back door of the house in the alley, with fresh corn and bread for the neighbors." This image of simple, generous acts of neighborly care contrasts sharply with the violence described earlier. The flood of blood and betrayal that follows, "How they would forget our friendship, would return to kill me and the babies," highlights the shocking and tragic betrayal of trust and community bonds.

Harjo recounts moments of joy and innocence: "Yes, that was me whirling on the dance floor. We made such a racket with all that joy. I loved the whole world in that silly music." This joyful recollection is abruptly undercut by the realization of violence: "I did not realize the terrible dance in the staccato of bullets." The juxtaposition of dancing and gunfire starkly illustrates how quickly moments of happiness can be shattered by violence.

The poem continues with vivid, harrowing imagery: "Yes. I smelled the burning grease of corpses. And like a fool I expected our words might rise up and jam the artillery in the hands of dictators." Harjo expresses both the futility and the necessity of hope and resistance, even in the face of overwhelming violence. The act of singing grief to "clean the air of turbulent spirits" becomes a form of resilience and defiance.

Harjo addresses the mundane amidst the horrific: "Yes, I did see the terrible black clouds as I cooked dinner. And the messages of the dying spelled there in the ashy sunset. Every one addressed: 'mother'." This blending of domestic life with the signs of death and despair emphasizes the omnipresence of violence and loss. The lack of acknowledgment in the news, "Everything was the same. Unemployment was up. Another queen crowned with flowers. Then there were the sports scores," critiques the disconnection and indifference of the wider world to individual suffering.

The final lines of the poem emphasize the shared humanity that transcends conflict: "Yes, the distance was great between your country and mine. Yet our children played in the path between our houses. No. We had no quarrel with each other." Harjo's affirmation of common bonds and the innocence of children playing together contrasts with the arbitrary divisions and conflicts imposed by larger forces. The poem closes with a powerful negation of enmity, reinforcing the idea that the true adversaries are not the people themselves, but the circumstances and entities that create and perpetuate violence.

"No" by Joy Harjo is a profound exploration of the intersection of personal and collective trauma, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unyielding connections that persist despite the ravages of war. Through vivid imagery and reflective narration, Harjo captures the complexities of living through violence and the enduring hope for peace and understanding. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that binds us all, regardless of the divisions imposed by conflict.

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