Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Invisible Fish Swim This Ghost Ocean Now," Joy Harjo crafts a reflective and allegorical poem that traces the evolution of life and human impact on the environment. The poem succinctly captures the progression from primordial beginnings to modern consumerism, highlighting the changes in the landscape and the continuity of dreams and aspirations through time.

The poem opens with an evocative image: "Invisible fish swim this ghost ocean now described by waves of sand, by water-worn rock." This line immediately sets a scene of an ancient, almost mythical ocean, now a ghostly remnant marked by sand and rock. The "invisible fish" symbolize the primordial life that once thrived in these waters, hinting at the unseen and forgotten histories that shape the present.

Harjo then introduces a transformative vision: "Soon the fish will learn to walk." This line suggests an evolutionary leap, referencing the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. The phrase encapsulates the profound changes that lead to the emergence of land-dwelling creatures, setting the stage for the arrival of humans.

The next phase of the narrative depicts the advent of human beings: "Then humans will come ashore and paint dreams on the dying stone." This line alludes to early human civilization, where people inscribed their stories, dreams, and beliefs onto stone surfaces, creating petroglyphs and other ancient artworks. The "dying stone" implies both the erosion of these physical records and the fleeting nature of human endeavors in the face of geological time.

The poem then takes a significant leap forward: "Then later, much later, the ocean floor will be punctuated by Chevy trucks, carrying the dreamers’ descendants, who are going to the store." This abrupt shift to a modern scene contrasts sharply with the earlier imagery. The ocean floor, once a habitat for invisible fish and a canvas for ancient dreams, is now littered with remnants of contemporary life, symbolized by Chevy trucks. These trucks, carrying the descendants of the original dreamers, signify the mundane routines of modern life—going to the store.

Through this juxtaposition, Harjo emphasizes the continuity of human presence and activity over time, while also highlighting the dramatic transformations in the environment and human priorities. The imagery of "Chevy trucks" on the "ocean floor" serves as a poignant commentary on consumerism and the detachment from the natural world that characterizes much of contemporary existence.

"Invisible Fish Swim This Ghost Ocean Now" is a powerful meditation on time, evolution, and the shifting landscapes of human existence. Harjo's use of vivid and layered imagery invites readers to reflect on the deep connections between past and present, the enduring nature of dreams, and the impact of human activities on the environment. The poem's concise and evocative narrative underscores the delicate balance between progress and preservation, urging a deeper awareness of the legacy we leave behind.

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