Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Morning Prayers," Joy Harjo explores themes of memory, spirituality, and the intimate relationship between human emotions and the natural world. The poem is a contemplative reflection on past experiences, personal transformation, and the enduring presence of nature as a witness to human life.

Harjo begins with a poignant admission of loss and longing: "I have missed the guardian spirit / of Sangre de Cristos, / those mountains / against which I destroyed myself / every morning I was sick / with loving and fighting / in those small years." These lines convey a sense of deep connection to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a place where the speaker experienced intense emotional turmoil. The mountains are depicted as both a backdrop to personal struggles and a spiritual presence missed by the speaker.

The poem then shifts to a broader, more mythic narrative: "This is how we were born into the world: / Sky fell in love with earth, wore turquoise, / cantered in on a black horse." Harjo employs vivid imagery and symbolism to describe the creation of the world as a sacred union between sky and earth. This love story is depicted as an aesthetic and spiritual event that imbues the natural landscape with beauty and meaning: "Their love decorated the mountains with sunrise, / weaved valleys delicate with the edging of sunset."

Harjo's personal reflections continue as she expresses a deep sense of nostalgia and loss: "This morning I look toward the east / and I am lonely for those mountains / Though I’ve said good-bye to the girl / with her urgent prayers for redemption." The speaker acknowledges a past self, one who fervently sought salvation and believed in a vision capable of saving her people. This younger self is now a memory, as the speaker has moved beyond that urgent quest for redemption.

The poem's tone shifts to one of uncertainty and acceptance: "I used to believe in a vision / that would save the people / carry us all to the top of the mountain / during the flood / of human destruction." Harjo reflects on her previous convictions and the disillusionment that has followed. The once-clear vision of salvation has given way to a more ambiguous understanding of existence.

Harjo embraces the present moment and the richness of life's details: "I know nothing anymore / as I place my feet into the next world / except this: / the nothingness / is vast and stunning, / brims with details." This acknowledgment of "nothingness" as both vast and filled with intricate details suggests a profound acceptance of the unknown and the beauty found within it. The ordinary elements of life, such as "steaming, dark coffee," "ashes of campfires," and "the bells on yaks or sheep," are celebrated for their simplicity and significance.

The poem concludes with a powerful and poetic vision of departure: "This is how we will leave this world: / on horses of sunrise and sunset / from the shadow of the mountains / who witnessed every battle / every small struggle." Harjo envisions a final journey that is both serene and majestic, taking place under the watchful eyes of the mountains that have seen all of life's conflicts and triumphs.

"Morning Prayers" is a deeply introspective poem that weaves together personal history, spiritual longing, and the natural world's timeless presence. Through her evocative imagery and reflective narrative, Harjo captures the essence of human experience as a continuous interplay between inner emotions and the external environment. The poem invites readers to contemplate their own connections to the places that have shaped them and to find peace in the acceptance of life's mysteries and beauties.

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