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 amazebarrenbeauty Change image and share on social
I don't like this romanticization of Indian people in which Indian people are looked at as spiritual saviors, as people who have always taken care of the land. We're human beings. But I think different cultures have developed different aspects of humanness. Joy Harjo aspectbeingcare share on social
I love the sound of the saxophone. It became my singing voice, and it sounds so human. The saxophone could carry the words past the border of words. It can carry it a little bit farther. Joy Harjo bitebordercarry Change image and share on social
I never fit in. Everyone knew my dad was Indian. I was half-Indian. Joy Harjo dadfithalf Change image and share on social
I believe in the sun. In the tangle of human failures of fear, greed and forgetfulness, the sun gives me clarity. Joy Harjo clarityfailurefear Change image and share on social
We're all given something to do. And when we don't follow what we're supposed to do, we always know when we're off track. Joy Harjo followsupposetrack Change image and share on social
I come from a long line of revolutionaries. Joy Harjo linelongrevolutionary Change image and share on social
Humans are vulnerable and rely on the kindnesses of the earth and the sun; we exist together in a sacred field of meaning. Joy Harjo earthexistfield Change image and share on social
My ancestors include Monahwee, who was one of the leaders in the Red Stick War, which was the largest Indian uprising in history, and Osceola, who refused to sign a treaty with the United States. Joy Harjo ancestorhistoryinclude Change image and share on social
