Bottom line, I have to follow what my soul says, or my spirit. And my spirit said that poetry and the arts should be without borders, should be without political borders. Joy Harjo artborderbottom Change image and share on social
When explorers first encountered my people, they called us heathens, sun worshippers. They didn't understand that the sun is a relative and illuminates our path on this earth. Joy Harjo callearthencounter Change image and share on social
You just go where poetry is, whether it's in your heart or your mind or in books or in places where there's live poetry or recordings. Joy Harjo bookheartlive Change image and share on social
Most people don't know that Congo Square was originally a Muscogee ceremonial ground... in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. Joy Harjo birthplaceceremonialcongo Change image and share on social
I hear from my Inuit and Yupik relatives up north that everything has changed. It's so hot; there is not enough winter. Animals are confused. Ice is melting. Joy Harjo animalchangeconfuse Change image and share on social
When I began to listen to poetry, it's when I began to listen to the stones, and I began to listen to what the clouds had to say, and I began to listen to others. And I think, most importantly for all of us, then you begin to learn to listen to the soul, the soul of yourself in here, which is also the soul of everyone else. Joy Harjo begincloudimportantly share on social
The creative act amazes me. Whether it's poetry, whether it's music, it's an amazing process, and it has something to do with bringing forth the old out into the world to create and to bring forth that which will rejuvenate. Joy Harjo actamazebring share on social
You can't look for love, or it will run away from you. But, you know, don't look for it. Don't look for it. Just go where it is and appreciate it, and, you know, it will find you. Joy Harjo findloverun Change image and share on social
My mother wrote lyrics and sang but was overtaken by life with four children and worked. Joy Harjo childlifelyric Change image and share on social