Welcome, fellow explorers of language and meaning, to a journey into the heart of a truly magnificent poem. Today, we turn our attention to Joy Harjo’s profound work, “Eagle Poem,” a piece that invites us to look beyond the ordinary and discover the sacred in the everyday. This poem is a beautiful meditation on connection, spirituality, and our place within the grand tapestry of existence. Let us begin by experiencing the poem itself.
To pray you open your whole self
To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon
To one whole voice that is you.
And know there is more
That you can’t see, can’t hear;
Can’t know except in moments
Steadily growing, and in languages
That aren’t always sound but other
Circles of motion.
Like eagle that Sunday morning
Over Salt River. Circled in blue sky
In wind, swept our hearts clean
With sacred wings.
We see you, see ourselves and know
That we must take the utmost care
And kindness in all things.
Breathe in, knowing we are made of
All this, and breathe, knowing
We are truly blessed because we
Were born, and die soon within a
True circle of motion,
Like eagle rounding out the morning
Inside us.
We pray that it will be done
In beauty.
In beauty.
Eagle Poem Summary: Unveiling Its Core Message
Joy Harjo’s “Eagle Poem,” first published in her acclaimed 1994 collection In Mad Love & War, is far more than a simple observation of nature; it is a profound spiritual reflection. The poem centers on the act of prayer, redefining it not as a plea for something, but as an expansive opening of one’s entire being to the universe. It encourages a deep connection with the natural world, encompassing the sky, earth, sun, and moon, and recognizing the inner voice that connects us to everything.
The central idea of “Eagle Poem” revolves around interconnectedness, gratitude, and the sacredness of life. Harjo suggests that true understanding often comes not through conventional senses, but through intuitive moments and a recognition of unseen “circles of motion.” The majestic image of an eagle soaring over the Salt River becomes a powerful symbol, purifying the heart and reminding us of our shared existence and the necessity of kindness. The poem ultimately celebrates the cyclical nature of life, from birth to death, as part of a beautiful, continuous motion, urging us to live with care, compassion, and an appreciation for the inherent beauty of existence.
Eagle Poem Analysis: Exploring Its Depths
Joy Harjo’s “Eagle Poem” is a masterclass in conveying profound spiritual and philosophical ideas through accessible yet evocative language. The poem invites readers to contemplate their place in the universe, the nature of prayer, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes and its ability to stir a sense of wonder and reverence.
The Essence of Prayer and Connection
The poem opens with a powerful redefinition of prayer, immediately setting a tone of expansive spirituality:
To pray you open your whole self
To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon
To one whole voice that is you.
Here, prayer is not a request, but an act of opening, a surrender to the vastness of existence. It emphasizes a holistic connection, suggesting that true prayer involves aligning one’s inner self with the external world. This opening allows for a deeper understanding, one that transcends ordinary perception:
And know there is more
That you can’t see, can’t hear;
Can’t know except in moments
Steadily growing, and in languages
That aren’t always sound but other
Circles of motion.
This passage highlights the poem’s mystical quality, acknowledging a form of knowledge that is intuitive, experiential, and beyond the five senses. It speaks to a spiritual awareness that unfolds gradually, through subtle “circles of motion” rather than explicit communication.
The Eagle as a Sacred Catalyst
The pivotal moment in the poem arrives with the appearance of the eagle, which serves as both a literal image and a profound spiritual symbol:
Like eagle that Sunday morning
Over Salt River. Circled in blue sky
In wind, swept our hearts clean
With sacred wings.
The eagle’s majestic flight is not merely observed; it is experienced as a purifying force. Its “sacred wings” metaphorically cleanse the observers’ hearts, suggesting a spiritual renewal brought about by witnessing such natural grandeur. This encounter leads to a crucial realization:
We see you, see ourselves and know
That we must take the utmost care
And kindness in all things.
The eagle becomes a mirror, reflecting humanity’s own essence and responsibility. Its presence inspires a moral imperative: to act with “utmost care and kindness” towards all aspects of life, recognizing the interconnectedness that binds us.
The Circle of Life and Beauty
The poem then expands its reflection to encompass the fundamental cycles of existence:
Breathe in, knowing we are made of
All this, and breathe, knowing
We are truly blessed because we
Were born, and die soon within a
True circle of motion,
Harjo emphasizes our intrinsic connection to the universe, stating that we are “made of all this” – the sky, earth, sun, moon, and the very fabric of nature. Life and death are presented not as endpoints, but as integral parts of a “true circle of motion,” a continuous, blessed journey. The eagle reappears, reinforcing this cyclical theme:
Like eagle rounding out the morning
Inside us.
The eagle’s circling motion becomes an internal experience, a symbol of the natural rhythms that reside within each individual. The poem concludes with a powerful, resonant prayer:
We pray that it will be done
In beauty.
In beauty.
This repetition of “In beauty” serves as both a wish and an affirmation, encapsulating the poem’s core message: that life, in all its cycles and connections, should be lived and experienced with reverence and an appreciation for its inherent grace.
Literary Devices in Eagle Poem
Joy Harjo masterfully employs various literary devices to enrich the meaning and emotional impact of “Eagle Poem.” These tools help to create a vivid, resonant, and deeply spiritual experience for the reader.
Anaphora
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or lines creates emphasis and a rhythmic, incantatory effect. Harjo uses anaphora to build a sense of expansive connection:
To pray you open your whole self
To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon
To one whole voice that is you.
This repeated “To” guides the reader through the various elements one must open themselves to, creating a cumulative sense of spiritual embrace and inclusiveness.
Imagery
Vivid descriptive language that appeals to the senses is crucial in bringing the poem’s natural setting and spiritual experiences to life. Harjo paints clear pictures:
Like eagle that Sunday morning
Over Salt River. Circled in blue sky
In wind, swept our hearts clean
With sacred wings.
The “blue sky,” the “wind,” and the “sacred wings” create a powerful visual and tactile experience, allowing readers to almost feel the eagle’s presence and the cleansing sensation it brings.
Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” In “Eagle Poem,” the eagle itself functions as a central metaphor for spiritual awakening, purification, and divine connection. Its flight is not just physical; it is a spiritual act that “swept our hearts clean.” Furthermore, the concept of “languages / That aren’t always sound but other / Circles of motion” acts as a metaphor for intuitive, non-verbal forms of understanding and communication with the universe.
Symbolism
Symbolism involves using objects or ideas to represent something else. Harjo imbues several elements with deeper meaning:
- The Eagle: Symbolizes freedom, spiritual vision, transcendence, and a connection to the divine. Its presence acts as a catalyst for profound realization.
- The Blue Sky: Represents vastness, limitless possibility, and the spiritual realm.
- Circles of Motion: Symbolize the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, as well as the interconnectedness and continuous flow of energy in the universe. This is reinforced by phrases like “true circle of motion” and “eagle rounding out the morning.”
- Salt River: While a specific geographical location, it also symbolizes a place of natural power and spiritual significance, often associated with cleansing and life-giving properties in many cultures.
Assonance
The repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity creates a musical quality and enhances the poem’s flow. For example, the short “e” sound in:
To pray you open your whole self
This subtle repetition adds a gentle rhythm, making the line pleasing to the ear and reinforcing the idea of a smooth, open experience.
Consonance
The repetition of consonant sounds within words or at the end of words in close proximity adds texture and sonic richness. Consider the “t” sound in:
That we must take the utmost care
The repeated “t” creates a sense of firmness and resolve, underscoring the importance of the message about care and kindness.
Enjambment
Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry continues onto the next line without a pause or punctuation mark. This technique creates a sense of continuous flow, mirroring the natural rhythms of breath and thought, and the unending cycles of life:
Breathe in, knowing we are made of
All this, and breathe, knowing
We are truly blessed because we
Were born, and die soon within a
True circle of motion,
The lines flow seamlessly, reflecting the unbroken “circle of motion” and the continuous nature of existence, drawing the reader into the poem’s meditative rhythm.
Poetic Devices in Eagle Poem
Beyond literary devices, specific poetic choices contribute to the unique character and impact of “Eagle Poem.”
Diction
Harjo’s diction, or word choice, is deliberately simple yet profoundly resonant. She uses accessible language, avoiding overly academic or complex vocabulary, which makes the poem’s deep spiritual themes approachable. Words like “sacred,” “blessed,” “care,” and “kindness” elevate the tone and reinforce the poem’s spiritual and ethical messages. The simplicity allows the profound ideas to shine through clearly, creating a sense of authenticity and directness.
Free Verse
“Eagle Poem” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a regular rhyme scheme, meter, or stanzaic pattern. This choice is deliberate and highly effective. The absence of strict formal constraints allows Harjo to:
- Mirror Natural Rhythms: The lines flow organically, much like breath or the effortless circling of the eagle, reflecting the natural, unconstrained movement of life and thought.
- Prioritize Meaning and Emotion: Without the need to fit words into a specific rhythm or rhyme, Harjo can focus entirely on conveying her message with precision and emotional honesty.
- Create a Meditative Tone: The unforced rhythm contributes to the poem’s meditative and reflective atmosphere, inviting the reader to slow down and absorb its wisdom.
Stanza Structure
The poem is presented as a single, continuous block of twenty-six lines, without traditional stanza breaks. This unbroken structure reinforces several key themes:
- Unity and Interconnectedness: The continuous flow visually represents the seamless connection between all things – humanity, nature, and the spiritual realm – a central message of the poem.
- Breath and Prayer: The unbroken form can be seen as mirroring a single, sustained breath or an uninterrupted prayer, emphasizing the holistic and continuous nature of spiritual opening.
- Unfolding Experience: The lack of breaks encourages the reader to experience the poem as a continuous unfolding of thought and feeling, much like the gradual realization of deeper truths.
The Enduring Message of Eagle Poem
“Eagle Poem” by Joy Harjo is a timeless invitation to connect with the profound beauty and interconnectedness of the world around us. It redefines prayer as an act of opening, a mindful awareness that leads to kindness, care, and a deep appreciation for the cyclical journey of life. Through its evocative imagery, powerful metaphors, and accessible language, the poem encourages us to look for the sacred in every moment, to recognize our place within the grand “circle of motion,” and to live always “in beauty.” It is a poem that truly sweeps our hearts clean, leaving us with a renewed sense of wonder and responsibility.