Once the World Was Perfect
By Joy Harjo
Once the world was perfect, and we were happy in that world.
Then we took it for granted.
Discontent began a small rumble in the earthly mind.
Then doubt pushed through with its spiked head.
And once doubt ruptured the web,
All manner of demon thoughts
Jumped through.
We destroyed the world we had been given
For inspiration, for life.
Each stone of jealousy, each stone
Of fear, greed, envy, and hatred, put out the light.
No one was without a stone in his or her hand.
There we were,
Right back where we had started.
We were bumping into each other
In the dark.
And now we had no place to live, since we didn’t know
How to live with each other.
Then one of the stumbling ones took pity on another
And shared a blanket.
A spark of kindness made a light.
The light made an opening in the darkness.
Everyone worked together to make a ladder.
A Wind Clan person climbed out first into the next world,
And then the other clans, the children of those clans, their children,
And their children, all the way through time.
To now, into this morning light to you.
Summary of Once the World Was Perfect
- Understanding “Once the World Was Perfect”: Joy Harjo’s poem, “Once the World Was Perfect,” is a poignant reflection on the fall from grace and the possibility of renewal. It explores how humanity, once living in harmony, succumbed to negative emotions, leading to destruction, and ultimately finding a path toward healing through compassion and cooperation. The poem was first published in the 1990s and resonates with themes of responsibility, resilience, and the enduring power of hope.
- “Once the World Was Perfect” as a Message of Hope: The poem begins with a remembrance of a pristine world, a state of happiness and completeness. This idyllic state is disrupted by the insidious creep of discontent and doubt, which give birth to destructive emotions such as fear, greed, and envy. These emotions, symbolized by “stones,” extinguish the light and lead to a state of darkness and disunity. However, the poem does not end in despair. The act of sharing a blanket, a simple gesture of kindness, ignites a spark that leads to collective action. This action culminates in the creation of a ladder, a metaphorical ascent to a new world, representing a hopeful future built on cooperation and compassion.
- Major Themes in “Once the World Was Perfect”: The central themes of the poem revolve around the impact of human emotions on the world, the vital role of kindness in fostering healing, and the strength that lies in unity. The poem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked negative emotions but ultimately affirms the possibility of redemption through positive action. It underscores the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and working together to create a better world.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Once the World Was Perfect
Joy Harjo skillfully employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the poem’s meaning and impact. These devices contribute to the poem’s evocative imagery, emotional depth, and thematic resonance.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words creates musicality and emphasizes certain themes. For example, the short “e” sound in “We destroyed the world we had been given” contributes to the feeling of loss and regret.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words adds a rhythmic quality and draws attention to specific phrases. Notice the “w” sound in “we were happy,” which evokes a sense of innocence and joy in the initial depiction of the perfect world.
- Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences creates emphasis and a sense of rhythm. While not strictly present throughout the entire poem, the lines beginning with “Each stone…” demonstrate this device, highlighting the cumulative weight of negative emotions.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within words creates subtle musicality. Observe the “s” sound in “Each stone of jealousy, each stone,” emphasizing the destructive power of these emotions.
- Enjambment: This technique involves the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, creating a sense of flow and momentum. The lines “Then one of the stumbling ones took pity on another / And shared a blanket” exemplify this, highlighting the spontaneous nature of the act of kindness.
- Irony: The opening lines present an irony, contrasting the perfect world with the subsequent fall from grace. This sets the stage for the poem’s exploration of loss and redemption.
- Imagery: Harjo uses vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. Consider the image of “stones of jealousy,” which conveys the weight and hardness of these emotions, or the “light” that is extinguished by them.
- Metaphor: The poem relies heavily on metaphor to convey abstract concepts. The “stones” represent negative emotions, while the “ladder” symbolizes the path to a new world.
- Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts enhances the poem’s emotional impact. The line “Then doubt pushed through with its spiked head” personifies doubt as a menacing force.
- Symbolism: The poem is rich in symbolism, with various elements representing deeper meanings. The “darkness” symbolizes ignorance and despair, while the “light” represents hope and understanding.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Once the World Was Perfect
Beyond literary devices, the poem also utilizes various poetic techniques that contribute to its artistic merit.
- Diction: Harjo’s choice of words is deliberate and evocative, employing descriptive language that creates a powerful emotional impact. The use of words like “rumble,” “spiked,” and “stumbling” adds to the poem’s intensity.
- Free Verse: The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows for greater flexibility and freedom of expression, mirroring the poem’s exploration of complex emotions.
- Stanza Structure: While the poem does not employ traditional stanzas, the line breaks and spacing contribute to the poem’s rhythm and flow, creating a visual and auditory experience for the reader.
Quotes to be Used
The lines from this poem offer powerful insights into the human condition and can be used in various contexts, such as motivational speeches, reflections on social issues, or discussions about the importance of empathy and compassion.
All manner of demon thoughts / Jumped through. / We destroyed the world we had been given / For inspiration, for life.
This quote serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of unchecked negative emotions and the need to cultivate a more positive and compassionate mindset.
Ultimately, “Once the World Was Perfect” is a timeless and resonant poem that speaks to the universal human experience of loss, redemption, and the enduring power of hope. Its skillful use of literary and poetic devices, combined with its profound thematic depth, makes it a truly captivating and thought-provoking work of art.