Welcome to an insightful exploration of Joy Harjo’s profound poem, “Remember.” This remarkable piece of literature invites readers on a journey of self-discovery and connection, urging a deep understanding of one’s place within the vast tapestry of existence. Through its powerful language and evocative imagery, “Remember” serves as a timeless reminder of our intricate links to the natural world, our ancestors, and the very essence of life itself. Prepare to delve into the layers of meaning woven into this compelling work, uncovering the wisdom it holds for all who seek a deeper connection to their world.
Remember the sky that you were born under,
know each of the star’s stories.
Remember the moon, know who she is.
Remember the sun’s birth at dawn, that is the
strongest point of time. Remember sundown
and the giving away to night.
Remember your birth, how your mother struggled
to give you form and breath. You are evidence of
her life, and her mother’s, and hers.
Remember your father. He is your life, also.
Remember the earth whose skin you are:
red earth, black earth, yellow earth, white earth, brown earth, we are earth.
Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their
tribes, their families, their histories, too. Talk to them,
listen to them. They are alive poems.
Remember the wind. Remember her voice. She knows the
origin of this universe.
Remember you are all people and all people
are you.
Remember you are this universe and this
universe is you.
Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you.
Remember language comes from this.
Remember the dance language is, that life is.
Remember.
Remember Summary: Unpacking the Core Message
Joy Harjo’s “Remember” is a lyrical meditation on identity, interconnectedness, and the profound importance of acknowledging one’s roots. The poem is not merely about recalling facts, but about a deep, visceral knowing of ourselves and our place within the vastness of the universe. Written in the 1990s, its message feels timeless, urging readers to reconnect with the natural world, ancestral history, and the very essence of life.
The poem unfolds as a series of powerful imperatives, each beginning with the word “Remember.” These commands draw attention to various aspects of existence that shape who we are. Harjo begins by asking readers to remember the celestial bodies, then progresses to the miracle of birth, the sacrifices of parents, the earth itself, and all living things. This progression highlights the central idea that humanity is not composed of isolated individuals but is intrinsically linked to everything around us. True understanding, the poem suggests, comes from listening to the stories of the natural world and recognizing the legacies of those who came before us.
At its heart, “Remember” explores themes of remembrance, interconnectedness, and the power of identity. The poem emphasizes the beauty and importance of nature, not merely as a scenic backdrop, but as an active, living force in shaping our lives. It also celebrates the strength and sacrifices of ancestors, reminding us that we are products of generations past. Consider these poignant lines:
“Remember your birth, how your mother struggled
to give you form and breath. You are evidence of
her life, and her mother’s, and hers.
Remember your father. He is your life, also.”
These lines powerfully underscore the profound debt owed to those who came before, highlighting the continuous thread of life and legacy. Ultimately, the poem invites readers to embrace their place within the universe, recognizing that each individual is both a part of it and a reflection of it.
Remember Analysis: Literary Devices Explored
Joy Harjo masterfully employs a range of literary devices to create a poem that is both evocative and profound. These techniques enhance the poem’s meaning and engage the reader on multiple levels, making “Remember” a rich text for study.
- Anaphora
The repeated use of “Remember” at the beginning of nearly every line creates a powerful rhythm and reinforces the central theme of recollection and mindfulness. This technique acts as a mantra, urging the reader to actively engage in the process of remembering and recognizing their connections. For example, the poem opens with a series of these commands:
“Remember the sky that you were born under,
know each of the star’s stories.
Remember the moon, know who she is.”This insistent repetition builds a cumulative effect, emphasizing the breadth and depth of what the speaker urges us to recall.
- Imagery
Harjo uses vivid imagery to paint pictures in the reader’s mind, appealing to various senses and creating a visceral experience. This makes the abstract concepts of identity and connection feel more tangible and immediate. Consider the lines:
“Remember the earth whose skin you are:
red earth, black earth, yellow earth, white earth, brown earth, we are earth.”This powerful image connects humanity physically to the planet, emphasizing our inherent unity with it through the shared substance of earth. The enumeration of different earth colors also subtly speaks to human diversity and unity.
- Metaphor
The poem relies heavily on metaphor to establish profound connections between seemingly disparate ideas, enriching its thematic depth. For example, when speaking of the natural world, the poem states:
“Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their
tribes, their families, their histories, too. Talk to them,
listen to them. They are alive poems.”Equating plants, trees, and animals with “alive poems” suggests that they too possess stories, wisdom, and intrinsic beauty, inviting readers to perceive nature with the same reverence given to art.
- Personification
Harjo frequently personifies natural elements, attributing human qualities to them. This technique makes the natural world feel like a living, conscious entity with whom humanity can communicate and learn. This is evident in the lines:
“Remember the wind. Remember her voice. She knows the
origin of this universe.”Attributing a “voice” and ancient “knowledge” to the wind transforms it into a wise, maternal figure, a guardian of cosmic secrets, rather than merely a force of nature.
- Symbolism
Several elements within the poem function as symbols, representing larger, universal ideas. These symbols deepen the poem’s resonance and invite multiple interpretations. The celestial bodies, for instance, carry significant symbolic weight:
“Remember the sky that you were born under,
know each of the star’s stories.
Remember the moon, know who she is.
Remember the sun’s birth at dawn, that is the
strongest point of time.”The sky can symbolize vastness and destiny, the stars represent guidance and ancient narratives, the moon embodies feminine power and cycles, and the sun signifies life force, renewal, and the strongest points of time. The earth, as previously discussed, symbolizes grounding, stability, and our fundamental connection to the physical world.
Remember Analysis: Poetic Devices Explored
Beyond literary devices, Harjo utilizes specific poetic techniques to create a unique and compelling reading experience, shaping the poem’s rhythm, flow, and overall impact.
- Free Verse
The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or regular meter. This deliberate choice allows Harjo to focus on the natural rhythm of language and the emotional impact of her words, creating a more conversational, organic, and deeply personal feel. The absence of rigid structure mirrors the expansive, unbounded nature of the universe and identity that the poem explores.
- Enjambment
Harjo skillfully uses enjambment, where a phrase or sentence continues from one line to the next without terminal punctuation. This technique creates a sense of flow and momentum, drawing the reader forward and subtly emphasizing certain words or ideas. Observe its effect in these lines:
“Remember your birth, how your mother struggled
to give you form and breath. You are evidence of
her life, and her mother’s, and hers.”The line breaks here create a natural pause, allowing the reader to absorb the weight of the mother’s struggle before revealing the profound statement of being “evidence of her life,” enhancing the emotional resonance.
- Repetition
While the anaphora of “Remember” is a primary example of repetition, Harjo also employs repetition of other words and phrases, such as “universe” and “is.” This creates a sense of emphasis and reinforces the poem’s central themes of interconnectedness and universal identity. For instance, the concluding lines powerfully reiterate this idea:
“Remember you are this universe and this
universe is you.
Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you.”The repeated “is you” solidifies the profound connection between the individual and the cosmos, making the abstract concept deeply personal.
- Concise Language
The poem is remarkably concise, relying on carefully chosen words to convey complex ideas with precision and impact. This minimalism creates a sense of power and urgency, encouraging the reader to contemplate the profound meaning behind each line without unnecessary embellishment. Every word carries weight, contributing to the poem’s overall depth and clarity.
Conclusion: The Enduring Wisdom of “Remember”
“Remember” by Joy Harjo stands as a deeply moving and thought-provoking poem that extends an invitation to reconnect with oneself, one’s ancestors, and the natural world. Through its masterful use of language, evocative imagery, and precise poetic devices, Harjo crafts a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life. This poem serves as a powerful guide, encouraging all to remember their origins, their connections, and their inherent place within the grand, unfolding story of the universe.