Poet Warrior

In Poet Warrior, Joy Harjo, the trailblazing first Native American to be named U.S. Poet Laureate, embarks on an evocative exploration of her life's journey—a poignant, lyrical narrative that combines memoir with the transformative force of poetry. Harjo invites readers into her deeply personal odyssey, filled with heartache and loss, yet also threaded with moments of profound realisation and healing. It is a tale that unfolds against the backdrop of Harjo's rich cultural heritage, and her captivating prose serves as both a testament to her resilience and a celebration of her roots.

This cinematic work serves as a sequel to her acclaimed memoir Crazy Brave, delving deeper into the experiences that shaped Harjo into a 'poet warrior'. Through her verses, Harjo strives to unearth truths hidden beneath layers of history and demand justice for those who have been silenced. Her poetry is imbued with compassion and imbued with the power to heal and transform. It is an invitation to travel alongside her as she channels the voices of her ancestors, recalls childhood memories steeped in poetry and music, and draws wisdom from the natural world—whether from the solemn song of owls, the tenacity of desert plants, or the unexpected presence of a green snake.

Harjo pays homage to the artistic influences that informed her voice—celebrating the works of Audre Lorde, N. Scott Momaday, and Walt Whitman, while reflecting on Muscogee stomp dance traditions, Navajo horse songs, the cleansing rain, and the breaking dawn. The narrative flows effortlessly through the sounds of jazz, blues, and tradition, all marked with Harjo's unique blend of tenderness and courage.

In heartfelt prose, Harjo mourns the passing of her mother and confronts the historical theft of her ancestral homeland, illuminating the sacred rituals that sustain her identity as an artist, mother, wife, and member of her community. Her storytelling transcends mere recounting, offering instead a spiritual journey—a map towards understanding and finding one’s own home.

Poignant and melodic, Poet Warrior is an inspirational tapestry, singing with the unmistakable melodies of Joy Harjo's spirit. Through her words, readers are invited to contemplate the complexities of self-discovery and community, emerging from the journey with a renewed sense of courage and connection.