Remember
Remember the sky that you were born under,
know each of the star's stories.
Remember the moon, know who she is. I met her
in a bar once in Iowa City.
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. I heard her singing Kiowa war
dance songs at the corner of Fourth and Central once.
Remember that you are all people and that all people are you.
Remember that you are this universe and that this universe is you.
Remember that all is in motion, is growing, is you.
Remember that language comes from this.
Remember the dance that language is, that life is.
Remember.
~ Joy Harjo ~
(How We Become Human)
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music link
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This poem by Joy Harjo, a talented Oklahoma poet was a Writing Practice topic several weeks ago. I still have not written to it, but the poem itself really speaks to me as an individual and I wanted to share not only the poem, but the weblink where it is found so you can take time to read more wonderful poetry as well as listen to the accompanying music found at the above link. The site has not been updated since 2011, and Remember was posted in November, 2011. There many beautiful poems, pictures and music selections attached to each poem can be found. Please enjoy!
Being a Texan, the poem Daily by San Antonio poet Naomi Shihab Nye and accompanying instrumental by another wonderful Texas artist, Jewel is another personal favorite located on this site. It is a wonderful collection of poetry and a place I find myself returning often to read the poems and listen to the music. I hope you will find it a favorite as well.
Always I wish you peace, joy and happiness, but most of all I wish you LOVE.
As Ever, Annie
No attribution was given for the beautiful picture accompanying this poem.
Being a Texan, the poem Daily by San Antonio poet Naomi Shihab Nye and accompanying instrumental by another wonderful Texas artist, Jewel is another personal favorite located on this site. It is a wonderful collection of poetry and a place I find myself returning often to read the poems and listen to the music. I hope you will find it a favorite as well.
Always I wish you peace, joy and happiness, but most of all I wish you LOVE.
As Ever, Annie
No attribution was given for the beautiful picture accompanying this poem.
