“FOR EARTH’S GRANDSONS” by Joy Harjo

 

Stand tall, no matter height, how dark your skin

Your spirit is all colors within

You are made of the finest woven light

From the iridescent love that formed your mothers, fathers

Your grandparents all the way back on the spiral road–

There is no end to this love

It has formed your bodies

Feeds your bright spirits

And no matter what happens in these times of breaking–

No matter dictators, the heartless, and liars

No matter– you are born of those

Who kept ceremonial embers burning in their hands

All through the miles of relentless exile

Those who sang the path through massacre

All the way to sunrise

You will make it through—

 

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

 

 

Food for Thought—

 

1. What do you make of the line “you are born of those / who kept the ceremonial embers burning in their hands”? What might this mean in relation to the general theme of the poem?

 

2. What allusions to historical moments do you notice throughout the poem? What effect do these reference have on the reader?

 

3. How would you describe the tone and general essence of the poem? Would you describe it as leaning towards despair, hope, or something else entirely?

 

4. What does Harjo suggest is the relation your surroundings and past have on your identity?