Lines 1-13 Summary
Line 1
In the opening line of “Anniversary,” a tantalizing question is posed, setting the stage for the poem to unravel its mysteries. The concluding term "this" hints at the unfolding narrative. The speaker, presumably Harjo herself, refrains from claiming knowledge of the world's inception or its reasons, instead focusing on the essence of its evolution.
Lines 2–3
These lines intertwine poetic imagery with a nod to scientific theories. Harjo vividly portrays the universe's birth as "A little flame illuminating a rough sea," a metaphor that echoes the big bang theory. This cosmic explosion posits that the universe originated from a singular, intensely hot and dense point. Harjo's poetic expression of "something fermented" captures the dynamic swirling of primordial matter, suggesting a universe in the throes of formation. The phrase "question / of attraction" touches on the gravitational forces that coalesced stars from gas and dust, sparking nuclear reactions. While "something sweet" may not be found in scientific texts, it injects a whimsical optimism into the cosmic narrative.
Lines 4–6
Here, Harjo wields poetic license with playful abandon, leaping forward in cosmic evolution. She whimsically suggests the addition of "a bird or two," notably "the crow of course to / joke about humanity," alongside a bird of undeniable beauty. The crow, steeped in folklore, often represents mischief or malignancy, its caw resembling a human's mocking laughter. In Native American tales, crows are seen as harbingers of death, their shadows ominous. The beauty of the second bird enhances human perception, its songs birthing the notion of "our eyes [to] be imagined."
Lines 7–8
By this stage, the seeds of humanity have been sown in the vast tapestry of the universe. "We were then," signals our nascent existence. Initially, humans were not distinct entities but part of a cosmic continuum—no boundaries separated us from the stars or galaxies. With Earth's formation, birthing lush landscapes and mighty terrains, the "cries of a planet" heralded "our becoming."
Lines 9–10
Following the creation of human eyes as suggested in line 6, the Earth, after its turbulent genesis, allowed us to "peer through the smoke," revealing at least glimpses of shoulders and lips. Humanity began to emerge from the newly formed landscapes.
Lines 11–13
These lines delve into philosophical realms, circling back to "attraction" as an enigmatic force. Contemplative musings on creation spawn endless questions rather than answers. Introducing the concept of "gods," Harjo aligns with the belief systems of many cultures, rich with diverse deities governing various aspects of life. The mind, entangled in the enigma of existence, may spiral "toward the invention of sky," perhaps seeking the divine, as many traditions envision deities residing in the heavens.
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