As a poet deeply rooted in her Native American lineage, Harjo's work vividly evokes the spirit of indigenous mythology and the profound kinship between humans and the cosmos. Her verses resonate with the belief that, even in today's world, an individual is intricately woven into the rich tapestry of humanity's history, as well as the chronicles of the animal kingdom, plant life, and even celestial bodies. By embracing this philosophy of interconnectedness, one can honor the past through remembrance while simultaneously allowing the mind to transcend the material world without diminishing its splendor and significance.

Recollection and Creation

In "Anniversary," the entire poem unfolds as a poignant ode to memory. From the evocative opening—"When the world was created"—to the concluding line—"And it's been years"—Harjo escorts the reader on a whimsical journey through the corridors of time. Infusing the piece with scientific references entwined with enchanting metaphors, she exalts the genesis of the universe from an optimistic vantage point, with just a hint of playful cynicism regarding the role of crows: "to / joke about humanity." The poem consistently paints a vivid picture of the natural world's evolution, tracing the path from stars and galaxies to birds, fish, and ultimately, mankind. Yet, nature here does not stand isolated; rather, the human intellect evolves to transcend physical boundaries—to envision, to dream, to ponder—and thus, transcendence itself is celebrated within the poem.

Transcendence and Understanding

Amidst the ponderings on the unfolding of the universe, the fourth stanza illuminates the human mind's quest to rise above nature. Here, Harjo muses that "The question mark of creation attracts more questions / until the mind is a spiral of gods strung out way over / our heads." In the following stanza, she concedes humanity's partial grasp of the world's mysteries, yet hints at the potential for revelation: "we can figure this thing out." Notably, there is an absence of anxiety in the mind's pursuit of understanding, and no discord between intellectual ascension and the natural realm. Instead, they exist in harmonious synergy, affirming the idea that humans are inexorably linked to all that has ever existed, and that all of existence is interwoven with humanity.

Perpetual Motion in Harjo's Work

A recurring motif in Joy Harjo’s poetry and prose is the vision of a universe perpetually in motion. Cosmic forces endlessly expand outwards, stars and planets whirl around in their celestial dance, oceans breathe synchronized with the tide, rivers forge onward without pause, and life sprouts abundantly across the globe. Animals roam with purpose to endure, while humanity constructs a reality that discourages idle moments and leisurely reflection. This concept of eternal dynamism is vividly captured in “Anniversary,” where settings and subjects are in constant transition—sometimes with subtlety, other times with suddenness—yet always alive with movement.

Shifting Scenes and Philosophical Reflections

From the initial burst of "A little flame illuminating a rough sea," marking the universe's inception, the scene swiftly transitions to the arrival of birds. As quickly as it begins, the third stanza echoes the "cries of a planet" and leaps to the creation of human form, with shoulders and lips taking shape. As the poem delves into its philosophical core, it reemerges with "The shy fish who had known only water," which unexpectedly ventures from the sea to dry land "just like that, to another life." The narrative evolves from this primordial creature sprouting legs and adapting to terrestrial life, culminating as frogs and insects inhabit the world alongside humans and their artifacts, including "houses on the tangled web." Harmoniously intertwined, remembrance and transcendence propel the universe and human consciousness ceaselessly forward. Harjo embraces this relentless motion, urging us to acknowledge, celebrate, and continue the journey.