“An American Sunrise” is a collection of poems by Joy Harjo, the current poet laureate of the United States. Since 1936, the Library of Congress has chosen a poet to hold a one-year term from September to May. In this role, the poet’s focus is to promote and present his or her craft as a community service through lectures and readings. Harjo is our country’s first Native American to hold this prestigious title.
My older daughter, Julie, brought Harjo’s book with her from North Carolina. The night before our turkey, she asked me to find some verses to read the next day as the family circled around for prayer.
“The Story Wheel” is a poem that encompasses so much of the Native American culture that puts a premium on honoring the past, the present and the future. Just as Thanksgiving leftovers are often better when warmed up the next day, a poem’s message becomes clearer each time we read it.
There is more to savor and digest each time the words are served, “All for that welcome home dance, / The most favorite of all— / when everyone finds their way back together / to dance, eat and celebrate. / And tell story after story . . . ”
Harjo’s book is therapy for all, especially those whose stories have been marginalized.
Though we regret we can’t publish the 24-line poem in its entirety, you may listen to the poet reading it aloud at https://www.facebook.com/ poetrybarn/posts/joy-harjoreads-her-poem-the-storywheel/2462559700468241/
Snyder, Texas, native Sue Jane Sullivan is a retired schoolteacher whose thought-provoking commentary appears occasionally in several West texas newspapers, including The Texas Spur and The Caprock Courier.
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