Remembrance and Transcendence

As a poet who identifies herself most significantly with her Native American heritage, Harjo's themes often reflect the essence of Indian mythology and beliefs in the human connection to the entire world of matter. Much of her work is based on the premise that even as an individual person living in the present day, she is still a part of the history of the human race, the history of animals and vegetation, even the history of planets and stars. Only by realizing and accepting this philosophy of interconnectedness can one both salute the past simply by remembering it and, at the same time, allow the mind to transcend the natural world without dispelling its beauty and importance.

In "Anniversary," one may view the entire piece as a work of remembrance. From the very first phrase—"When the world was created"—to the poem's final line—"And...