The Last Song by Joy Harjo poem Summary line by line

The Last Song by Joy Harjo poem Summary line by line-What is the main idea of the poem remember by Joy Harjo?,What is the most famous poem by Joy Harjo?,What is the main message of the poem?,Joy Harjo’s The Last Song, with its catchy words, transports us to a lyrical realm where the sound of ancestral voices and the echoes of time collide. Celebrated Native American poet and musician Harjo deeply connects to nature, spirituality, and her vast ancestry, which is reflected in her art. Through the voyage through the lines of “The Last Song,” we are drawn into Harjo’s unique poetry style, which is characterized by rich imagery, expressive language, and the nuanced study of issues. Like a lot of Harjo’s writing, this poem acts as a vessel, carrying not only the poet’s own experiences but also the collective knowledge and anecdotes of a nation.

The Last Song by Joy Harjo Summary

1. “how can you stand it”
   • The speaker is questioning someone about their ability to tolerate or endure a certain situation.
2. “he said”
   • Attribution of the dialogue to a male speaker.
3. “the hot Oklahoma summers where you were born”
   • The speaker refers to the hot weather in Oklahoma, noting it as the birthplace of the person being addressed.
4. “this humid thick air is choking me”
   • The speaker expresses discomfort with the humid and dense air, suggesting a difficulty in breathing.
5. “and I want to go back to New Mexico”
   • The speaker desires to return to New Mexico, indicating a preference for the climate there.
6. “it is the only way I know how to breathe”
   • New Mexico is associated with a specific way of breathing, possibly linked to the speaker’s personal history or cultural background.
7. “an ancient chant that my mother knew”
   • The speaker refers to an ancient chant known by their mother, suggesting a connection to ancestral knowledge or traditions.
8. “came out of a history woven from wet tall grass in her womb”
   • The chant is described as having origins in a historical context, metaphorically linked to the mother’s womb and the imagery of wet tall grass.
9. “and I know no other way than to surround my voice with the summer songs of crickets”
   • The speaker finds solace or comfort in the sounds of summer, particularly the songs of crickets.
10. “in this moist south night air”
    • The setting is described as a humid southern night, emphasizing the atmospheric conditions.
11. “Oklahoma will be the last song I’ll ever sing”
    • The speaker concludes with a poignant statement, suggesting that their association with Oklahoma will be the final expression or chapter in their life.

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The Last Song by Joy Harjo poem 

how can you stand it
he said
the hot Oklahoma summers
where you were born
this humid thick air
is choking me
and i want to go back
to new mexico
it is the only way
i know how to breathe
an ancient chant
that my mother knew
came out of a history
woven from wet tall grass
in her womb
and i know no other way
than to surround my voice
with the summer songs of crickets
in this moist south night air
Oklahoma will be the last song
i’ll ever sing

Conclusion

In conclusion, the presented text serves as a poetic exploration of personal connection, cultural roots, and the profound impact of environment on the speaker’s psyche. Through evocative language, the narrative delves into the speaker’s struggle with the humid Oklahoma summers, contrasting it with the solace found in the dry landscapes of New Mexico. The invocation of an ancient chant passed down through the maternal line introduces a layer of cultural and ancestral significance, further deepening the narrative’s resonance. The ultimate declaration that “Oklahoma will be the last song I’ll ever sing” imbues the text with a sense of finality, leaving readers with a contemplative invitation to reflect on the intricate interplay between place, identity, and the melodies that shape our lives.

FAQ:

1. What is the significance of the speaker’s preference for New Mexico over Oklahoma?

   This question could explore the reasons behind the speaker’s strong affinity for New Mexico, examining whether it’s tied to personal experiences, cultural background, or a combination of factors.

2. How does the theme of ancestral knowledge and the ancient chant contribute to the overall narrative?

   This question delves into the role of ancestral wisdom in shaping the speaker’s identity and the narrative’s emotional depth.

3. What might the “last song” symbolize in the context of the narrative?

   This question could explore the metaphorical significance of the “last song,” considering whether it represents a decisive moment, a culmination of experiences, or a metaphor for the speaker’s life journey.

4. How does the imagery of the “moist south night air” and the sounds of crickets contribute to the atmosphere of the narrative?

   Exploring the sensory elements in the text, this question examines how the author uses imagery and sounds to create a vivid and immersive setting.

5. In what ways does the narrative reflect broader themes of identity and belonging?

   This question encourages an exploration of how the speaker’s relationship with place and heritage connects to universal themes of identity and the search for a sense of belonging.