Original Poem：
Everyone in me is a bird.
I am beating all my wings.
They wanted to cut you out
but they will not.
They said you were immeasurably empty
but you are not.
They said you were sick unto dying
but they were wrong.
You are singing like a school girl.
You are not torn.
Sweet weight,
in celebration of the woman I am
and of the soul of the woman I am
and of the central creature and its delight
I sing for you. I dare to live.
Hello, spirit. Hello, cup.
Fasten, cover. Cover that does contain.
Hello to the soil of the fields.
Welcome, roots.
Each cell has a life.
There is enough here to please a nation.
It is enough that the populace own these goods.
Any person, any commonwealth would say of it,
“It is good this year that we may plant again
and think forward to a harvest.
A blight had been forecast and has been cast out.”
Many women are singing together of this:
one is in a shoe factory cursing the machine,
one is at the aquarium tending a seal,
one is dull at the wheel of her Ford,
one is at the toll gate collecting,
one is tying the cord of a calf in Arizona,
one is straddling a cello in Russia,
one is shifting pots on the stove in Egypt,
one is painting her bedroom walls moon color,
one is dying but remembering a breakfast,
one is stretching on her mat in Thailand,
one is wiping the ass of her child,
one is staring out the window of a train
in the middle of Wyoming and one is
anywhere and some are everywhere and all
seem to be singing, although some can not
sing a note.
Sweet weight,
in celebration of the woman I am
let me carry a ten-foot scarf,
let me drum for the nineteen-year-olds,
let me carry bowls for the offering
(if that is my part).
Let me study the cardiovascular tissue,
let me examine the angular distance of meteors,
let me suck on the stems of flowers
(if that is my part).
Let me make certain tribal figures
(if that is my part).
For this thing the body needs
let me sing
for the supper,
for the kissing,
for the correct
yes.
Analysis and Interpretation of the Poem
This poem is a celebration of womanhood, identity, resilience, and the interconnectedness of life. The speaker uses vivid metaphors such as "Everyone in me is a bird" and "I am beating all my wings" to express a sense of freedom, vitality, and inner strength. Despite external attempts to diminish or silence the speaker ("They wanted to cut you out"), the poem asserts the endurance and fullness of the self ("They said you were immeasurably empty but you are not").
The poem rejects negative judgments ("They said you were sick unto dying but they were wrong") and instead embraces joy, vitality, and the power of song ("You are singing like a school girl"). The "Sweet weight" mentioned repeatedly symbolizes the richness and complexity of the speaker’s identity and experience as a woman.
The poem also honors the collective experience of women around the world, highlighting diverse roles and lives—from factory workers to mothers, from artists to caretakers—united through a shared song of life and resilience. This communal singing represents solidarity and strength despite differences in circumstance.
The closing stanzas emphasize the speaker’s willingness to participate fully in life’s many facets—whether scientific study, artistic expression, or nurturing care—underscoring the multifaceted nature of womanhood and human existence. The poem ends with a hopeful, affirmative tone: "for the correct yes," suggesting acceptance, affirmation, and a readiness to embrace life.
Background and Author Introduction
This poem is by Joy Harjo, a renowned Native American poet, musician, and author. Harjo is the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States and is celebrated for her work that blends indigenous storytelling, spirituality, and contemporary themes. Her poetry often explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, resilience, and the natural world.
The poem reflects Harjo’s deep connection to her Native American roots and her commitment to celebrating the strength and spirit of women. It also echoes her belief in the power of song, ritual, and community to heal and empower.
Reflection and Personal Response
Reading this poem inspires a profound appreciation for the resilience and diversity of women's experiences. It reminds us that despite challenges and external judgments, the inner spirit remains vibrant and strong. The imagery of wings and song evokes a sense of freedom and hope, encouraging readers to embrace their own identities fully and courageously.
The poem also invites reflection on the interconnectedness of all people and the importance of honoring each individual's unique contributions. It encourages us to recognize the beauty and value in everyday acts and roles, from the mundane to the extraordinary.
Learning Points for Children and Students
- Themes of resilience and identity: Students learn how to express inner strength and self-acceptance.
- Metaphorical language: The poem uses metaphors like birds and wings to symbolize freedom and vitality, helping students understand figurative language.
- Cultural appreciation: It introduces learners to Native American perspectives and the importance of cultural heritage.
- Diversity and solidarity: The poem shows how diverse experiences can unite people through shared emotions and actions.
- Creative expression: Encourages students to explore different ways of expressing themselves—through song, art, science, and daily life.
Practical Applications and Inspirations
- In classroom discussions, students can explore the poem’s themes and relate them to their own lives, fostering empathy and self-awareness.
- In creative writing exercises, students can write their own poems or stories about identity and resilience.
- In social studies, the poem can be a gateway to learning about Native American culture and women’s roles worldwide.
- In life skills, the poem encourages embracing diversity, affirming self-worth, and finding joy in everyday moments.
Reading Comprehension Questions
- What does the metaphor "Everyone in me is a bird" suggest about the speaker’s feelings?
- How does the poem challenge negative opinions about the speaker?
- What is the significance of the repeated phrase "Sweet weight"?
- Name three different roles or activities of women mentioned in the poem.
- How does the poem express the idea of community among women?
- What does the poem suggest about the relationship between the body and the spirit?
- Why do you think the poem ends with "for the correct yes"?
Answers
- It suggests a feeling of freedom, vitality, and energy within the speaker.
- The poem rejects those opinions by affirming the speaker’s strength, fullness, and ability to sing and live fully.
- "Sweet weight" symbolizes the richness and complexity of the speaker’s identity and experience.
- Examples include: working in a shoe factory, tending a seal at an aquarium, painting bedroom walls.
- The poem shows women from different places and roles singing together, symbolizing solidarity and shared strength.
- The poem suggests that the body and spirit are connected and both need nurturing, expression, and celebration.
- It suggests affirmation, acceptance, and readiness to embrace life and its possibilities.
This poem is a powerful resource for encouraging self-expression, cultural understanding, and appreciation of diversity in educational settings.
