Catching the Light (Why I Write)

This book is a powerful and moving exploration of the why of writing poetry, as examined by Joy Harjo, the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States.

Through intimate vignettes that take us through her life journey as a youth in the late 1960s, a single mother, and a champion of Native nations, Harjo reflects on how poetry functions as an expression of purpose, spirit, community, and memory.

She insists that the most meaningful poetry is birthed through cracks in history from what is broken and unseen, and calls us to watch and listen for the songs of justice for all those America has denied.

This book is an homage to the power of words to defy erasure - to inscribe the story, again and again, of who we have been, who we are, and who we can be.

Don't miss out on this inspiring and thought-provoking exploration of the power of poetry and its ability to shape our understanding of justice and healing in America.