The Woman Who Fell from the Sky

poetry by Harjo

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July 16, 2026

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The Woman Who Fell from the Sky is a poetry collection by Joy Harjo, the first Native American U.S. poet laureate. The collection explores themes of creation and destruction within modern society. Harjo's poetry often incorporates Native symbolism, imagery, history, and ideas, placing them in a universal context. Her work also addresses social and personal issues, including feminism and music, particularly jazz. Harjo's poetry is deeply connected to her Muscogee (Creek) heritage and her experiences as an Indigenous woman in America.12

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Joy Harjo
Poetry, tenure as U.S. poet laureate, and other writing
The Woman Who Fell from the Sky (1994) is concerned with the opposing forces of creation and destruction in modern society. Harjo’s other poetry collections include What Moon Drove Me to This? (1979); Secrets from the Center of the World (1989), prose poetry, with photographs…
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The Woman Who Fell from the Sky (1994) is concerned with the opposing forces of creation and destruction in modern society. Harjo’s other poetry collections include What Moon Drove Me to This? (1979); Secrets from the Center of the World (1989), prose poetry, with photographs…
Read More