Life At The Kitchen Table By Joy Harjo

759 Words4 Pages

Life at the Kitchen Table A poet, activist, and musician, Joy Harjo has received numerous honors for her efforts. Harjo has established herself as a significant figure in modern American poetry, consistently receiving acclaim for the profundity and thematic concerns in her works. Even though Harjo frequently depicts the Southwest, focuses on the person, and incorporates Creek values, myths, and beliefs, her body of work is relevant to everyone. In her poem, “Perhaps the World Ends Here” she argues that the kitchen table is the fundamental component of the activities we engage in to bring people together. The poem describes everything that takes place at the kitchen table and the people it unifies. The kitchen table serves as a powerful symbol …show more content…

The kitchen table has served as a gathering spot for families over meals and discussion for years. Sisters exchanged secrets, and parents could give advice to their kids away from the household's other activities. While their mothers were preparing food, many kids had the ideal chance to speak with them. During meals, people interacted with one another by conversing, exchanging ideas, and eating. The kitchen table is frequently associated with family gatherings and sincere talks. Joy Harjo intended to express this in her poem. For instance, she indicates, “This table has been a house in the rain and an umbrella in the sun.” This passage describes how the table has been there both during times of rain or sorrow and times of sunshine or happiness. It is firmly presenting a symbol of support. The family dynamic and structure are secure at the table, while it remains the same for the duration of their …show more content…

Kitchen tables typically aren't as large as dining area tables. They are warm and feel at ease. The family is invited to assemble and move closer together. Nowadays, families don't spend a lot of time together because of busy schedules, children's extracurricular activities, and devices. The table helps to reassert an acceptable conversational distance between families. No matter whether the meal is given on paper plates or grandmother's expensive china, it does not matter. The fact that the family is getting together and spending time talking to one another is all that counts. Relationships wither and die when they are not given the opportunity to speak. “The world begins at the kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat to live.” By stating that the “world begins at the kitchen table” she hints that the table is a