Thanks to the Library of Congress's YouTube channel, readers can enjoy Joy Harjo's inaugural reading as U.S. Poet Laureate. Harjo, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is the first Native American to serve in the role. Harjo has authored several books of poetry, as well as other creative writing works, and has received numerous accolades for her work. She calls herself "the least likely person to be a poet," and notes that poetry taught her important life lessons such as the power of listening. Clearly, Harjo and poetry were a match meant to be. Here, Harjo celebrates the beginning of her new role as Poet Laureate (the 23rd individual to serve in this role) and recites some of her work. After some introductions, Harjo's hour-long performance takes listeners on a chronological journey through her portfolio. Additionally, readers will enjoy musical interludes presented by Harjo alongside her band members, Howard Cloud, Robert Muller, and Larry Mitchell.
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