Remember

“Remember” opens with references to the sky, stars, moon, and sun. These elements are often emblems or symbols for the almighty, a power that is above earthly concerns. The speaker treats them as family members, but also as powerful entities that can see and speak to humans. The speaker notes “you were born under [the sky]” (Line 1), and readers should “know each of the star’s stories” (Line 2). This demonstrates the connectivity between human beings and the celestial elements. It evokes a theme of metaphysical spirituality as experienced through attention to physical phenomenon, with both the daylight and the nighttime personified as benevolent, involved in the lives of people, and willing to share their wisdom with anyone who listens. Through this relationship, Harjo portrays the cosmic as friendly and the earth and heavens as supportive of human life.

The wind is a symbol of something intangible, invisible, immeasurable, but significant. Like the celestial forces, it has power to roam over the earth, but unlike the sun, moon, stars, etc., the wind interacts more intimately with people, living with them on the planet. Wind symbolizes change since it comes and goes, moves the fixed elements, and can even cause damage.