Perhaps the World Ends Here

“Perhaps the World Ends Here” is by Joy Harjo, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and the 2019 US Poet Laureate—the first Native American poet to hold the office. Published in Harjo’s 1994 collection, The Woman Who Fell from the Sky, the poem explores themes of unity, the concept of gathering, and the apocalypse. Written as an extended metaphor in which Harjo’s speaker compares the ubiquitous kitchen table to the world and the cycles of life, “Perhaps the World Ends Here” is a stark argument—during times of global war, climate change, and overall fragmentation—for recognizing the similarities of all humanity rather than its differences. As a Native, Harjo understands the importance of community, supporting family and friends, and caring for the earth’s environment. These thematic tones run deeply throughout this poem and many other works by Harjo.

Speaking volumes in just 11 stanzas, “Perhaps the World Ends Here” is a testament to Harjo’s poetic ability and to her softly forceful voice. Harjo’s work has been described as “[drawing] from the river of Native tradition, but […] also [swimming] freely in the currents of Anglo-American verse” (“

Unlock all 17 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App

+ Printable PDF

+ Literary AI Tools

Unlock Full Library