To celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November—and the rich tradition of Native American poetry all year long—browse this selection of poems by classic and contemporary poets.
“The Clans” by Richard Calmit Adams
When the waters were so mighty...
“Victory” by Sherman Alexie
When I was twelve, I shoplifted a pair...
“Passive Voice” by Laura Da’
I use a trick to teach students...
“Peace Path” by Heid E. Erdrich
This path our people walked...
“Red Language” by Heid E. Erdrich
If I heard the words you once used...
"This Morning I Pray for My Enemies" by Joy Harjo
And whom do I call my enemy?
“Remember” by Joy Harjo
Remember the sky that you were born under...
“Song for the Turtles in the Gulf” by Linda Hogan
We had been together so very long...
“Let There Be” by Manny Loley
a good poem / is summer...
“from WHEREAS ['Whereas when offered...']” by Layli Long Soldier
Whereas when offered an apology...
“Autumn” by Alexander Posey
In the dreamy silence...
"To Yahola, on His First Birthday" by Alexander Posey
The sky has put her bluest garment on...
"Whose Mouth Do I Speak With" by Suzanne Rancourt
I can remember my father bringing home spruce gum...
“She Was Fed Turtle Soup” by Lois Red Elk
The willows were turning green, slips of leafs...
“Can You Feel the Native American in Me” by M. L. Smoker
We pull into dirt driveway in Lara’s blue Celica...
“A Song of a Navajo Weaver” by Bertrand N. O. Walker
For ages long, my people have been...
“Morning on Shinnecock” by Olivia Ward Bush-Banks
The rising sun had crowned the hills...
“Wicaŋhpi Heciya Taŋhaŋ Uŋhipi” by Gwen Westerman
(We Come from the Stars)
“Carrying Our Words” by Ofelia Zepeda
We travel carrying our words...