Write an essay defending your idea of how the universe began. Tell how you arrived at your conclusion and how you feel about the "other side."

Are there any popular legends or myths associated with your culture, ethnic group, or religion? Describe one in an essay and tell how you think it originated and why it has lasted over the years.

Choose another Native American poet, male or female, and compare his or her work to Harjo's. Are there similar themes or subjects? How are the styles alike and how do they differ? If you have a preference for one over the other, tell why and give examples from the poems.

Joy Harjo has sometimes called the English language her "enemy." What do you think she means by this and how do you think it affects the poetry she writes, if at...