Author Description

"The Heart as a Drum elucidates poetry by both urban- and reservation-identified Indians, providing historically grounded readings of the work of poets from varied geographic and tribal origins.". "Author Robin Riley Fast reveals the ways that the poetry reflects an awareness of the divisions and conflicts inherited from colonization, and a commitment to traditional beliefs about the relatedness of all beings. The book explores the effects of this double perception on poetry that emphasizes resistance and continuance, and that makes bold, imaginative use of language. It examines the themes of community and audience, the meanings of place and history, spiritual experiences, the nature of language, and the roles and varieties of storytelling. The poets whose works are discussed include Sherman Alexie, Joy Harjo, Maurice Kenny, Simon J. Ortix, Wendy Rose, Elizabeth Woody, and Ray Young Bear, among others.". "The Heart as a Drum makes an important contribution to the study of modern American poetry and to Native American studies. It provides a critical framework that shows connections among the works, an exploration of their varied cultural and historical contexts, and close readings of many poems. The book will be useful to those interested in American poetry and in American Indian cultures and literatures."--BOOK JACKET.