Analysis Of Joy Harjo's Poem 'Perhaps The World Ends Here'

Joy Harjo uses many forms of figurative language in her poem “Perhaps The World Ends Here”. Two form of figurative language that she uses are metaphor and personification. The first is her use of metaphor, for example “This table has been a house in the rain, an umbrella in the sun, shadow of terror” (8-9). This shows how life takes on the qualities of a dining experience. Outlandish dishes to test, most loved recipes to test over and over. Possibly differed seasonings and an assortment of side dishes. Secondly she uses personification in her poem. She states “Our dreams drink coffee with us as they put their arms around our children. They laugh with us at our falling-down selves and as we put ourselves back together once again at the table.”