The Cachoeira Tales and Other Poems

Soaring images, rhythmic language, and wry humor come together in these three narrative poems that explore travel from an African American historical and social perspective. A cab ride turns into an amazing encounter with the driver, whose ideas about space and time travel spark the poet's musings on chutzpah and artistic ambition. A trip to Triolet leads the poet to ponder the past and present as she reflects on the ironic complexities of the slave trade and its legacy. And in "The Cachoeira Tales"--a rollicking, sensual exploration of spirit and community, with a nod to Chaucer and to traditional Trickster tales--the poet finds herself among fellow pilgrims in Brazil's Bahia. Using her remarkable ability to educate and inspire, Marilyn Nelson demonstrates the power of travel to transform our imaginations.