The Trickster’s Tongue

This anthology includes poetry translated from eight languages, including ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Latin and modern Caribbean, Latin American, and Europhone African. The verse included draws on the oral tradition, especially from the Yoruba people, and is complemented by French and Portuguese translations of ancient texts. The focus on the poetic diversity of continental Africa and the common experiences of the diaspora illuminates how elements of modern black poetry draw from traditional oral sources.