"Oh, Catfish and Turnip Greens": Black Oral Traditions in the Poetry of Marilyn Nelson.

House of Moscow Street, The (Poem); Diverne's House (Poem); Aunt Annie's Prayer (Poem); Nelson, Marilyn, 1946-; African American oral tradition; African American poetry; Slavery in literature; Literary criticism; Poetry (Literary form)

A criticism is presented of the poetry of the African American author Marilyn Nelson within her book "The Homeplace," including the poems "The House on Moscow Street,” "Diverne’s House" and "Aunt Annie’s Prayer." Particular focus is given to the use of African American oral traditions within Nelson's poetry, including the oral traditions of preaching, singing and spirituality. The depiction of slaves within Nelson's poems is discussed.