Humming the blues

Cass Dalglish translates the cuneiform of Enheduanna, a powerful Sumerian princess in 2350 BCE. Nin-me-sar-ra-the first signed poetry in history-begs the goddess Inanna (who entered the underworld and returned) for help overcoming a usurper. Adopting a jazz aesthetic, Dalglish improvises on her translations, re-examining the cuneiform through feminist lenses. Giving fresh interpretations to the originals, these poems form rhythmic riffs-like jazz musical improvisations-that carry the reader back to the lands of ancient Iraq during the time when gods were women.