Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Jaji came to the United States to study piano at Oberlin. In 1998 she performed Robert Schumann’s Carnaval, Op 9., for piano; this volume of poetry mirrors the structure of Schumann’s music while filling in the content with Jaji’s own themes and experiences. The first sequence, “Family Trees,” lays out a genealogy with a fruit/vegetable/garden metaphor, situating the family as a place of growth or rot, depending on how its members are cultivated. The main sequence, “Carnaval,” can’t be described without spoiling it, but trust me: if you thought nothing could improve on Schumann, you’re wrong. With its vivid imagery and bold imagination, Jaji’s work is highlly recommended for serious poetry fans and curious music lovers.