Fair tradeIt could be chocolate

It could be bananas

It could be something you wear

It could be the s-t-i-t-c-h-e-r or farmer

Is trapped in a trade that’s not fair

Our lives are dictated by prices.

When we get a bargain we’re pleased

But there could well be a hidden cost

As the producer is pressured and squeezed.

Think of a square of milk chocolate

Imagine its sweet, sumptuous flavour.

Melting, magnificent, truly majestic

You have one last piece left to savour.

It tastes rather nice

(It’s a popular vice)

And it may even help lift your mood

But lives depend on this consumer choice

Have you given some thought to your food?

For those unfair wages

Low payments, in stages

Have knock on effects, I should think.

Consider the child who can’t go to school

For he’s searching for water to drink.

His parents can’t pay his school fees.

Instead, he must pay his way.

By tending to crops, tilling the fields

Surely there’s some other way?

When you’re ready to part with your money

You can come to their aid

By backing the one with the logo

Commonly known as ‘Fair trade’.

The chocolate is just as sumptuous.

In fact, it’s that little more sweet.

For you’re building lives, supporting others

And helping them onto their feet.

M F Cowan 2010

www.poemsforgeography.blogspot.com