Fair Trade in Macclesfield

This was an unofficial commission - to write something for Macclesfield Fair Trade fortnight. Local schools were asked to write and display poems to put up in Macclesfield Library, and an event was set up with the Mayor. As a bonus, Macclesfield acquired Fair Trade status as a town the week before, so there was plenty to celebrate.

I got to thinking about the processes involved in this. When a child is asked to write a poem about an issue - when I'm asked to write about an issue - there is a certain amount of extra engagement involved. I looked up some web sites, became concerned. And then when the poems are displayed or read out, there is a kind of celebration and valuing of these expressions.

The children were great - lively vigorous poems - sometimes carried away by rhyme, sometimes serious and factual. I tried to write something that I felt but which was true to the issues. Here's what I came up with - I'd value comments and responses!

This is a Fair Trade Poem.

This poem is made from
one hundred per cent recycled
words. It has not been tested
on animals. It has no additives
no artificial colouring.

Juanita’s poem is a sweet banana
fragrant, glowing. But the price
has fallen. ‘Dear teacher’ she says,
‘My children can no longer come
to school.’ This poem is made
from recycled words, but who
is listening?

Maria’s poem is a handful
of glinting coffee beans. She lets them
slide through her fingers. The price
has fallen. No clothes, no shoes
no medicine for the children.
This poem is made from recycled
words, but who is listening?

The supermarket poem is all noise
and colour. A price goes up
so we cross the aisle and choose
another brand, another packet.

Our lives are linked to their lives.
Their lives are linked to our lives.
This poem is made from recycled words.
Listen.