John Agard
DIVERSITY IN DE MARKET
DIVERSITY IN DE MARKET
To learn how dis ting diversity does operate
I went by Brixton market to investigate,
how de fruit and veg dem does integrate.
Ah saw Apple and Mango conversing cosily
Ripe Plantain had no quarrel with Broccoli.
Aubergine don't bear grudge 'gainst piri-piri.
I was impressed how Pineapple spoke sweetly
and when Red Pepper responded discreetly
I knew de fruit and veg dem could teach a nation
de secret of harmonious cohabitation.
So if you want learn 'bout dis ting diversity,
observe Butternut Squash and de little Lychee
(sung /calypso tempo)
In de fruit and veg market it was plain to see
de red yellow purple green live in harmony.
Yes, fruit and veg dem show each other respect,
no, Cucumber never raise a finger to Courgette,
no, Cucumber never raise a finger to Courgette
(spoken)
Then I saw Saltfish chatting up Cherizo
like de two o' dem does talk de same lingo.
Gammon and Mackerel held no grievance.
Black Pudding and Salami struck up alliance.
So if you want learn 'bout social etiquette
just study de ways of Oxtail Veal Brisket
(sung/ calypso tempo)
In de fish and meat market too it was plain to see
de black white pink brown also live in harmony.
Yes, fish and meat dem show each other respect,
no, Ah never see a fight between two fillet yet,
man, Ah never see a fight between two fillet yet.
John Agard
John Agard is a national and internationally acclaimed poet, playwright, short story writer, and performer, who over his long career has become known and loved for his playful, witty style and charismatic performances. In 2021, he was awarded the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement for his outstanding contribution to literature, and has previously been awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, th...
DIVERSITY IN DE MARKET
To learn how dis ting diversity does operate
I went by Brixton market to investigate,
how de fruit and veg dem does integrate.
Ah saw Apple and Mango conversing cosily
Ripe Plantain had no quarrel with Broccoli.
Aubergine don't bear grudge 'gainst piri-piri.
I was impressed how Pineapple spoke sweetly
and when Red Pepper responded discreetly
I knew de fruit and veg dem could teach a nation
de secret of harmonious cohabitation.
So if you want learn 'bout dis ting diversity,
observe Butternut Squash and de little Lychee
(sung /calypso tempo)
In de fruit and veg market it was plain to see
de red yellow purple green live in harmony.
Yes, fruit and veg dem show each other respect,
no, Cucumber never raise a finger to Courgette,
no, Cucumber never raise a finger to Courgette
(spoken)
Then I saw Saltfish chatting up Cherizo
like de two o' dem does talk de same lingo.
Gammon and Mackerel held no grievance.
Black Pudding and Salami struck up alliance.
So if you want learn 'bout social etiquette
just study de ways of Oxtail Veal Brisket
(sung/ calypso tempo)
In de fish and meat market too it was plain to see
de black white pink brown also live in harmony.
Yes, fish and meat dem show each other respect,
no, Ah never see a fight between two fillet yet,
man, Ah never see a fight between two fillet yet.