Poetry International Poetry International
Poem

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.

Close

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.

DIVERSITY IN DE MARKET

Sponsors
Gemeente Rotterdam
Nederlands Letterenfonds
Stichting Van Beuningen Peterich-fonds
Prins Bernhard cultuurfonds
Lira fonds
Versopolis
J.E. Jurriaanse
Gefinancierd door de Europese Unie
Elise Mathilde Fonds
Stichting Verzameling van Wijngaarden-Boot
Veerhuis
VDM
Partners
LantarenVenster – Verhalenhuis Belvédère