Street Roots • Dec 15-21, 2017
News / Poetry
Page 11
CHOCOLATE, fro m page 10
“make chocolate” verses “export cacao.” It’s a
vision of shared wealth for the good of both
chocolate makers and buyers.
In regards to the injustices of cacao farming
Paul said, the easiest way to be sure is ask one
simple question. ‘Where is the cacao from?’
Some countries like Costa Rica have very good
quality cacao but are also very strong on human
rights. Any human trafficking or child labor is
strongly punished and
the laws are strictly
enforced. Other places
like the Ivory Coast do
little to dissuade
plantation owners from
seeking cheap and
often very young
labor.”
As we purchase
chocolate and cacao
containing products,
wherever we live, it is
crucial to learn about
how the cacao was
farmed and what
processes took place in
its production.
“Certifications like
fair trade are a bare
minimum and mean
nothing about the
quality of chocolate,” Paul said. “You will be
happier and healthier if you can find a chocolate
you love to eat made by people who are sharing
the wealth in their farming communities.”
After tasting chocolate from local cacao
suppliers, we walked down a steep set of stairs
to the roasting facility. Paul introduced us to
the newest chocolate master in-training, whose
nickname was Coco; he assisted Paul in
demonstrating the roasting and winnowing
process, while handing out samples of the
beans. Paul continues his work while passing on
his craft, educating both tourists and members
of the local community about cacao and the
injustices within the industry.
As the sky darkened and we made the jungle
trek back to the shop, I concluded that
Caribeans is one, of what I hope will become a
long line of chocolate growers and producers
dedicated to seeing justice reign in the next
generation.
Down to Earth
by Aileen McPherson
Time lost, brain full of cobwebs, memories
Like ghosts haunt me as I make toast
Coffee please make the aches
Ease grogginess due to medications
Treating pains, out the window I do
Look, city streets cold grey
Buildings, steep steel crushing concrete
Blocks landscapes, sky above cries
Trying to drown, a dream within everything
Around, harsh reality not to scream, while
Others around, working through
Writing life down.’
Echos
by Daniel Cox
I am the breeze in the night,
The deep pools of azure are
Where I reside. I hear the
Echos of time, I am now
Silent as a grave
As I listen to that which
Is whispered through walls
The secrets they tell me
As I remain silent.
P H O T O B Y R IA H K N A P P
It Will Come
by Samuel Kusaj
A cacao plant on
the Caribeans
plantation in
Puerto Viejo.
Whenever I want I know
I must trust and surrender my will
And have faith it will come.
Expectations spoil the gift.
The surprise of the present that gives me a lift.
My God how I wonder what might happen next.
When I fall from God’s grace I ’m amazed in the way it corrects.
The moment I see it all come together,
The wanting leaves me but not forever.
If it wasn’t for the rain I wouldn’t appreciate the sun.
When the storm comes I know I must run.
The truth is I only have to walk,
But sometimes it’s fun to run to avoid all the talk.
Those negative words might just bring me down.
I hope that you laugh as I act like a clown.
When I’m wanting I’m waiting and soon will start hating.
So I must find a way to enjoy this new day!