April 19, 2012
Bittersweet
Now I'm not a chocoholic but I'd like to let you know
That once I have that first bite, I always want some more
I tell myself I shouldn't binge and need some self-control
To fight this wicked luscious treat which has possessed my soul
Now some folks swear on chocolate and say you shouldn't fight
The urge to resist chocolate whenever it's in sight
For chocolate can seduce you with Mephistophelean charm
And apart from extra calories it can't do you much harm
The food of Gods it has been called and many would agree
That Chocolate has this magic like that apple on the tree
But if you worked in cocoa fields, a different tale you'd tell
One which pricks the conscience and thoughts you can not quell
If you join me on a journey of this little cocoa bean
You can witness first hand a lot that is unseen
Now some scenes might offend you and some of you might faint
You might recoil in horror and your chocolate it might taint
For miles away in Ivory Coast beneath the very sun
Which you and me wake up to hoping we'll have fun
Tiny blistered hands are working day and night
They've never seen a chocolate bar , all they know is fright
They're barely 8 or 10 years old but carry heavy sacks
Filled with cocoa pods and beans upon those small hunched backs
They can not tell the difference between "A" or "B" or "C"
But have to work from dawn to dusk and wield a machete
Drenched in sweat and bleeding from the whip that was lashed out
You can feel those wounds like Thomas did if you are in doubt
Pot bellied from hunger pangs all they want is bread
Apart from love and tender hugs and so much left unsaid
They've never had a childhood, they've never played with toys
They'd love to learn to read and write just like the other boys
Snatched away from Mum & Dad when they were very young
All they have is memories of lullabies Mum sung
And while I fret about their plight I must hasten to say
At times I'm just a hypocrite who looks the other way
Like that beauty pageant model who’s full of empty hope
I nibble on my chocolate bar while some in darkness grope
As I satisfy my sweet tooth with this elixir of life
Another child is writhing from the stabbed wound of a knife
But we can make a difference and restore their dignity
Like Bob Gedolf and others Lets try to - You and Me.
Anita Britto Archives: