Dark Chocolate Poem by Isabella Arce

My back aches and feels so sore,
I can feel myself trembling to the core.

So many cuts, bruises, and slices,
my arms and legs can’t take another crisis.

I see others around me in the same condition,
like me, their faces have lost all happiness and ambition.

When was the last time I saw my family? I don’t know
I struggle to remember, how I miss them so.

One minute I was happily skipping from school to my home,
the next, my feet are covered with loam.

Day in and day out, I rise and I toil
my feet know the drill, as they drag on the soil.

I grab a cocoa pod and set it down,
Then I lift a machete to hit its crown

Inside the precious beans reside
My worth in life is justified.

The more beans I gather and collect,
I hopefully gain a bit more respect.

For all this work, there is no payment,
No choice, no out, it’s child enslavement.

But one day, behold! Who’s that? He’s new.
He seems different and special, he is one of the few.

He goes to the head man, to probe, to inquire,
Of my welfare and others, why seemingly dire?

I bow my head down, with shame and confusion
as they spoke of the workers, the children’s condition.

The new man looks around, in shock but then in determination,
All around children’s eyes filled with utter desolation.

Hours, days, weeks, and months pass without change,
then one day became very strange.

Those of age below fifteen were told to stop working
At first it felt scary and downright confusing.

New faces came to explain, to reassure
The young packed their bags, all set for departure.

Then came another change that happened months later.
A school was built which brought smiles and laughter.

I went inside and asked why this was here,
and the man from before said: “Because Fair Trade is finally here”

To me he explained, there are perks, better choices
Along with Fair Trade, we now have stronger voices.

Although this may seem like it’s not a big deal,
You can’t possibly imagine how all of us feel!

Yes, I have been exploited and mistreated,
My dreams, my hopes, seemingly deleted.

I thought I will be forever marred
My faith and heart forever scarred.

Behold this small symbol of black, blue, and green
Behind it lies hope to many unseen.

So before your next purchase, remember my tale
Support me and Fair Trade with your items of sale.