The beauty of Africa, exotic, dramatic
From lush green and vivid to dry barren plain.
The people, the places, the plants and the wildlife.
All now adorned with the carrier bag.

Water, essential to all life is vital
Once carried on heads in a gourd or a pail.
Now comes in a bottle of pretty blue plastic,
All now adorned with the carrier bag.

Hedges and fences, vital for boundaries,
Wind breaks that catch the detritus of life.
Blue bottles and paper, cardboard and plastic,
All now adorned with the carrier bag.

The symbol of Africa, tall proud acacia
Stands in the sun 'gainst the clear bright blue sky.
Food for the Twiga and shelter for weaver bird,
All now adorned with the carrier bag.

The curse of a nation, so useful, so handy.
The carrier bag, used for so many things.
It's life is so short yet it lingers for ever
For all is adorned now with carrier bags.

Twiga – Giraffe
Everywhere in Mvumi were plastic bags and other rubbish, blown around and caught up by trees, fences and hedges.
© Peter Roots