In Brunswick, words have historically been a weapon to drive change. Back in the 1920’s a poem was written and published in the Brunswick and Coburg Leader to complain about Melville’s creek, the “unwholesome creek” where “germs do sneak”. Thanks to this poetic action (and most likely other actions) this creek was eventually concreted.
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Following in this tradition, Brunswickian activist, Ken Taylor, recently shared with Brunswick Daily two rhymes. He wrote the words below to support the campaign that urges the Victorian Government to make Public Acquisition of the unique Preston Market located in the not-too-distant neighbouring suburb.
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“In Rhythm & Rhyme:
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There’s movement at the Market, Preston end of High St. still
But over-build is coming, making loss & harsh dismay
For essence of our neighbourhood, fight on hard we willÂ
Community has signed on for the dayÂ
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This stunt on August twelve*, we stand around so fine
Shows Preston Market’s, friends intend their best
A Demonstration can, mark out a lively line
Our campaign helps preserve, this feature in our nest.
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And now HIP HOP
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In Preston that Market is so rough & ready
That exotic neighbourhood makes me quite heady
But it’s really the donuts, cause me safe & steady
Done twice at the cross-path, each moment sublime
It shows we must fight, even such a long time
Not just around High St. & over the creek
Overdevelopment makes us too bleak
The best North of Melbourne, united must stand
Our arms around Market will make us feel grand
Our elected must buy, or lose more when they stand!”
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* This date makes reference to the rally “HANDS AROUND PRESTON MARKET” held on Saturday, August 12th.
This article was written, edited, and published on the stolen lands of the Wurundjeri-woi wurrung People, whose sovereignty was never ceded.
