Half a pound of tuppeny rice

Seeks to reflect on the way that truths about commerce and labour have been captured in seemingly “innocent” rhymes.

Fictional prose.

The piece contemplates the trap into which a tradesman might fall when at the mercy of fluctuating demand and tempted to give up his tools. Alternative means of income are weighed up and a moral about managing money is suggested.

Encourages further consideration of the way that common rhymes represent the economic and social truth of their times.

A creative representation of the origins of popular verses that deal with working lives of the past.