Talking about Vegetables

Over the last years I have been fortunate to walk together with people who have lived experience of detention. When I ask about this experience their pain, even if buried is very evident. The memories are visceral, the time in detention seared into their bodies, sometimes it is too hard as it has been so unjust. And sometimes the conversation wanders on and heads towards the safety of nature, growing and vegetables. We have an allotment where we grow a great range of vegetables and soft fruit so we can exchange information about types of beans, berries, greens, sweet potatoes. We can talk about their memories of growing in their homeland. What crops were successful, which fruit was the nicest and we can return to safe and fertile grounds.

- by Nelica La Gro