Deflation in the euro zone in one chart and one poem

Harvesting grapes in the Small Carpathians near Bratislava, Slovakia
Harvesting grapes in the Small Carpathians near Bratislava, Slovakia
Image: EPA/TOMAS HUDCOVIC
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Deflation stalks the edges of Europe

Prices in Slovakia fell in May, turning
Slovakia, Greece and Cyprus into triplets
A deflationary troika in the euro zone.
The consumer price index dropped 0.8%,
Below the zero line for six seasons now.
In spring when a farmer in the Small Carpathians
Tended to his orchard, cutting stinging nettles from
Sugar beets, making room for branches holding apricots and apples
Did he think in summer’s bloom the price for food would drop?
His cider, dear to make, now sells cheap to bars in Bratislava.