On the island, the arrival of mangoes
is a perpetual sign of summer

Sunlight extends and they expand,
their initial green coat slowly covered by shades

of blushing reds and sunshine oranges, interlaced.
The organ-shaped fruit fill up

with blood, secretions of juice trickle and drop
below. A foretaste of sweetness to come

Before cutting them open they beat,
like my heart does, to voice,

We’re alive

and even after they’re transplanted
at the hands of ripening, the mangoes

thrive. Still, a sign,
now of my mouth’s delight.