97poems/mango

MANGO HAIR

On my day to fast,
I find myself
learning the bitter lesson
of mango hairs,
too vehement in my pursuit
of pulp.
With each sip of my juice
the annoying fibers stick
to my tongue and teeth,
feeling so like human hair
I want to gag.
Nature’s way
of protecting the seed,
I tell myself.

It’s hot today.
Fasting I find
I cannot think
at all.
Shortly after 11 a.m.
I am ready for my
15 minute nap,
which usually comes
at two o’clock.

5/28/97