Mango Season

For the sweetness that be-

a curse and a blessing,

from the family of Anacardiaceae,

(poison oak, ivy)

urushiol the name of the poison that be

Only let lips touch the inner fruit

lest the sap drip on skin and create

raised bumps,

Enjoy the inner flavor of mango under the skin,

and let the sap be just where it is, not on me

- from Weaving Green and Other Poems from a Tropical Farm (soon to be published)