A MANGO HOW CRIME

(after e. e. cummings)

long that summer, so many at fairs
(with pies of Oranges and peaches like Pears)
oh they looked to me hot by much and sweet by more
to taste the how and eat the why

many and some
(tasted all and liked none)
but find where this very fruit?
Rhubarbs of gardens? Trees from Apples? Bushels of Berries?

From not so close to there
(one replied he’d seen not enough of those at where)
an island due east and still more west; but not at fairs
a Mango not Apple

this Mango how crime
(“not Apple–the shame; and still no Key Lime!”)
the many stood and wondered the wrong
tasted sweet by much; too different by more

“my sweet by Mango,”
said he /is the how i know”
(many smell and eat more by more)
many touched not the Mango how sweet

“do not listen” said she;
(the woman by Apple. Pear. Raspberry.)
/i can see my garden
and that is good for all”

- Sarah Smith