I was enlightened with the fact, that mangoes belong to the same family as poison ivy, the Sumac family. Certain cultures have made this fruit a staple in their diet. Puerto Rico became one of those countries. In 1750, the mango was introduced to their island and Puerto Rico embraced it. After two and half centuries of consumption, Puerto Ricans have unknowingly developed a natural immunity to poison ivy.
Case in point, my friend Ricardo and I were running through the woods naked. I unfortunately was hospitalized for a burning, eczematous rash and mi amigo Ricardo came out unscathed.
Once I recovered, I had an inspiration and drew out my quill and scribed this poem…
Mangos
Succulent orbs of protective fructose
Poison Ivy
Infectious, secreting leaves of agony
The devious, demonic plant lurking below
Preying on unsuspecting Gringos with their unprotected skin
Behold!
Mira!
My epidermis is laced with Mango Madness.
Defending my body from the venomous juice.
My regal blood is produced by my pumping, pulminary papaya
Immune to the toxic Taliban of torment
Eschuchen, por favor
I love to lay in the grass
You can kiss my Puerto Rican ass
