The Backporch Review 2022

Island Connection
By Idalis Santiago, 12
The countryside of Puerto Rico is where mango trees thrive,
I was told by my grandmother--
tales of living off the land, where the poor reside,
and children spent their days running into the forest--
foraging for the sweet nectar of fruit.
As I grew the stories intrigued me,
the island held memories unknown--
ready to be sought without hesitation.
Over the years, the mango slices turned whole,
until the mango trees stood before me.
My hand met the tree--
filling me with generations of memories,
the oranges, reds, yellows, and greens called to me.
Unlike my mother and grandmother, I didn’t climb.
Yet, the tree stood tall with island pride.
The first and last bite of the fruit--
are the most delicious and unforgettable,
the smell, the taste, the surface of the smooth skin--
the blooming freshness of picking one on my own,
a reminder that my family once called this place home.
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