Rambuttan, a gift of nature

These days every time we visit the market
Or pass a village or town
We see luscious Rambuttans
Lined up in succulent crimson heaps.
We have seen them
From our childhood
Through adult life
And now in old age
I occasionally ponder
How joyfully we as carefree children
Cherished the taste of its juicy flesh.
No words can ever tell
The utter delight we felt
When mouthing these elegant fruits
Of historic Malwana fame.
A gift of nature
Introduced by the exuberant Portuguese
Who once dominated our local scene.
But today the tempting Malaysian fruits
Arrayed in their hairy crimson coat
Flood our marketplaces
Adding colour to wayside booths.
Of all nature's bounteous gifts
The humble Rambuttan's lofty branches
Provide us this delicious seasonal fruit
With a juice that's ambrosia
To the lips of both the young and old
Outstanding as a delicious Asian fruit.

- Andrew Scott