Under the Mango Tree by Hugh Aaron - 4693 Words

UNDER THE MANGO TREE by Hugh Aaron ONE would think we were a couple of returning heroes. â€Å"Americanos, Americanos,† the naked children shouted, zigzagging like circus clowns in mad circles around us as Billiard Ball and I ambled abreast down the beaten path through the shade of the green canopy. Heavy duffel bags hanging from our shoulders were laden with gifts: bottles of beer, cartons of cigarettes, cans of fruit juice. Repeatedly sweeping past us like zephyrs, each child snatched a bar of sweet chocolate from our extended hands. We were no less boisterous than they, shouting along with them, asking their names, having a good time ourselves, caught up in the infectious joy of their freewheeling abandon. Such was the†¦show more content†¦Although my father had lost the wealth gained during his most vigorous years, and he had lost his daring and capacity to dream for the rest of his life, he never lost his belief in America. In its worst time s the nation somehow provided opportunity for survival. When the meal was over, Anita handed me a sleeping mat, which I unrolled on the floor beside those of my hosts. It was too hot to be out in the high sun of the early afternoon. What could be more sensible than to have a cool siesta? In two hours Anita awakened me from a soft sleep. Lucio had returned to the field, her mother was elsewhere, and her grandmother squatted quietly in a corner weaving a mat. â€Å"My father has asked me to show you the mango tree,† she said. â€Å"Will you come with me, please?† We walked down the path to the highway, at first side by side, but soon she fell behind. â€Å"Am I going too fast for you?† â€Å"No, no,† she said, urging me to keep on ahead. She continued to linger behind. â€Å"Are you tired?† â€Å"No, no,† and she giggled in amusement. â€Å"It’s the custom in Lubao that I walk behind.† Since the concrete highway was blistering, w e walked along the narrow dirt shoulder, which was less hot but still burned through the soles of my GI boots. Anita, barefoot as usual, didn’t seem to mind. Nor, in her white dress and wide brimmed woven hat, did she seem bothered by the afternoon sun beating down on us, while I perspired heavily and had to stop to rest now and then under a tree. AlthoughShow MoreRelatedRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 Pagesrights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of Oxford University Press, or as expressly permitted by law, or under terms agreed with the appropriate reprographics rights organization. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside the scope of the above should be sent to the Rights Department, Oxford University Press, at the address above You must not circulate