The sun ripened man moved slowly down the rustic street
meeting the morning as he did each day
His head already protected from the coming rays
by an old torn hat that had seen better days...
I had watched him all week
pushing his cart of fruit and sweets
selling along the street and in the square
and to him this must have been
just another day hoping to make ends meet...

The small bell on his cart announced his nearing
His dark eyes appeared empty, lifeless, and old
he seemed to not notice me standing there waiting
though I held my position, determined and bold...

As I eagerly stood in front of my hotel
he almost passed me by
so I called out to him revealing my desire
to examine his goods
hoping to purchase some fresh fruit
to start my day...


"Si señorita, my fruit is fresh," he said, "the best around."
It seemed the flies agreed with his observation...
“No, not that one,” he volunteered, displeased with my choice
“Theses are more ripe,” came his knowing voice
“And the mangoes are exceptional today,
no charge for the lady,” he went on
and before I could answer, he had handed me one.

Cuánto yo le debe, pedí
Doscientos cincuenta Colones, él dijo
which is about eighty cents.
I gave him my bill, ten dollars American and smiled
"The change is yours," I said, adding, "thank you for the mango."

With my choices made and his made for me
our transaction was now complete
He pushed his cart, ringing the bell
on his journey down the street...
Looking back to me
his eyes lit up with a smile
Tenga un día hermoso…... él dijo
Usted tiene un día hermoso también, señor...
My small token had brightened his day
making my breakfast all the more sweet...