Poison Melon

Costa Rica is divided up into Providences. We live in the Guanacaste Province which is known for growing most of the countries melons, including watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. Now the watermelon here is wonderfully juicy, sweet and just dissolves in your mouth. It is especially refreshing after you've been out at the beach all day. When the coolness breaks into your mouth, and the sweet juice slips down your throat, a sigh escapes your lips at the moment of pure joy.

Well that must end today. No more! I learned that there are so many pesticides on the melons grown here that the locals won't touch them. I guess that explains the numerous roadside stands that sale them. I did wonder why there were so many selling watermelons. With sadness I must put aside my fondness for the sweet sandia and avoid all tempting glances and associations with the fruit. A single tear slips down my face at the ending of such a wonderful relationship, but just like the poisoned apple, it may look lovely but it will kill me. Such simplicity here. Sigh.

My sadness was quickly washed away as the thunder rolled and the lightening flashed. Our first real day of rain came. As we stood watching from the beach, dark thunderheads grumbled and crawled our way as we smiled with anticipation. At first it was light, a small hiss of water touching the dryness of the earth; but soon it was pouring and we all stood on the porch watching, breathing in the scent of nature's mist, and enjoying the start of a whole new time for us. Let it rain Lord, oh let it rain.