The final section of the poem deals with the interaction between the observer, the fruits, and the beggars. The act of buying fruit is juxtaposed with the act of witnessing poverty. The fruit is described as "sweet to the taste," providing physical nourishment
"Fruits" by Goh Poh Seng is a testament to the restorative power of nature. By contrasting the "perfect forms" of ripened fruit with the uncertainty of human existence, Goh encourages the reader to find grounding in the steady, reliable cycles of the earth. The poem ultimately argues that the simple beauty of a fruit is a miraculous achievement that offers a necessary light against the shadows of the future. different poem by Goh Poh Seng, or perhaps provide more biographical context about his role in the National Arts Council Fruits Poem By Goh Poh Seng fruits poem by goh poh seng
Goh highlights the physical, sensory experience of the growing fruits, describing how the weight of the harvest bows the branches in a "graceful" display of natural abundance. The heavy boughs, bending toward the earth, represent a quiet, grateful return of what the soil provided. The final section of the poem deals with
And then, think of the doctor-poet who taught you that rot is not the enemy of sweetness—it is the reason sweetness matters. By contrasting the "perfect forms" of ripened fruit
"Yes, at night I can be your sweet mango / but comes the dawn / I'll be as sour as a calamansi"
Goh Poh Seng’s journey did not end in Singapore. He emigrated to Canada in 1986, settling first in rural Newfoundland before moving to Vancouver, where he passed away in 2010 at the age of 73.
While classic poems celebrate the abundance of the land, his structural overviews often hint at how urbanization separates citizens from the natural earth, turning vibrant, organic life into sterile commodities. The Lasting Legacy of Goh’s Imagery