Skip to main content
Poetry Foundation Homepage
Poetry magazine
June 2026Subscribe
Subscribe
June 2026Poetry May2026 cover RGB
Poetry Foundation Homepage
Poetry Foundation Homepage
Poetry Foundation
Poetry magazine
June 2026Subscribe
Subscribe
June 2026Poetry May2026 cover RGB
Poetry Foundation

Jackfruit

By Ho Xuan Huong
Translated By Marilyn Chin
My body is like a jackfruit swinging on a tree
My skin is rough, my pulp is thick
Dear prince, if you want me pierce me upon your stick
Don't squeeze, I'll ooze and stain your hands

Notes:

Read the translator's notes on this poem.

Source: Poetry (April 2008)
p1
This Poem Appears In
Poetry Magazine April 2008 issue cover, with Balint Zsako's illustration, "Untitled".
Read Issue
Subscribe to Poetry
Poetry Magazine April 2008 issue cover, with Balint Zsako's illustration, "Untitled".
This Poem Appears In
View Issue
  • Audio

    Jackfruit

    By Ho Xuan Huong
  • Poems & Poets
    • Collections
    • Poem Guides
    • Poem of the Day
    • Poems
    • All Poems
    • Poets
    • All Poets
  • Topics & Themes
    • Adults
    • Children
    • Education
    • Educators
    • Glossary of Poetic Terms
    • Teens
  • Features
    • About the Magazine
    • Advertise with Poetry

    • Articles
    • Books
    • Podcasts
    • Poetry Magazine

    • Poetry Magazine Archive

    • Submit to Poetry

    • Subscriptions
    • Video
  • Grants & Programs
    • Awards
    • Events
    • All Past Events
    • Past Exhibitions
    • Grants
    • Library
    • Partnerships
    • Programs
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Give
    • Jobs
    • News
    • Our Team
    • Press Releases
    • Reports & Financials
    • Trustees
    • Visit
Poetry Foundation
FacebookInstagram
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletters
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Poetry Mobile App
  • 61 West Superior Street,
    Chicago, IL 60654
  • © 2026 Poetry Foundation
See a problem on this page?