Innocence and imagination can never be fully appreciated until that moment is relived again. John Tobias captures a specific summer of his life in “Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickles Received from a Friend Named Felicity.” Tobias describes aspects of a memorable summer through his descriptions and the sensory words of his writings. Tobias' poetry reflects the innocence and imagination that only a child can create and appreciate. Summer was filled with the mouthwatering taste of juicy watermelon and sweet isolation from civilization. As Tobias looks back and relives that summer day, he relives his innocence. In a way, Tobias is warning many of us to hold onto the precious moments of our lives and fully appreciate our youth. Tobias' writing style, descriptions, and poetic structure create an impactful poem. With the help of a friend named Felicity, who saved the watermelon that Tobias treasured, Tobias captures the second summer and tells its story to others through his poetry. “Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickles Received from a Friend Named Felicity” by John Tobias is a memory of an unforgettable summer day that replays in the mind and reminds people of the innocence so easily forgotten. The innocence and aspects of a summer day are often forgotten, but Tobias is able to relive the almost imaginary summer through a gift from Felicity. Think back to a specific day that can only be relived through fresh, innocent eyes. As a child, the wonders of nature and surroundings are beautiful. The summer Tobias experiences is so omnipotent that the summer seems unrealistic. As Tobias thinks back to the summer "That Maybe Never Was," he is reminded of the f...... middle of paper ... fantasy and illusion are often forgotten. Tobias has the opportunity to relive his childhood and fantasies with the help of a saved and sacred slice of the “Thick Imperial Slices/” watermelon. The description of each line enhances the experience the audience has while reading the poem, and Tobias' tone and purpose are clearly understood. As the poem comes to an end and the memory of the summer day begins to die, Tobias has the ability to remind himself and relive the summer day thanks to the sacred slice of watermelon that Felicity saved. As Tobias takes another bite of the watermelon and says, “And let it linger on [his] tongue:/Unicorns become possible again. /" John Tobias' poem, "Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickles Received from a Friend Called Felicity" is a reflection on how a memory should be cherished and remembered for the sake of innocence.