Lahaina, Sands of my Birth

The sway of 'ohi'a trees outside my bedroom window
Reminds me of the waves at night
Pounding against the sea wall in Lahaina.
Blissful rhythm to lull one into the velvet folds of sleep.

The smell of the salt air mingles with the scent of plumeria
with its sharp citrus fragrance.
As the wind blows, the sweet smell of mango blossoms
A promise for sweet fruit, a sure sign of summer.

The sun beats down with warm embrace as freckles pop.
Bright skies, hot pavement for calloused bare feet.
Dust sits along the roadside waiting for a breeze
to liberate them skyward.

The ocean once so clear you could see Lanai underwater
Is now cluttered by too many feet trampling limu beds
The blue seas still invite the swimmer to seek relief
In the cool waters of the Pacific

Ku'u one hanau, auhea 'oe?
Ka 'aina 'opi'o
He wahi pana hou i keia la
'Aue, 'aue, 'aue