Be the Salt

From the cliffs of Ka'upulehu,
I look across the deep blue channel and
I see Haleakala rising in the midst.
The warm winds sweep around me
Making the coconut trees move,
Starting their napenape concert of clattering leaves.
I throw my orchid leis to my 'ohana
Across the way on Maui, ku'u one hanau.
I urge them to swim courageously to send our aloha
Past a rhymthm of waves...
Towards Maui and my kupuna.
I get my spoon out to dig brittle salt crystals
Like frozen snowflakes in the lava crevices.
I look for salt collecting pans
And sweep the salt-bitter pa'akai into my cup.
I collect the salt for my hiapo
Leaving our island to a temporary new home.
I dig the salt to remind her that this is her home
Mai poina...her loved ones here.
I urge her to be the salt-bitter pa'akai,
Clinging to the black lava of Moku o Keawe.
Our home.

Kanaka Thinking - Good Work

I hole 'ia no ka i'e i ke kau o ka la.
The time to cut designs in a topa beater is when the sun is high.

Do your work when you can do your best.