July 16, 2005
To My Hilo Friend
A'wapuhi, or Red Ginger at Rainbow Falls
I have thought of you
so many times
In Hilo town,
walking rain wet streets
My dear friend
than meant so much to me
I shared with you
all my secret dreams
And you did likewise
while we toiled together
in the pearl shop
on the wide Bayfront
There were no words
that I could say
on the day that
broke my heart
We are apart
by miles, waters wide
I feel for you
sensations of abandonment
by friends and memories
people moving on
I feel the pain
of Hawaii lost
Even your daughter,
your pride,the Pua Nani
of your life's lei
Has gone away
to find her own path
as I must mine
You are bound to Hawaii
"Ke Ea OKa Aina
is your life
The blood
of seven generations lies
in volcanic earth
How can you leave
the memories of your ancestors?
