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Oahu Page 2
Three Poems: Waikiki Morning, Arrival to Aloha, and Rock-a-Bye Baby
Vignette: Aloha Spirit
Three Poems
Waikiki Morning
On the balcony high above the traffic
the sun has yet to show her face
after a long journey west.
Wet fog over the mountains
portend the rains to come.
The city awakes.
Lights begin to illuminate
apartment windows
as rested or tired beings
rise to face the day.
In a parking lot far below,
under the palm shaded cardboard,
two souls emerge
indicating that all
is not well in paradise.
Comment:The Waikiki area of Honolulu is beautiful and filled with tourists who enjoy this ideal location. But also, because of the warm year around weather, it attracts hundreds of homeless, many suffering with mental disabilities. This situation has become a major policy issue as the government tries to deal with these less fortunate souls.
Arrival to Aloha
The wheels touch down
after seven hours,
having left frigid
17 degree Park City.
The terminal's open-air walkways,
the balmy breezes,
and the lush green mountains
in the distance
tell you that paradise awaits.
Soon reality hits
as one enters the traffic
of modern Honolulu.
As in most cities,
drivers jockey for position
but without horns and flashing fingers.
Comment: Like everywhere, everything is not ideal as mentioned in the first poem. However, having visited Hawaii many times over the last three decades, I sense there is a difference in how Hawaiians handle daily activities. The populace appears to have more patience and tends to offer a more "Aloha Spirit” in a stressful situation.
Rock-a-Bye Baby
Rocking the little child,
she rhythmically breathes
in my arms.
Why do children
fall to sleep quietly
though moments before,
restless and crying?
Perhaps one's genes
remember primordial times
when the wave swept over all life.
Or perhaps the beating of one's heart
soothes her tired being.
I rock,
preserving the moments,
none more precious,
before rising
and placing the sleeping child
in her bed.
Comment: Every loving parent or grandparent understands this poem. One of great benefits as a grandfather is to baby sit and on occasion rock your beloved granddaughter to sleep. As Peyton ages, she prefers being placed in her crib and allowed to go to sleep. However, on this particular day she needed more and allowed me the privilege to rock her. Thus, the poem came into being.
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Family fishing
Kite flying on the east side
A must lunch stop on your around the island tour is one of the shrimp wagons
Ala Mona Beach between Waikiki and Honolulu–note no crowds
Climbing the hard way to the lighthouse
Courtyard to the Royal Hawaiian, also known as the Pink Palace–the original resort hotel on Waikiki Beach.
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Kermit the Frog would have a joyous time singing about rainbows. |
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Halona Cove, one of many to enjoy a swim |
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Vignette: Aloha Spirit
I have traveled to every state and found that each has its own personality. Now generalizing can be dangerous since I am only using my personal empirical data as a basis for my first statement. As with any generalization there are always exceptions. Keeping all that in mind, I have found Utah, where I currently live, to be very trusting in general daily activities such as shopping where clerks take your word that you have only taken one bag of fertilizer and placed it in your car trunk. Ohioans love football, especially the Ohio Buckeyes. The state becomes rabid the week before the Ohio/Michigan game. (Remember, there are always exceptions.) I could go on but will focus only on Hawaii. This is my twenty-fourth trip to the Islands, and I believe that I have a good feel for its personality, the Aloha Spirit.
Over the years traffic in Honolulu at rush hour, even non rush hour, can be a near parking lot. Like most states, people are often in a hurry, especially Mainlanders, who are easily recognized. If you hear a horn, it is usually one of them. I have yet to see a fist or raised finger.
Hugs and embraces are the mode of greeting or good-bye among the residents. These behaviors are especially true with those families who have been on the islands for generations.
Dress is very casual except on formal occasions when native Hawaiians wear ceremonial dress. In general, in terms of dress, think relaxed and minimal.
However, "Aloha" means much more than these few examples. It is used to say "Hello" and "Goodbye." The spirit of the word includes affection, peace, compassion, and mercy. It is hard to define but something you feel from watching the local TV broadcasts-to efforts to improve the environment-to the importance of family–to interaction with others.
I wish each of you much "Aloha."
If you have a guest vignette you would like to submit, please do so. Not only will I enjoy reading it, but if agreeable with you and space permitting, I will print it in a future issue. The vignette should be written in paragraph form and relate a personal story or event. Equally important, it should fit the overall tenor of this newsletter. Ideally, it should not exceed twenty lines. Please send to bob@poeticaljourneys.com.
Recommendations: |
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Bishop Museum: This museum located in Honolulu is the premier place to learn about the Hawaiian people and their culture. This restored building along with accompanying planetarium and other facilities is a wonderful place to spend all or part of a day. The history of Hawaii is revealed as you walk the main building. First the Polynesians arrived, followed centuries later by Captain Cook, next the whalers, and then missionaries. Eventually, the sugar cane barons arrived and usurped power from the Hawaiian kings and queens. Hawaii became a state in 1959.
To view my video, go to this YouTube link.
Please take a look at the online book and gift page |
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A beach with fantastic clouds above.
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Hanauma Bay, a beautiful place to snorkel and see the coral reefs
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Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of Temples Memorial Park |
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Kailua Beach, located in the town where President Obama often stays |
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Free evening Hula Show on Waikiki Beach
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
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| Waikiki Sunset |
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