Under the Torch of Ha'aha'a

I composed this poem as part of an exercise called Dada, a method of creating outside the standards or norms of art and literature. Dada forces change by creating fresh ideas through random prompts. This exercise helped me to craft a poetic concept around "systems thinking" characteristics such as interrelatedness and interdependence.

The title of the poem refers to the characteristic of humility and to our pilina (relationship) with our past which provides context and understanding as we move forward in life. It honors knowledge passed to us through our kumu (teachers) while the torch, the fire of haʻahaʻa, is the desire for knowledge. It is an ahi (fire) that burns deeply and intrinsically in our na'au (gut). Pilina is the relationship to our ancestors (our ali'i), our kupuna (grandparents, older relatives), the natural world (through the 'ohai, lehua, birds, and sea), and through mo'olelo (from the land of Paliuli). These elements are passed in oli (chant) thus signifying "not the end, but the best of our legacy."

Under the Torch of Ha'aha'a

Hula is history, a perpetual symbol of aloha,

keiki tell of the monarch Lili'uokalani,

A beloved heart whose future reign was abolished,

by annexation in 1893, a political house of controversy.

Her voice travels via generations,

halau that cherish the contributions bequeathed,

by culture, character, and 'ohana.

We mahalo the kumu who teach and perpetuate aloha,
encouraging confidence and discipline,
under the torch of ha'aha'a.

Friendships and personalities enjoyed,

Happy, working and sharing the energy of family.

We praise the name of our ali'i,

honoring with lei of 'ohai and lehua,

the sound of wings over Paliuli.

Our paddles sing across the sea,

making possible a world disappearing,

excellence generously passed to me in flight,

through beautiful chanting,

not the end, just the best of our legacy.