Hawaiian Poem by Jim Anderson

Island Friends,

I have put my final touches on the “Hawaiian Poem” I have been working on since our last trip to Maui.

The first part is intended to describe the feelings of many younger generation Hawaiians, who have left and returned.

The second part attempts to let all Hawaiians know many others, not of their culture, share their same feelings and they are not alone in their concerns for their future.

The third part intends to call upon all of those who understand the peril of the Hawaiian people to bring together their initiatives for the common good. Aloha! - Jim Anderson

HAWAIIAN POEM

Island spirit winds refresh my soul,

Revive Aloha, and make me whole,

Drifting seas of land for many years,

Seeking deliverance with my tears,

Return me now to my island home,

Still the restlessness I have known,

Welcome me this, my land of seas,

Call my ancestors, to awake in me,

Strength, to help my people find,

Lessons from our history to bind,

Common purpose, lead us somehow,

Save our culture so in peril now.

****

Brothers and sisters we are not alone,

Raise your voices that we may atone,

To the gods so sacred to all our lands,

To our shared history on these islands,

Our people cry for your understanding,

Searching our ways yet never finding,

Relief from suffering we have known,

Leaders among us know we have grown,

Now, to demand lands taken in deceit,

Let our island nations again be complete,

Our families, our history together as one,

Only then to rest, our work will be done.

****

Our lei-filled arms are now extended,

Asking help that our struggle is ended,

Hawaiian ancestors traveled wide,

Many know they are Hawaiian inside,

We are many people, from many lands,

Bonded with our love for these islands,

Let us raise our voices and actions take,

Now work together for our common sake,

Seek a trusted leader to point the way,

Please work quickly, we can't waste a day,

You sense the urgency, now, join our cause,

Our Hawaiian culture may soon be lost. ?