Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 1988 — Poetry [ARTICLE]

Poetry

Editor's Note: The folIowing poem was shared with Office of Hawaiian Affairs Maui T rustee Manu Kahaiali'i while on a visit to Makalawena, Kona, during the Indigenous Peopie International Administrators' Conferenee in December. Kahaiali'i describes the author as "a beautiful Hawaiian man who was the gate keeper at Makalawena." Kahaiali'i wants to also share the poem with readers. It is signed Keihanaikukaua Kahi Hulihe'e Kahaunaele.

CULTURAL SYMB!OSlS I have learned to speak to you in your language, and in doing so, I haue learned to forget my own. I have learned to understand your laws, and in doing so, I have learned to disobey my ancient rules. I have learned to comprehend your ivays o/ God, and in doing so, I have learned to abandon mine. I have learned to see your society, and in doing so, I have learned to pay /or land stolen from me.

I haue \earned to eat your food, and in doing so, 1 have learned to buy mine. 1 have learned to look like you, and in doing so, I have learned to not remember who I am. I have learned to think like you, and in doing so, 1 haue learned to deny where 1 eame from. I have learned, haven't I? Haven't I?

By Earl (Buddy) Neller The sun rises Spreading light and warmth across the lands of my ancestors and I am filled onee again with loue and hope for the future. I dream of the precious mamo feeding on nectar from the curved blossoms of the lohelia. The pig is cooking in the earth. Let us join together in contemplation and prayer. Please accept this humble offering of praise and thanks.