Hawai‘i Literature & Art
— Since 1978 —
The first time I saw fireflies I was with my brother in Illinois waiting for fireworks It was dusk, and we were sitting in lawn chairs we carried from the truck to the open field We sat back and gazed at the sky that was a lovely lavender-grey as the sun faded. Out of…
Unadorned and crammed looser than I want The rattle is loud, and the promise is less. I like the darker, denser ones But I’ve always been like that Lighter colored ones lack that certain sweetness That comes from long hours in the sun Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking With no rhyme or reason….
We rode that old MGB with the top down, the wind and sunshine on our faces. We took that road right after Three Tables and before Foodland up to Pupukea Heiau. Michael maneuvered the MG along the bumpy dirt road. To the right, Waimea Bay glittered as waves caught the sunshine. Trade winds played with…
In this Hawaii Covid bubble We are bombarded with politico and medico messages About high case counts, rising deaths, hospital overflow, No go out to eat, support your local restaurants, get take-out Stay home as much as you can, create your own small pod— I think it’s five people this week The latest is old…
I wonder if local people Shudder more than others When they read Kafka’s Metamorphosis— You know the one where the guy turns into a cockroach. Local folks are afraid of B-52 bombers that’s why I mean, come on, the guy’s not going turn Into the small, German roach It’s way too small. If…
Along the Ala Wai in the cool heat of day’s end We might see walkers Rushing by without smiles Intent on closing the gap to unknown destinations. Hand in hand, Thich Nhat Hanh walks with me, Slowly, we walk without a destination in mind Each step connects us in peace We breathe and step,…
When the veil between the past and present flutters I see the source of my healing touch and intuitive reading I see my fear of being in the water Waves or no waves, flat as Ala Moana —no matter Long after the veil is still, I remember I am a healer who fears being in…
Craving comfort food I challenge myself to parallel park Right in front of Jane’s Saimin Stand Japanese high notes bounce along wooden walls From the old jukebox in the corner. Stepping in, sliding in the red vinyl booth I am a kid again Sitting in a saimin shop on Sundays With my mom and brothers…
No Left Turns (First) 25 words I wanted to dance Tahitian in Waikiki. I was almost an exchange student in Argentina. I was fearless. My Mother wasn’t. Paths for other lifetimes. No Left Turns (Second) 100 words I always believed I was adopted Out of sync with my siblings and parents. In my senior…
Meet Up At Kalapawai Cafe I waved at the young Filipina waitress, I need ketchup for my fries when you can come. She came, gave me kindness with ketchup packets, Here, try mayo on your French dip for extra flavor. What you drinking? I can get you a free refill. I laughed, Oh, thank…
