Koa Canoe

Koa Canoe

Dark Koa Canoe hollowed and warm
under open sky and reflective lagoon
you are silent with wise journeys.
Wind worn and salted under drying sun and ancestral sinew,
voices still echo in your grain
and dreams still rest upon your ama.

Koa Canoe seen with Makai son’s eyes
and Mauka daughter’s searching heart
you strengthened us in our youth over connecting seas
with our calloused hands paddling out our determination
-you gave us a sense of self.

Koa Canoe who brings us to the old ways
under starlit night,
over hallowed reefs,
and surfing by time forgotten beaches
upon landing you are lifted and carried over paths worn by many generation’s feet.

Koa Canoe lit now with familiar fires flickering
and touched by guided keiki’s hands
you embrace us with the open arms of our past.