THIS IS HOMEÉ

 

I am from waking up to the sounds of

cars, roosters, and my neighbors

talking outside.

 

I am from going to McDonaldÕs

and ordering

a Portuguese, Eggs, and Rice plate

with a large fruit punch.

 

I am from going to Christmas parties where we eat kalua pig, squid luÕau, chicken long rice, lomi lomi salmon, poi, haupia, and more

and eating as much as we want.

 

I am from seeing my mom

in the back with her 3 tubs

making kimchee all day long.

 

I am from the luscious green mountains,

sand glittering in the sun,

the ocean as blue as the sky

the trade winds blowing to cool you off.

 

I am from the echoes of the past

calling out faintly

yearning to be heard

to not be forgotten

to be understood.

 

I am from a place where there is a spirit

that is alive and special

a spirit known as

Aloha. 

 

This is homeÉ