Oh Kauai, Hawaii Forever Be - Keep it Green For Future Generations

This is my 'keep it green' proclamation, of sorts, for the Hawaiian Islands. The island of Kauai is being overbuilt, for such a tiny island. This poem notes what progress brings, and part of the destruction that can happen, because of our thoughtless march toward what we consider to be progress. Embrace these fragile resources, that have been left in our care. Let us remember to tread lightly, on the land and sea, respect the gifts we have been given, so that they might still be there for future generations. Wherever you are, remember that is your own responsibility to protect your own view of the 'Aina', which is 'land' in Hawaiian.

Oh Kauai, Hawaii
I am sorry to see
such woeful destruction
to your land
and your seas.
All the birds are a calling
Oh Kauai
my home
for the time that they knew you
this land
on loan.

Your mountains
forlorn
treasures abused
too many houses
and roads overused.

Mud from the hillsides
bringing death to the reefs
golf course with poison
and the fishes deceased.

Government projects
claiming defense
killing the dolphins
and whales meant to rest.

Trash on the trails
leading to God
Kapuna's chant loudly
people not listening
their voices stopped?

Pele is angry!
She screams with a vengeance
throwing fire and rocks
new land sent
from her flowing lava locks.

Taro farmers erased
as youth seem to tire
a heritage forsaken
with loss of desire.

Oh Kauai, Hawaii
I am sorry to see
Whales, dolphins in mourning
this beautiful island
no longer free.

Man in his wisdom
forgot to write down
that the truth in the matter
Kauai, Hawaii
is sacred ground.

Lists should be made
with efforts to meet
a promise to the Ina
forever precious
in prayer
needing peace.

Forever Kauai?
I think maybe not.
Without your own people
loving you enough
to be your voice
a prayer in the storm
reverently dancing
and raising you up.

Oh Kauai, Hawaii
I am sorry to see
such woeful destruction
to your land
and your seas.
All the birds are a calling
Oh Kauai
my home
for the time that they knew you
this land
on loan.

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