Mālama ka ‘aina

life is loud
a drum that constantly beats in our ears,
counting down our days,
relaying our fears,
impossible to ignore –
though we try
at the best of times a pesky fly in our peripheral view
at the worst of times suffocating –
where all you can do is breathe

In, Out

I have been to a place where time stands still
with emerald green trees
and sapphire blue waters
known to all as Hawai`i
perfect to the naked eye –
but dark truths hide in its core
a sugar-coated diamond that caught the attention of many,
ignorant people seduced by its shiny exterior
rounded its edges and stole it
yet the land and its people persevere
working towards a better tomorrow

In, Out

in Hawai`i nature is sacred
Mālama ka ‘aina –
to take care of the land
and ourselves
nature brings peace,
it quiets the noise
and allows us to breathe

In, Out

we are in a constant state of fight or flight
like a tea kettle on the verge of eruption,
when will the noise quiet down?

In, Out

when you are lost
close your eyes
bathe yourself in nature,
whether in a concrete forest
or surrounded by luscious green,
peace can prevail
The darkness will always ebb
much like the Hawaiian tide
take a deep breath
Once the noise is lessened
growth will come
and you too will persevere

A Hui Hou