Pomai

"I Am the 'Ohe" by Pomai
('ohe- bamboo)

I am the 'ohe swaying slowly in the calm
I wonder when the next rainfall will arrive
I hear chanting in the far off distance
I see people, quickly coming and going
I want them to stop and watch me dance in the wind
I am the 'ohe swaying slowly in the calm
I pretend they see me
I feel the sun warm my floating leaves
I touch the smiling clouds as they quietly begin to bring me rain
I worry that this may be the last time rain may come
I cry at the thought of never seeing another rainbow
I am the 'ohe swaying slowly in the calm
I remember being a tiny seedling
I fear that someone might attempt to cut me down
I laugh at the willing ignorance of others
I smell their stupidity as it clouds and pollutes the air, aching my head
I am the 'ohe swaying slowly in the calm
I understand my duty as a native of my homeland
I say and understand,
" Ua mau ke'ea o ka 'aina i ka pono."
I dream my keiki (children) will grow strong
I try my best to prepare Hawai'i for them
I hope my culture never dies
I am the 'ohe swaying slowly in the calm