KAIKUAHINE

AT OWENA

 

I used to own plumeria,

Entire trees

Brought in the Thirties from Singapore

Framing with fragrance, the front door

Of my mansion at Diamond Head.

What I loved most is what it lacked

No street jungle sounds

No day-go surrounds.

Honolulu Symphony in the bedroom,

What sort of person sleeps amongst

Hawaiian pop bottles?

Virgin canec, mahogany slabs,

Tinted cement, marble Kwan Yin,

Gutters of copper, flashing of tin.

Kaimana Hila, awesome glow,

And ti leaves, red and green

Held spirits high.

Cover by John Whyland

Niniko Publishing

Honolulu

1987