I am from a government determined to conquer a nation,
climbing toward the light seeking truth and wisdom
I am from ducks and chickens and 300 lb pigs, from papaya,
pomegranate, and way too many mangoes
I am from rusted cars and ukulele jam sessions (kanikapila style),
from police sirens and drug deals
and children running through the streets with no one to care for them
I am from laulau, poi, beef stew, and poke,
from pastele, gandule rice, and bacalao
I am from my mother’s denial and my father’s anger,
from my grandfather’s integrity and my grandmother’s unconditional love
I am from, “No matter what you do, it will never be good enough”
I am from, “ I will never leave you and always love you”
I am from, “ You have been given an opportunity;
provide others with their own”
I am from the mountains of Kuaokala and the sunsets at Keawa‘ula
I am from the jumping off point at Ka‘ena and the life of Ka‘ala
I am from my daughter’s choice and my husband’s smile
I am from my rebirth the day I returned to my island home
The author wishes to remain anonymous