Splashing down from Wai’ale’ale,
source of waters, the Hanalei,
this secret river dashes, plunges,
journeys slopes in dances, lunges.
Cuts a vale so steep and lush,
House of Beauty’s praised with hush;
the home of flowers and birdcalls,
of maile, and ten waterfalls.
The valley opens wide to a bay
as the river winds around a broad plain;
a sandy shore edges the town where
waves line the cove mountains surround.
Under sea cliffs, by coral shoals,
broad pandanus shade and cool;
A reef breaks waves and shelters the shore
where small fish hunt and crabs explore.
Winds bring clouds of nurturing rain,
tides mark shorelines time and again;
the sun there rises also east, and
sunsets color the skies with peace.
first published in Illinois State Poetry Society
also published in FLOOR OF THE SKY Chapbook
also published in Poetry Atlas
©2012 Bonnie Manion