The Islands Of Hawaii Poem by Connie Marcum Wong

The familiar rhythm of the drums,
the beauty of the dance,
the haunting chants
are still whispered by the wind.
The `aina breathes and shares
`ohana with her guests
that come by ship, by plane;
so unaware they walk with Gods.

Ancestry clings o'er the ages
to few left with pure blood.
Songs related to growing
generations hold fast
the Aloha spirit...and as
a river separates into tributaries
the mixing of blood flows in
many directions, exalting new life.

(`aina means 'the land' in Hawaiian
'ohana can encompass, besides those born with blood ties, those accepted by marriage or hänai (adopted) , deceased and spiritual ancestors, as well as those tied to the same ‘aina.)