Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 5, 1 May 2004 — ʻōiwi [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻōiwi

a native hawaiian journal Today, many of our lāhui are physically separated from our ancestral homeland. Despite the physical distance, they have not forgotten the importance of nā mea Hawai'i instilled in their hearts and memories. Although this month's featured writer, Cindy Ka'ihilani Beck Luebbers, has lived in Seattle for decades, her work centers around her mo'okū'auhau and heritage in Hawai'i. "Heavenly Chant" honors her kūpuna, Pi'ilani and Lā'ielohelohe, as, Cindy writes, "a mele inoa for my children and grandchildren born and raised on the continent, so they may embrace their 'ohana. "The Earth Trembled" embodies the turmoil Hawaiians have experienced from the devastating loss of our culture and identity. In collaboration with 'Ōiwi: A Native Hawaiian Journal, Ka Wai Ola regularly showcases works by Kanaka Maoli writers. Submit your writings to 'Ōiwi Journal at P.O. Box 61218, Honolulu, Hl 968391218. For information, eall (808) 956-3031, or visit www. hawaii. eāu/oiwi.

Heavenly Chant

The akua and 'aumākua gathered Their ancient chant cut through the heavens As the eternal tree of Hina, Nourished by the water of Kāne Prepared for the sprouting of a new branch Precious bark was stripped and pounded Penetrating sounds of i'e kuku striking sacred stone Filled the clouds of Hina, the godly ninikea Completed, ke kapa o ka mo'opuna was held high Catching the wind of Lono, the breath of life The moonlit veil wrapped between his loins and 'uhane Connecting both worlds in a timeless union The 'ōlelo inhaled as a strong cry burst forth As the godly mana embraced the newborn His piko carefully hidden in a mist of red Kūkeoloewa guarded the ali'i's earthly kuleana Mighty akua who rode the waves to Maui's shore Born from Haumea's tree of changing leaves He who hid sacrifices yet to be offered In the dark half of the crescent moon Thunder and lightning beckoned 'ohana The child's destiny decided Loyal kahu eame forth bearing gifts He was Maui's own, born from the heavens, Nurtured by nā akua, cherished by his people The powerful ali'i followed his ancestral path Feather eape reflecting the heat of a brilliant sun Maika'i maiden, fiery flower of the 'ie Surrounded by fragrance and devoted mo'o Unleashed the kapu cord preparing for the heavenly one Budding branches filled the forest Red lehua and maile draped nā heiau Secret memories whispered by leo kapu Echoed the mele inoa of an ancient time When Maui was known as Ihikapalaumaewa Hear the thunder, see the lightning, feel the wind Teach the children the heavenly chants Guide them to their ascending path Through the veil of ancient kapa Seen by the light of the crescent moon The Earth Trembled Like descending armies of Kahekili and Kalani'ōpu'u The pushing forces devoured Hawai'i nei Bodies staggered, minds swirled, tears flowed The earth trembled under righteousness And in its wake, there was an emptiness Kahuna haole ravage the woodlands Crushed maile intoxicated the senses Scattered lehua tinted the soil Young fallen 'ulu soured in the sun Uprooted kanawao seeds scattered in barren crevices Weary Hi'iaka searched for 'ilima Caressing trampled sacred plants Kapo mourned Ka'ana's loss Kihapū released its haunting cries Hina's gardens ceased to yield "Kīhēhē, kīhēhē," the goddesses chanted To the pulsating rhythm of Hinaikapa'ikua While dancing with the wind They ascended into the heavens To join the gods of thunder and lightning Nā kūpuna, hearing their ancient voices Echoing through the skies Inhaled the breathe of Ma'ihi-'ala-kapu-a-Lono Embracing the power and wisdom within Their aloha nourishing godly 'uhane Together the forces of heaven and earth Pulled Hawai'i nei from despair Bodies swayed, minds soared, tears ceased The earth trembled with bursting energy And in its wake, there was new life

The author with two of her mo'opuna, whom she credits with inspiring her to write about her own ancestors.