Mountain Magic
Mountains rise far above valleys below
As shadows morph into morning's hued light
Celestial shades cause mountains to glow.
Out of marauding mist birds soon take flight.
Menehune folk are known to abide
In mountain ranges or forests, they keep
Away from all humans, they seek to hide,
Live off 'aina with bananas they reap.
A divine essence floats through tropic air.
Hawaiian night marchers of past up high
Still chant along cliffs with torches, beware
To let them be if you don't want to die.
Most kama'ainas respect island lore
With many legends they tend to adore.
5-14-19
*Menehune are a dwarf people in Hawaiian tradition who live in the mountains, deep forests and hidden valleys of the Hawaiian Islands, far from the eyes of normal humans. The Menehune were said to be craftspeople. Legends say that the Menehune built temples (heiau), fishponds, roads, canoes, and houses.
*Hawaiian Night Marchers:
According to Hawaiian legend, night marchers (huaka‘i po in Hawaiian) are ghosts of ancient warriors. They supposedly roam large sections of the island chain, and can be seen by groups of torches.
What to do when happening upon a night march in progress? The ghostly procession must never be interrupted. Legend has it that resting your eyes upon the Night Marchers could signal a grim fate for the perpetrator, a friend or relative, so witnesses are urged to crouch low to the ground, "play dead" and avert the eyes. Any sound or movement could invite a Night Marcher's deadly glance. These Night Marchers are set diligently upon their destination and are not considered spirits that will deviate from their path to haunt humans nearby.
*kama'ainas are Hawaiian native born equivalent to kama child, person + 'aina land, earth
* 'aina land, earth
Copyright © Connie Marcum Wong | Year Posted 2019
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