Notes About The Poem
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Poetic Form: Free Verse
Inspired: 2024 July 15
Image/Video: Lunalilo composed the song 'Alekoki' which is an approching storm. He was describing Princess Victoria's brothers opposition to their marriage, that later led to her death without ever to have wed. He wrote the song while she was still alive.
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William Charles Lunalilo

William Charles Lunalilo
First King, chose by the people
Grandnephew of the Great King, as the people vote, was unanimous
Next year, King Kamehameha the Sixth died of tuberculosis

Hawaiian marriages are coconuts
Apple's eye, orchard nigh--girls uppercuts
Bees concede and confess
Honey is not the best
Lunalilo stings in-laws -- blood and guts.

Pacific divides paradise from lies, pulpit denies, missionary connives, fleece, devise hoax, and shanghais,
The native's supplies for whalers, all dives. At times, pearls for wider eyes, command contrives to control their lives.
Kings II & III foresaw their greed, the lands were a need to wed and achieve access was their way to succeed,
Lunalilo was short-lived, the people he decreed, as past kings agreed, a land trust deed, 'ere his life concedes.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
July 25, 2024 at 8:34 PM
Some Hawaiian history. Congrats on this interesting contest
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
July 25, 2024 at 10:36 PM
Thank you, Andrea, happy to enlighten. Aloha william
Toney Avatar
July 21, 2024 at 8:40 PM
William, you packed a lot of interesting history in this poem. Congratulations on receiving Honorable Mention.
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
July 21, 2024 at 8:47 PM
Thank you, Mark, Good journey to you, Aloha William
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