Best Leis Poems
Dreams of India
Her music haunts me
in such a knowing way
it makes me weep
and causes my heart to ache.
I become homesick for her
scents, her sounds, her food,
her enchanting dance
which spawns dreams
of her romance.
I know in my heart
I have lived there,
I know, I have loved there.
Her poetry transcends
my spirit to encompass
a wholeness that is
so familiar to me.
I dream of the Ganges ,
and her gentle cleansing flow,
of reflections on its surface
when the moon is hanging low.
Of crickets singing nightly
to serenade me to sleep.
I dream of colors of the saris,
the beauty that they keep...
Of garlands placed with care,
a gajra in a maiden's hair
and the hues of floral leis.
I hold a reverence for Hindu
Devata and Devi.
I aspire to learn the sacredness
of varmala in the seeds of
past lifetimes I have shared.
A passion grows for those
whose love glows through their
auras to welcome strangers.
I'd love to share a cup of chai
to chat with friends in open air.
I long to return home, though
I have never been there.
1-2-19
*a gajra: flowers which females use as a decoration
for their hair.
*Varmala: is a tradition from ancient times where a beautiful garland of flowers symbolizes a proposal of marriage. In the tradition of Swayamvar. A female would choose her life partner from a group of suitors by placing a flower garland around the neck of her chosen man. Once the girl had made her choice, a marriage ceremony would be held gright away.
~Poem of the Day January 4, 2019~
~1st Place~
A BRIAN STRAND 1092
Brian Strand: Judged 2022 March 20
~9th Place Premiere Contest~
Your Best Free Verse That You Wrote Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Chantelle Anne Cooke
'I Got a Darn NA Again' Contest
Sponsor Luloo
Free Verse Style Only Poetry Contest~N/A~
Island Spirit
Palm trees are swaying island style
Within the gentle trade wind's flow,
As Egrets glide on salty air—
Then land where verdant grasses grow.
Breathe in sweet scents of tuberose
And let fine mist caress your face,
Dive deep into aqua waters—
Become enchanted with this place.
Let your eyes consume the beauty,
Let rhythmic music soothe your mind.
You'll feel the aloha spirit—
A kinder people you won't find.
Go hiking in hillside forests,
There are no bears or snakes that hide,
Just waterfalls you'll find waiting,
That flow toward the ocean side.
In the distance whales are breaching,
Humpbacks with little calves in tow.
They share waters with the dolphins,
And green sea turtles down below.
Can you hear paradise calling?
Whispering your name at sunrise,
To later bask on pearly sands.
Swaying hula hips at moonrise,
Coaxing you to join in the dance.
Exotic Mai Tai in your hands,
Sweet flower leis caress your neck,
Come investigate our islands,
And board on wild waves at surfside,
Cast your cold and cares to the breeze.
Sailing out on sunset cruises—
Take homeward bound warm memories.
6/20/20
Poem of the Day at Poetry Soup January 17, 2015
One year, over the ocean, Santa veered off course
His reindeer were battling a hurricane force.
As the sleigh went spinning and spiraling around,
an island appeared far below on the ground,
dotted with palms on a white sandy beach.
Santa took heart that land was in reach.
Through starlight’s glow and the light of the moon
Santa touched down — not a moment too soon.
A lavish Luau on Lahaula mats was laid,
a sumptuous feast over which a Kahuna prayed
with fish on ti leaves, tropical fruits, and eggs-fu-yung
colorful flower leis were draped after being strung
Pearly shells glimmered on every waving palm
Ukuleles were strumming to songs sweet and calm
while dancers swayed ami with soft hula hands.
Santa had landed in a paradise found.
His beard was snow white, his boots shiny black
and he wore a red suit with a red elfin hat.
“I’m Father Christmas,” and - I’m surprised too
that we celebrate in much the same way as you
with peace and goodwill, and with eating and singing.
‘Mele Kalikimaka,’ is our song of greeting
As we celebrate Christmas— in island style.
On they kept strumming, and singing and drumming.
while Santa felt tempted to stay and join in.
But time was short as Christmas morning grew near.
He had sworn a duty to all he held dear.
He saw a bright star rising up in the East
The time had come - he must leave from this feast
So he readied his reindeer to take to the stars
This was the latest — he’d ever been — by far
to bring toys to children all over the world
curled up in bed in their little dreamworlds.
“Come Dasher, Come Dancer, Come Prancer and Vixen.
Come Comet, Come Cupid, Come Donner and Blitzen.”
We’ll find our way here some other midnight
“Mele Kalikimaka to ALL - and to ALL a Good Night.”
Christmas on the pacific islands where it's summer everyday
is all about families, friends, joy, love and foods
Though we are many islands and ocean divided
We are forever united with one God
Some small islands may not have
the Christmas colorful lights but in all honesty
they have the best blinking sparkling
twinkling dazzling star lights
they're beautiful in their dramatic and
eye catching lights like no others
We celebrate the birthday of Jesus
in our unique and organic island ways
We always say Merry Christmas
It's never about the material gifts
It's all about the warm joy of Christmas
Singing in tunes or out of tunes
we are clapping our hands
side stepping moving along to the rhythm
We sing joyfully loud in His name
Born is the King our savior
Praising Him highly
Thanking Him humbly
Lifting up our hearts to Him fully
Everyone is glee on life
Everyone is glowing with joy
Everyone shake hands to forgive those
with guilts, dislikes or with differences
Everyone shares a hug or two to embrace
love from one to all
Every woman is wearing flowers in their hair
Every man is wearing leis around their necks
as it is an island style and proudly so
Everyone is wearing bright new cloths and
shoes but mostly sandals for the ladies or
flip flops preferably for the sandy areas
It's a day of joyful to spend with loved ones
Kids playing freely and cheerfully
Sharing fresh organic local foods and
coconut juices
Naturally alcohol free but drunk on Merry
Partying till the stars are twigging out
Collapsing with satisfying hearts
And this is how we celebrate Christmas
on the Pacific islands... Smile!
Written by Akkina R Downing
12-1-16
Picture a tropical paradise - faraway
Colorful leis of fresh fragrant flowers
Worn by hula dancers that sway
Sandy beaches and leisure filled hours
Soft waving palms on a moonlit bay
This island where mountains reach down to the seas
You’ll be filled with Aloha wherever you go
Soothed by the oceans and warm blowing breeze
Each day assures us of a rainbow
Everything dances here - even the trees
As evening fades to pale orange light
Beach boys sound a conch shell call
Hawaiian torches burn into the night
Ukulele’s strum- an instant heal all
At last on vacation the world seems right
Many people each of a different race
From other lands have come to make a home
To live in peace in this enchanting place
And to here will return however far they roam
Ko ‘Olina beckons them with silent grace
chances of me leaving home
chances of me donning blues
chances of me wearing a flight suit
chances of me being chosen
to carry the sports flag
chances of me staying
what chance do I have to find love
chances of living a life apart
from what I had known
chances of being whistled at by ships
chances of the greatest adventure of my life
chances of boogie boarding the Pacific
chances of kittens
yes, kittens…mom wasn’t a fan
chances of tempura and teriyaki
chances of children in muumuus and leis
chances of sunshine and rainy season days
chances motor pedaling a bit far away
what we won’t do when we are pinch-cheek young
chances of wading, submerging, merging
with (parrot- butterfly- trigger- trumpet- ) fish; and tangs
chances of Hanauma reef and frozen peas
chances of being half a world away
chances of my son finding love in Guam
chances of my daughters marrying Southerners
chances of happiness
chances of me leaving home
A slice of sun rises over Oahu
like a pineapple ripened to yellow-gold;
an island paradise under drapes of blue
shining in morning mist on hibiscus, bold.
Behold the beauty of Hawaiian legend -
in tropical breezes, blooms sway, tilt and bend,
and hammocks of petals drenched in bright arrays
are made into splendor of welcoming leis.
for Anthony Slausen's Encounters with Flowers Contest, 11/24/14
Let's celebrate Lei day today
In pageants with a King and Queen
In flowers of each island's hue
A day in which we extol spring.
A day of Aloha's spirit
Where music's shared in hula dance.
Children wear each island's colors
In long satin gowns that enhance
The royal court displayed in schools
That's honored the Hawaiian way.
Let us not forget the May pole
Of other lands on our Lei day.
Take this garland of sweet flowers
Please wear it 'round your neck with pride.
Let us capture the Aloha spirit
Of love in which we all abide.
© Connie Marcum Wong
Happy May Day and Lei Day to everyone!
Note: On May first...May Day is known in Hawaii as
Lei Day. It is a celebration of Hawaiian culture, or the aloha spirit. People commonly celebrate by giving gifts of leis to one another. Schools also put on plays[2] and elect a Lei Day court of Kings and Queens to represent the different islands.[3] Each island has its own symbol that is composed of a color and a flower. Hawaii (the big island) is red, Maui is pink, Oahu is yellow, Molokai is green, Lanai is orange, Kahoolawe is gray, Kauai is purple, and Niihau is white. In the same order the flowers are lehua, lokelani, 'ilima, kukui, kauna'oa, hinahina, mokihana, and a pupu shell. Niihau is the only island without a plant as its symbol. The link below has more information about Lei Day.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lei_Day
Just when I think I've seen it
All throughout this land
They went and upped the anti
On the classic can of Spam
Those with the higher power
The ones that run the show
The Spam men of the hour
In a bunker buried way down low
Have added different flavors
To this meat of mystery
From Teriyaki to Tocino
That's bacon to those who don't speak Philippine
They heat it up with Jalapeno
Helps to liven up the slime
Those bunker boys as they're fondly known
Have really out done themselves this time
Aloha from Hawaii?
Imagine Spam in a Hula skirt
As they pull out the Leis and go all the way
Adding pineapple to those Spam burps
Exciting rumors have it
They're in talks with Oreo
There's no place in this universe
That a good slice of spam won't go
The only thing they need to work on
Is the dipping in the milk
They have yet to solve the problem
Of the massive oil spill
Yes they've taken what the rest of us
Never thought could be improved
Just goes to show what ingenuity
And a touch of crazy genius can do
Exuding purity, while honour bestowing
“Sampaguita” I am, my country’s national flower
Jasminum sambac --- such is my scientific name
beautifully functional with my fragrance
oozing through a branded perfume.
With my God-endowed economic potential
I’m sought to provide livelihood opportunities
since leis and garlands produced out of my being
help build-up entrepreneurs in our community
as well as growers, showing resilience and patience.
Modesty aside, I’m an inspiration to many artists:
poets exalt my sublime scent and accolade-granting petals
sculptors have me accentuated, like in my ceremonial torch feature
singers express serenade-lyrics, comparing me to a virgin
painters exhibit my adornment impact.
Symbolizing graceful simplicity and sacredness
my optimization is offered to the Almighty
Who blesses fully my sweet existence beyond survival bliss
as I yield to Him my all, while worshipping Him
with my biblical fellow flowers, rose of Sharon, and lily of the valleys.*
*Song of Solomon 2:1 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
February 2, 2021
Chosen image: "If I were a flower..."
1st place, "If I Were A (Flower)? Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Mystic Rose Rose; judged on 2/4/2021.
Holiday Humor- Limerick Set Poetry Contest
Tania Kitchin
It's Christmas in Hawaii tomorrow
And the blue skies be bright with a rainbow
Santa gets in a grass skirt
And a red Aloha shirt
He makes his way from each home's patio
He'll island hop a surfboard and skateboard
And path his gifts free of all disaccord
Perhaps stop at a luau
And devour some native chow
Santa's Hawaii trip was a reward
When Santa returned home to the North Pole
His starved reindeer met him with a drum roll
To each of his dears a dish
... Hawaiian poi and fish
His trip sans charcoal and snow leis role
Merging of hearts, solemnized as one
Cruising darts, piloted by the Almighty One
Scents of Chrysanthemum, crowned in leis
Glade of momentum, sweeping for deis
As you renew your vows
There are no buts or hows
Cling to each other without noise
Sing for each other with poise
As years go by, love will grow more
Teach yourselves to be meek
With trusting reliance to seek
Love will never appear short or small
In God's name nothing will fall
when both of you stand tall
Wrote this for Carolyn's Vacation Humor contest, but I went a little overboard
with the amount of lines.
It was such a big elation
Finally getting my vacation
Two weeks off with lots of plans
That were supposed to be be so grand
A second honeymoon to take
A welcome and inviting break
Memories to fill our hearts
Happiness right from the start
Turning into fun and laughter
We could carry ever after
Swimming in waters so blue
Hawaiian Island grand and true
Leis placed gently on your neck
Being greeted with respect
A pig luau smelling good
Like a yummy supper should
As your lying in the sand
Fruity drinks place in your hand
A perfect dream this should be
Instead nightmare reality
Faces us up ahead
A horror and awful dread
No blue waters for our swimming
Just a pool that needs some skimming
No Hawaii in our sights
Just a scary place at night
No pretty leis or hello greeting
Just frightful people we are meeting
Our pig luau turned into crud
Our meals all tasted like mud
No sand or delicious drinks
Hard floors and water from the sink
Our vacation turned from memories
And pictures for our friends to see
To a hell that always burns
When a drunk pilot took a turn
Landing us so far off course
It couldn't get any worse
Stepping off the plane and crying
We were brought to Rikers Island
Two Aloha-shirted Hawaiians
of generous girth were strumming
their ukuleles
on a small stage in front of the hotel’s poolside bar
in the late afternoon,
rehearsing for the night’s performance.
It must have been the low season,
as both bar and pool were deserted.
and the singer, unburdened
by a leis-laden audience’s
Mai Tai-soaked expectations,
was going through a mele
as if trying it on for size,
his voice loose-limbed with an easy grace.
Wrapped in the ukuleles' lolling strains,
his falsetto notes tumbled out into an
uncongested airspace,
where no ceiling formed by small talk, disjointed laughter
or tinkling glasses impeded their progress,
so they unfurled their wings,
lifted themselves into the hibiscus-brushed breeze,
and climbed,
hopscotching and frolicking on their ascent,
skipping from Tiki torch to treetop to balcony.
Some straggled, loitered on windowsills.
Some, afraid of heights, fluttered back down
to rest on top of beach umbrellas
next to shadows of palm fronds.
Still others hang-glided out over the sand
and the lapis water,
lured by the marigold light.
So that, when they alighted on my
hotel room balcony ten floors above,
they were fragments,
excerpted by the intervening air
from the upflowing cascade into
a broken yet voluptuous murmur,
a soft, lilting South Seas benediction
floating around my head.
I’d just sat down in the balcony chair, alone,
my wife being inside the room busying herself
with the correct placement of luggage
after we’d checked in.
And so it was that I found myself looking out
at the beginnings of a sky-painting Maui sunset
accompanied by air that quietly sang.
Maybe it was my senses unwinding
after the bustle of the journey,
or maybe it was simply that I was caught unawares,
but the feeling of contentment,
the almost Zen-like awareness of the here and now,
that overcame me at that moment was something
no convergence of sights and sounds
has been able to reproduce in the 20 years since.
It was, to be sure, an experience I’d paid more than
a negligible amount of money for.
The irony is that it was the first time
I truly understood the simplicity of happiness.
Mahalo.
The square-cut bars of patchoulie soap
scented--musky, earthy, sensual--
carefully placed on shelves
and in bureau drawers--
a constant reminder
of long-gone days,
Like the fresh smell of newly baked bread
wafting from grandma’s oven,
mingling with the sultry scent
of fresh-percolated coffee--
a constant reminder
of bye-gone ways.
Pervasive presence of lavender perfume
when I hugged my grandma tight,
snuggling next to her bosom
filling my nostrils with love--
a constant reminder
of old-fashioned sprays.
Another unidentified scent comes to me
from time to time, unexpected,
in meditation, repeats itself
in my dreams of Hawaii--
a constant reminder
of lovely floral leis.
SECOND PLACE WINNER
Written March 15, 2021
for "Favorite Scent(s) Contest"
sponsored by Chantelle Anne Cooke''
PUBLISHER'S FRONT PAGE PICK
All-Poetry, October 30, 2021