Wāhine By Kamalama Mick
I Am
By Kamalama Mick
I am from the lei, from the rocks and the heiau I am from Manawainui The laua'e and the hau I am from the determination and stamina of my two clans The ocean The salt And the wind and water I am from the words of my family: “Don’t worry, be happy” And “Be yourself no matter what” The Kaupō pancakes my father makes from scratch And the time my name came to my parents in a song I will become the wisdom, compassion, and generosity of my mother The comfort and belonging of my home and community And the strength of heart to follow the path that I choose for myself The "I Am" poem is a structure of poem used in Kai Camp year after year. Each girl fills in the blanks with things she loves or things close to her, and though every poem follows the same structure, every poem is unique. Photo Credit: Shandelle Nakanelua
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