For your entertainment

the diabetic threads
of culture
grass skirts, oiled up
abs, silky dark tresses
sun kissed brown
swaying to processed tunes
for your greedy
over manufactured tastebuds
the postcard island you swoon over
a hybrid thing of our ancestors
sans integrity?
are we still the ocean voyagers
warriors of the pacific?
now the eternal tourist host
souls chipped away
into digestible bites
for your entertainment.

Reviews

[john l smith]

Yes the Hawaii myth faces an ever starker reality
However, we have pretty well all lost our warrior images but don't have the great weather to soften the blow

[Paul Bell]

Sadly true.
Even worse is us Brits.
The only culture we see is the inside of a bar and the opposite sex we don't want to meet again.
Trying to think of something nice to say about ourselves now.
Okay, I was right the first time. lol

[barleygirl]

I love this message. I hate tourist BS. I've never travelled to go "see" a place . . . I've always gone to experience the place by hiking or snorkeling etc. Your snarky but playful approach is a well-balanced spoof on those who go for the superficial trappings! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Coyote Poetry]

I prefer the sea over the tourist. Some places less pleasure when too many people close by. I do understand the poetry. Hard to find places to worship the sea. Thank you my friend for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Island Hippy]

Many mahalo John, I appreciate your time.

[Coyote Poetry]

My pleasure, my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Is that what your island has become Izzy? Is that how tourism is looked on? I felt such sadness reading your lines. A sign of the times and I imagine felt in many other parts of the world. Tourism is big bucks, and provides jobs and those with money are always ready to splash out. Yet of course, there is always another way of looking at. It reminds me of where my mum lives in a coastal resort. Locals are always happy when the holiday season is over and they can get back to their own normality before another season starts and brings in the revenue they need.

Thought provoking and a lovely poem to read.

many thank yous

Chris

[Island Hippy]

Aloha Chris, I felt a sadness for the beauty of who we are as a people (kanaka - native Hawaiians) a mourning for the declining culture yet tourist dollars feed our families, pay our mortgages and as you say provide jobs (grass roots needs) It’s a growing frustration for many of us who hold tradition dear. It’s a blurred line. Many mahalo for your generosity for your sincerity, love this type of review

[Chris Shaw]

I think tourists want to see your culture, all part of the attraction of visiting. You need to hang on to it as far as you possibly can, even in this modern world:))

[Island Hippy]

Love that, we hold on tight for our children :)