Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AUWE NA POOLA!, by EMMA LYONS DOYLE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AUWE NA POOLA!, by                    
First Line: Rushes lie on the alanui
Last Line: Pololei -- right
Subject(s): Hawaii; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers


(The Poola is a now disbanded but one-time honored organization of labor in old Hawaii. The
name, being derived from poo (head) and la (sun), it is believed that these men acted somewhat
in the capacity of stevedores, or, at least, worked hard with bare heads under the hot sun.
In time this group became important politically and was the center of public endorsement and
support. Its principle of dignity and honor in labor was revived during the labor agitations
of 1937 and those who were of

Rushes lie on the alanui,
Softening the tramp of countless feet.
Kahili, proudly borne.
Silently an alii has slipped away
To join his forefathers.
Long ropes of twisted black and white --
They draw the catafalque.
Handling these ropes -- to whom the honor?
Whose hands are these, ceasing from heavy labor,
That reverently draw the weight of their alii's casket,
Sharing the weight, the many, that it may not be too heavy for the few?
Who are these, whose heads are high,
Whose shirts are scarlet?
Red of the lehua;
Red of the bird the iiwi;
Bird of the olden times;
Red of the olden times;
Honor of the olden times.
The poola uphold that honor.
Yes, it is they, the poola, who draw the casket.

Change has come to Hawaii nei.
Strange the hands that now plant kalo in the valleys.
Strange the hands that cast the fishnets on the waters.
New the form of government; aupuni.
But the power of the poola continues;
Many, wishing office, seek his strength;
Many, wishing office, seek his help;
Many, wishing office, seek his votes.
Unforgotten, the red shirt;
Unforgotten, the poola.
Unseen, now, the red of the iiwi;
Unseen the red of poola shirt.
Unseen on holidays.
Unseen on voting days.
But the poola is here.
His pride is here;
The pride of olden times that holds the head high.
His labor is here;
Useful labor! willing labor! cheerful labor.
His aloha is here.
Aloha of the poola.
Aloha of the Haku hana.
Whence this murmuring that comes on far winds?
It is right, pololei, that he who labors have fair wages;
It is right, pololei, that he who labors have hours for rest;
It is right, pololei, that those who labor know the joy of play.
For the rich, comfort;
For the poor, comfort, likepu.
But the poola,
Keiki hanau of Hawaii nei -- kamaaina --
Shall he stand in line, await his turn with malihini?
Shall he forfeit all the honor of his service?
Must he stand in line, await the calling of a number?
Hoomanawanui?
Shall his listening know but names from foreign places?
Strength! Are you so ended?
Service! Are you so forgotten?
Aloha! Are you thus shattered?
Tradition! Are you a shadow? a ghost?
Auwe! Auwe!

Alii -- Chief
Aupuni -- Government
Auwe -- Alas!
Haku-hana -- Employer
Iiwi -- Red bird
Kahili -- Regal feather insignia
Kamaaina -- Native-born
Lehua -- Red blossom
Likepu -- Alike
Malihini -- Newcomer
Pololei -- Right





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