I grew up in a remote corner of the Big Island, next to a rainforest. At the fringe of that forest, an elderly couple lived in the house next door. Now long departed, they must be thrilled on the other side, as their beautiful, expressive language lives on with pride and dignity. A voracious reader, I sat for hours in my favorite tree, reading biographies, classics, and comic books. I close my eyes and I can still hear their voices.
W e get up to wander about the vendor stalls.
Like any language neglected, Hawaiian has faded for me. And like any language, I know it can be revived. T he words are returning. I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me. To see the beauty in the world.