Tears Of Hawaii Poem by John I Nash

Muffled cries of hurt pride, Hawaii's people have not died, but are treated so by many a foe. The tears no longer flow as though the native's eyes were the dried stream beds of Maui that do not allow the taro to grow.
Token wages given to the many, while alien few reap riches from the culture that they have stolen. Treated as a slave, sold to the highest bidder, their heritage is on negligent display this very day and every day.
Once proud and self-sufficient, now dependent like a child of an abusive parent, that steals the riches of it's offspring. No queen, no King, they have all been put in the ground. Should they see this day their sadness would be so profound. In the Hawaiians prayers they ask for sovereignty that can not be found.
Language embezzled, from a population of the nation for homogenization. Sacred rituals and images defiled, ancient Gods demeaned by the unqualified. Long practiced traditions, sold as distractions by the few, at the expense of the many.
Forced smiles abound, friendly is their nature, sorrow is deep within, deeper than the Oceans that surround their home. Look into their eyes and past their smiles and there you will see the Tears Of Hawaii.