Lei Day
A May Inspired Villanelle
Meet me in Hawai’i the first of May
On a sandy shore of a turquoise sea
Greet me with “aloha” and wear a lei
***
On the Big Island where the palms all sway
Red lehua from the Ohia tree
Meet me in Hawai’i the first of May
***
On Maui along the Hana highway
Pluck the pink blossoms of lokelani
Greet me with “aloha” and wear a lei
***
On O’ahu at Kāneʻohe bay
A bright golden ‘ilima it must be
Meet me in Hawai’i the first of May
***
Kahoʻolawe’s hinahina gray
Greens of Kaua’i and Molokaʻi
Greet me with “aloha” and wear a lei
***
Ni’ihau’s white pūpū shells on display
Yellow kauna'oa of Lānaʻi
Meet me in Hawai’i the first of May
Greet me with “aloha” and wear a lei
Author's Note: This was written in response to Mikeydred’s May Villanelle challenge. To learn more about Lei Day checkout this "A HISTORY OF LEI DAY" from Honolulu's government site.
The subject for this poem was inspired by immersion in memories from Hawaii as I worked on my Travel Snaps Entry:
About the Creator
D.K. Shepard
Character Crafter, Witty Banter Enthusiast, World Builder, Unpublished novelist...for now
Fantasy is where I thrive, but I like to experiment with genres for my short stories. Currently employed as a teacher in Louisville.
Reader insights
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Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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When We Were Very Young
In another box set that my parents got me when I was younger contained four books by A.A. Milne. 'When We Were Very Young' is a collection of poems that Milne wrote for his son Christopher Robin. This is a book that is full of references to Mr. Edward Bear, but a lot of the poems give some various descriptions of life of a very young child and where, when, how and why they do what they do. The illustrations are quite cute for you can see what Christopher Robin is and may be thinking. Also, Pooh Bear does make his self-known at various points. I have read these verses many, many times over the years and each time make me feel good about myself.
By Mark Graham7 days ago in Critique
Comments (19)
Wow! I love this Top Story and your Mum’s gorgeous photo too. ‘Meet me in Hawai’i the first of May On a sandy shore of a turquoise sea Greet me with “aloha” and wear a lei’🏝️💛 My fleeting visit to Hawaii was fabulous. I’m racing to finish my second travel story & will catch up on your other trips soon 🙃.
Congrats on Top Story! :)
I haven't been to Hawaii in 39 years. You brought a bit of my time there back. Thank you. Aloha!
I love this. 🫶🏼Have been daydreaming about taking a vacation there, so the vividness really appeals and hits home! Great work!
This is beautiful and quite sensory. Great job.
Great job!
So perfectly evocative! ❣️
Oh, this is beautiful! Made me feel like I was in Hawaii 🥹 I've been dreaming of going back to visit for awhile now. I love the way you incorporated the beautiful and lyrical Hawaiian words. Amazing Villanelle!
Gosh this was so wonderfully colourful! I loved it! Congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Congrats on your top story.
I loved this poem, DK. The language and the pacing felt like paradise!
Well done! Love the soundings of this.
Beautiful villanelle! And congrats on the Top Story, absolutely stunning as always.
always wanted to see Hawaii. Now, more than ever. congratulations on TS
What a lovely villanelle!
Well..this is just a lovely lovely villanelle...I love how delicate it feels and sounds and so what my head conjures of Hawaii...love the image you shared by your mother too! Well done! and congrats on Top Story!
Thank you so much, a wonderful villanelle, emphasising the wonders of Lei Day
Lovely. What a treat. I can feel the breeze and the crash of the waves.
Your villanelle sings! I'd love to meet you in Hawai’i. Since I was a child I've wanted to travel there, especially to experience it as the locals do. Your poem makes me long to travel. Your mom's picture is lovely, too!