Mahalo ‘Aina

A poem of thanksgiving for our island

Mahalo ‘Aina

for providing everything we need.

Mahalo to the trees

whose canopy provides shade from the hot sun

and whose leaves blow in the island breeze.

Mahalo to the flowers

the blooms that provide beauty for our eyes

the blooms for lei making for loved ones

the blooms whose scent reminds us of home.

Mahalo to the ground

that keeps us close to earth.

Mahalo to the soil

that gives us everything we need

to help our garden grow.

Mahalo to the water

that quenches our island’s thirst

and runs from the mountains to the sea

bringing us cleanliness and life.

Mahalo to the rain

on the dry, hot days

for giving us droplets to dance in.