A FORGOTTEN LEGEND

(Photo courtesy of Kele and Jennifer)

An Honorary Tribute to
Silas A. Aqui


HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD!

KUHINA--the highest chief, second only to KAMEHAMEHA--diligently scanned the horizon from Pihea Peak. 

Perched high on the cliffs above Kalalau, he and his brethren ali'i, clad in malo, red and yellow cloaks, and brilliant feathered helmets, formed an awe-inspiring cadre.   With dark curls framing broad foreheads, ruggedly proud and handsome features, and strong, set jaws, the royal Polynesian aristocrats brooded collectively.

They were huge, statuesque men, averaging 6'4" and easily 250 pounds.  Their bulky, generously-muscled bodies provided an earthy complement to their colorful attire.  The native villagers below likened these impressive god-like men to mirrored images of the sun setting on the nether regions of the sea.

Where is MANO?  Kuhina whispered to himself.  

The slight yet steady tradewind, dancing with a current closely matching the pulse of the waves far below, carried Kuhina's sighs to his attentive men.

Yes, where indeed was MANO?

There had been an unforgivable violation to Hawaiian law.  Someone had trespassed a beach area that had been KAPU to all.  This virgin tract was used by sea turtles as a birthing ground.  With complete disregard for the well-being of fellow villagers and the magnificent yet gentle creatures of the Pacific depths, someone had selfishly and brutally clubbed a group of basking sea turtles to death.  The carcasses and entrails had been left to rot on the lava rocks.  Crabs and sea terns engorged on the rotting meat, and the foul smell had plagued the villagers for several days now.

MANO was furious!

The behemoth shark god had had enough of Man.  All the patience of Eternity would never be enough for the gods and mankind to coexist in the same universe.

Where indeed was MANO?

Many, many miles to the north--just an aggressive swim upstream for a raging shark god--MANO came to rest in a tranquil cove off the western coast of an immense land mass.  One of the original islands, as it were, that had once been part of the aged empire, ATLANTIS.

MANO was emotionally spent...and tired...so very tired.

He fell asleep.

The forever sleep that even the gods eventually succumb to overcame Akua MANO.

Today, all that remains is MANO's immense dorsal fin.  

In the sunset that heralds the blanket of night, you will see the memorial of MANO.

And if you and your loved ones are especially quiet and thoughtful, you will hear the whisper of KUHINA offering up a gentle lullaby to the departed shark god.  It pulsates in time with the alluring hula of the Pacific Northwest waves.

Hawaiian Odysseus.