Mahalo and aloha, Hanalei
Until recently Hanalei was our home for 45 years. These are my feelings.
Mahalo for your time
Black Pot
Hanalei, a place of pure beauty, so tranquil and serene.
A spot we were blessed to call home, many have never seen.
Sitting next to the river is a local spot
A local spot given the name of Black Pot.
We would sit and listen to the stories of earlier days
While you hear the music that their fingers play.
The smell of the food cooking was the way
Fresh fish, rice and stew cooking all day
Yes, we were lucky to call this place home
A spot we could come to and never be alone.
Uncle Jack, Aunty Jenny, Kapule too
Aunty Alice, Uncle Billy to name a few.
Uncle Didi, Aunty Cathy, Lady and Bear
Uncle Peter, Aunty Rarie always with flair
Uncle Willy who kept our park so beautiful for all
Would hand you a beer as you came to call.
Now as I sit and reflect on days gone by
The changes that are coming, I just want to cry
I’m not crying for me, I was lucky you see
To learn of the days when things were carefree.
I cry for the ones who have gone before
Who protected this spot right on the shore
Who taught us the ways to care for this land
I wish there was a way to take a stand
To show the newcomers this is not right
The ones gone before us would put up a fight.
They are not happy you see, the changes are wrong
Black Pot has always been the place that was a beautiful song.
There was a reason this spot was protected from the flood
Black Pot has always, always been loved.
Barbara Poor, Winchester Bay, Oregon
