Ka Loke Polena -
Words & Music by Anthony K. Conjugacion |
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Kaulana i ka nani o ku‘u pua He nani ‘i’o nö ia loke polena Höli‘o kö maka me ka ‘ölinolino He mino‘aka kou poina ‘ole ia Ho‘ina i ka mana‘o häli‘ali‘a Käwelu i ke ahe ahe a ka makani Ke kani hone a nä manu o Lehua Hü a‘e mai ke aloha i ke ahe eaea He aheahe ka makani ‘o Wai‘öpua Ke ‘ala onaona e moani nei Neia ku‘u mele o ku‘u pua Ka pua loke polena poina ‘ole ia |
Famed is the beauty of my blossom A true beauty is this yellow rose Dazzling are your eyes that sparkle And your smile so unforgettable A fond recollection comes to me (of you) Swaying gently amidst the gentle breeze The sweet voices of the birds of Lehua Swelling up with love, lilting on the air Gentle as the Wai‘öpua breeze Attractive is your sweet wafting scent This my song of my beloved The yellow rose, so unforgettable |
Source: Tony C. - Mana‘o: Composed in honor of Victoria Keali‘ika‘apunihonua I‘i Rodrigues. The yellow rose was her favorite of all flowers. Adapted from an earlier version (1986) by the same composer, for his most formidable mentor. This version connotates specific metaphors. For example, Wai‘öpua is the name of the wind associated with Palolo, O‘ahu, where Mrs. Rodrigues resided. Lehua was the name of one of the famed female musical trios she founded. This mele was nominated for "Song of the Year" 2005 Nâ Hôkû Hanohano Awards, recorded by Raiatea Helm, "Sweet and Lovely"CD. Copyright 1986, revised 2004. Publishing 2004 Mountain Apple Co. |