No Ka Mokukiakahi Ke Aloha - by Keali`i Reichel

 
No ka Mokukiakahi ke aloha, lä
Ka `eleu holo i ka moana.
Lu`u a iho a`e, pi`i luna ka hope,
E pa`a lima pono i ka palekai!
 
 
`O`olopü nä pe`a kapalili i ka maka,
Popohe i ka makani.
`O`ole`a ke kia, kuhi a`e i ka lani,
Pou nemonemo i ka `ehu kai.
 
 
`Uï`uï, `e`e`ina ka `oneki o lalo
Walawala ka pumi ma hope.
Pakïpakï ka maka ihu i ka huleilua,
A kuli i ka `äpohopoho.
 
 
Ha`ina `ia mai ka puana, lä
No ka Mokukiakahi ke aloha.
Ha`ina hou `ia mai ka puana, lä,
Ke `eleu holo i ka moana
For the one-masted ship is my affection
The one skilled at sailing o'er the sea.
The front dips down and sideways, the stern goes up,
Hold on firmly to the railings!
 
 
The engorged sails flutter in my face,
Filled by the wind.
The mast stands rigid, pointing heavenward,
Pole made slick by the seaspray.
 
 
The deck below creaks and squeaks,
The boom tilts backwards.
The prows' tip splashes in the rocking surges,
Until deafened by the slapping water against the hull.
 
 
Tell the refrain
For the beloved one-masted ship.
Tell the story again
Of the one skilled at sailing over the sea

 

Source: Keali`i Reichel album "Melelana" Copyright 1999 Punahele, Inc.