A Name Song for S.L.S. Kaomealani: Ipo Ahi

I canʻt decide with this chant that was published in the newspaper Ke Au Okoa if Wahine Kapu entrances me more, or if am I moved to distraction for the object of her affection, S.L.S. Kaomealani. What kind of person---perhaps it is a man, would move a woman to compose a chant of this force and beauty? The different places mentioned, the winds and rains, all convey different emotions: dizzy feelings, a lack of control, the reference to Mahamoku for example brings to mind the limu kā kānaka: the man smiting limu of that place. It is a "limu" that is found on land in grassy fields, and can take the feet right out from under a person who unknowingly treads upon its slippery form. Like love, it sneaks up on you, and smacks you down if you arenʻt careful.  I hope you enjoy this chant, as much as we did when we found it.

Ke Au Okoa

June 26, 1865

A Name Song for S.L.S. Kaomealani

I have deep affection for Nuʻalolo

For the sandy expanse of Mahamoku

But it turns out you are there at Manuʻakepa

Engaged in the languid work of your dear body

This body has enjoyed satisfaction,

With the lei worthy hala of Naue, 

I do make some effort,

But am blocked by the Ulumano wind,

Much slander has been uttered about you,

As a bird that nibbles randomly at the blossoms,

Kapaʻa is lush with kalukalu ferns,

With the pala that enhances the Maile,

You are the companion I consider,

As the one to put this body through its paces,

So as to experience that intense thing called love,

Dark thoughts do come upon me,

Hāʻupu is suffused by sweet scent,

From the lovely repose of the lauaʻe,

You have trespassed over all the boundaries,

And that is your foremost responsibility,

That upland is unsettled, its highlands pained,

The one who stills that field of birds

The attractive ʻiʻiwi bird,

That so upset my rose blossom,

I at Polihale amid the limu pahapaha,

To see the expansive shore,

The sea was engulfed by the Koʻolau breeze,

And by the lively action of the billowing clouds,

You are my blossom to enreath myself, (that I wear as a lei)

To forever adorn my brow,

Makana emerges murmuring in the sea,

The misty voluptuous lehua blossoms move upon the waters,

The one virtue of your dear form,

Is to visit upon my house

This house of our belongs to love,

Where childlike thoughts can abide,

I have every intention to see

My ardent firebrand lover of Kamaile peak,

Pay no heed to another,

To the one there calling behind you,

For here is your home, true affection,

This is the embrace (bosom) where you will be warmed.

Wahine Kapu.