The Tongue Steers the Canoe

 The Tongue Steers the Canoe

     Oke alelo ka hoe uli o ka ‘olelo a ka waha

                                               -  ‘Olelo No’eau

     Translated from the Hawaiian:

     The tongue is the steering paddle of the words uttered.

The tongue navigates the now, 

Sets the course of the canoe over years and years, through…

     Life’s ever-changing currents,

     Waters reflecting the hope of the rising sun,

     Blending of bodies and lives afloat on gentle seas,

     Crashing waves of relationship woes,

     Lotus gardens watered by the tears of forgiveness.

The tongue stays the course of love,

And adventure that always lies around the next headland.

The tongue stands hearty at the helm, an able life-navigator.