Thursday, November 20, 2008
For Tahi...
During the past six weeks of training our little crew in Tu'anikevale has grown quite close, unexpectedly so I might add, and it is sad to end our Tongan version of summer camp as we are sent across the nation to various attachments. Sadder still is that we two members of our crew have resigned from training and are flying back to the states tomorrow. I am hurt to see them go and feeling a little lost without Trent, or Tahi in Tongan. I have to accredit Trent with a lot of the bonding that occurred in our group through, if nothing else than, making us laugh when we didn't think we'd make it this far.
Many of you may not have recognized his talent, but Trent was an aspiring poet. He asked if I could put up some of his poems on my blog. (Apparently a lot of people actually read this mush I type up.)
Trent, this is for you with love.
Poems by Trent Wallace
MONGOMONGA
Mongomonga in my room
Mongomonga full of doom
They are big and fast and black
And they’re always coming back
Mongomonga go away
This to God above I pray
If my wish is not fulfilled
Mongomonga you’ll be killed
Molokau
Oh Mr. Molokau
Please tell me why
You make people scared
And make people cry
Maybe it’s because
You have hundreds of feet
Or maybe because
You are always discrete
Maybe because
You always seem mad
Or maybe just simply
Your sting hurts so bad
Maybe it’s because
You’re shaped like a stick
Or maybe because
You’re just so darn quick
Maybe I can’t answer
The question of why
Yeah maybe, just screw it
I hope you all die!!!
HIGHS AND LOWS
As I walk down the street
In my village today
All the Tongans I pass
Say “Malo lei lei”
My spirits are high
A smile on my face
I feel like I’m home
Yes, I love this place
Snap back to reality
I hear a yelp
A dog’s being beaten
I think he needs help
I hold back my rage
With all of my might
Because sadly, in Tonga
This behavior’s alright
When language is over
We take to the court
We shoot hoops and play rugby
Or some other sport
Everyone’s happy
We have such a blast
We all laugh and play
Time passes so fast
Snap back to reality
My shower’s cold as can be
And the spider above
Is bigger than me
As I shampoo my hair
I keep open one eye
If the bastard touches me
There’s no doubt I’ll die
Just when I think
I won’t make it a year
My house father shouts
“Tahi, come drink a beer!”
I eat a huge supper
That’s fit for a king
When I’m with my family
I need not a thing
Snap back to reality
I’m reading in bed
When I hear a noise
That fills me with dread
A Mongomonga flies by
And makes my skin crawl
He gives me the finger
And lands on the wall
I choke down some Nyquil
While I drift off to sleep
I pray to the Lord
My soul he will keep
My dreams are all filled
With family and friends
And a girl that I like
Please don’t let it end
Snap back to reality
Very quickly I wake
To roosters and kids
And bells, for God’s sake
Although I’m quite pissed
On my face a smile grows
In Tonga you deal
With the highs and the lows
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2 comments:
Sorry haven't been in touch (been busy with stock market issues here)sounds like you are having a blast with some issues along the way learning alot also I'm sure, HOpe every thing goes well on the move to your new post, you will be. Also wanted to wish you happy holiday we'll miss you
Tanya
Cassie,
Sorry you had to say goodbye to your friend Trent. I like his sense of humor. His poems make me laugh :)
Hope you are well. We missed you at Thanksgiving. It was odd to not have you around. You were here in our hearts.
Love you lots...
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