Emily

16

Hawaiian Luau

As the faint tap of coconuts rattles in the distance
my eyes are electrified by the staggering flames
resting on hand-carved tiki posts.
Hawaiian men sway into the clear,
with sticky sweat
latched on their glowing tanned skin.
Spheres of fire twirl in the air
carefully landing in their skillful palms.
As floral shirt tourists
clap in astonishment,
iridescent grass skirts
wave through the gray smoke.
Hula dancers,
each bearing a delicate hibiscus flower
cupped behind their left ear,
pluck mango wood ukuleles
while undulating their bodies
to the soft beat of the music.
The hushed crash
of the neighboring beach’s waves
echos in the distance,
its tide’s pacific blue glistening
under the waning sun.
As the islanders disappear into the darkness
and the bright firelight fades
Into dust,
the steady rhythm of Aloha-Oe
dances in my mind.