Written piece
Oceanic People We Are
lica koroi
Fiji
About this piece
The Pacific ocean is the identity of the Pacific people. It is a bridge that connects the islands and a thread that not only links their existence,but also unites their lives as oceanic people. As caretakers of the ocean, they must remind their children of this responsibility.
1. We are the custodian
Of the Pacific ocean
Vast and majestic
Deep and cavernous
Mysteriously frightening
Yet, strangely comforting
As it weaves waves of salty waters
Around us
Our source of strength
For preservation
To remind the younger generation
Of our birthright
As ocean custodian
2. We are many islands
Floating
As seaweeds on the seas
Glistening
Under the merciless sun
We are stretches of sandy shores
Mountain peaks covered in lush foliage
Rocky outcrop with a lone coconut tree atop
Dancing lazily in the breeze
Lagoons of coral atolls
Singing colours of an azure sea
Indeed, many islands we are
3. We are island people
Born of the sea
Our sacred ocean
The glassy highway that connects us
The crux
A constellation of stars
Anchored our forefathers
On specks of islands near and far
Mere dots on a world map
Yet home to ancient ocean navigators
Truly, island people we are
4. We are from the ocean
Our blood seasoned with sea salt
An oceanic tapestry of peoples
Cultures and identities
Woven meticulously
As coconut sinnets
A thread to stand a test of time
Birthing new generations
Of caretakers
Stewards of the ocean
Oceanic people we are