Psalms of A Poor Tongan-American

60 Minutes: Football Island

2010-01-26T00:02:00.000-08:00

With the National Football League 2009 season finale between 2 of the best teams, Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, battling in Super Bowl XLIV (44) to see who will become 2010 World Champion, CBS's Emmy Award-winning investigate show 60 Minutes dedicated part of their program to American Samoa's most prized and high-value commodity: young Samoan male athletes.

The show was titled Football Island which it aired on Sunday, January 17, 2010. Earlier that day, this program aired within hours after the Dallas Cowboys took a serious beating from the Minnesota Vikings. And yes, the old Vikings, from the Northern Atlantic Seas, were great seafarers just as the Islanders in the South Pacific. Even though I am an Oakland Raiders fan, I was happy that I was able to watch the Cowboys lose because of their overrated players.

60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley takes us on an interesting but quick journey through Football Island: American Samoa's Tutuila Island. Mr. Pelley reports about the higher than average rating of young Samoan males making it in the NFL. He interviews several people about the phenomenal success of young Samoan male athletes in the NFL. The reactions of the interviewees were humble and honest. College football scholarships and NFL contracts are their meal tickets.

I was not astonished nor shocked to see the horrific conditions of the football fields and the outdated and unsafe equipment that these young warriors had to wear in competition. Mr. Pelley could of made comparisons to how one year's salary, not including endorsements, of the highest paid NFL coach could of paid for safe and decent equipment for most of the football programs of American Samoa. College football coaches attain the highest salaries in most U.S. universities, more than the College Presidents. Sadly, few official statistics, many college football coaches are ashamed to share information on such topic, have shown that almost half of these college bound athletes leave college without degrees.

With the severe state of the country's economy, Mr. Pelley should of emphasized a little more information on the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi's (D-San Francisco) relationship with Star-Kist Tuna owned by Del Monte Foods. It is reported that her husband Paul Pelosi owned over $17 million dollars of Del Monte Foods stocks. Furthermore, Del Monte Foods was a major financial contributor to Nancy Pelosi's campaign. Not too surprising that the most powerful voice on in the House was silent when it came to the issue of raising American Samoa's minimum wage that you can hear a penny drop on the House of Representatives luxurious custom made floor.

For the many young men who can't make it on the college football path, some will enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces and join the thousands of active American Samoan men and women. Again, Mr. Pelley misses an opportunity to discuss the fact that American Samoa has the highest per-capita rate of military enlistment and deaths (loss) in any region in the U.S.

American Samoans are a people who are not only known for their physical strength but mostly for their artistic and scholarly abilities. Their ancestors freely navigated and enjoyed traveled the open seas centuries before Columbus and Magellan. They also studied and shared astronomy and other sciences that were vital to their and other peoples well-being at no cost. When most of these young athletes' careers are over, some will return to their homeland, American Samoa, or their American Samoan communities in the U.S. to heal and to find support and prepare for life after football. They are a great asset to their communities as they share their wealth of experience to the younger generation. Just as the great reefs grow outside the shores of Fagatele, the future of the young athletes, as well the non-athletes, depend on the guidance of the communities, home and abroad, to continue on growing.

A peaceful evening with John Lennon

2009-12-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

It is a cold and wet Sunday evening in Burlingame, California. Today is the 13th day of December and I am going to meet my old and good friend John Lennon. Yes, the legendary John Lennon of the world famous The Beatles band. John hates it when I call him a legend. Anyways, I drive up and down Burlingame Avenue frustratingly searching for a parking. Luckily, John saves a parking for me by sitting on the empty parking space thus preventing anyone from parking their car in that spot. John is wearing his regular hip and colorful attire while waving his hand with the peace sign at the passing foot and vehicle traffic while holding a cigarette with the other.

I realize that I'm running late but as John would say "We rule time..." But I tell John that's true but right now time is running out on me. He laughs aloud and picks up his guitar and starts strumming a medley of his songs. The sidewalk is full of holiday shoppers and they quickly move away from John as he nears them. John ceases his guitar playing as we stand outside the art gallery where some of John' s artworks are on displayed for sale to benefit a local nonprofit agency that helps the homeless and less fortunate. John tells me that he is going to sit outside and smoke another cigarette while I go inside the gallery and enjoy his artworks.

The hosts of the art gallery are very professional in greeting each of the attendees of the art exhibit. There are over 30 pieces of John's artworks for sale: prices ranging from $960 to over $9,000. After a good hour of viewing John's works, a mix of abstracts and poems, I exit the gallery to look for John. I look left and right to find with no sight of John. With a great amazement, I look on the side of exterior wall the gallery and find that John wrote a message for everyone that passed by the gallery "And we all shine on...give peace a chance". Suddenly, I checked my cell phone and listened to a voice mail message from John telling me that he had to quickly leave to catch the northbound Caltrain to San Francisco to attend a Peace Rally against the War in Afghanistan. I'd expected it from John. He's always on the hunt for a good protest. John, till next time, see you at your next art exhibit. Peace.

Healthcare and Wealthcare

2009-09-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful, sunny, and warm September afternoon in the Bay Area. I am keeping my dear mother company in her small, but comfortable, hospital room located on the 8th floor. The view from this hospital room is lavishly breath-taking and perhaps worth a million dollars. To the east, one can catch a glance of the great San Francisco Bay and the various cities that aligned it; and to the west, the magnificent San Bruno Mountains with tens of thousands of expensive homes scattered from its base to its peaks.

As my mother and I are having a conversation, the hospital's staff, several nurses and physicians including the volunteers, cooks, and janitors, enter and exit her room various times of the day tending to her daily needs. I start to have short conversations with these various people in order to establish a relationship in hoping to let them know that we are grateful, and thankful, for their hard work and support. The topic of our conversation is on the issue of her mounting hospital bill. I found several internet sources stating that the average U.S. emergency room visit cost $1500 minimum and up.

I recall several years ago visiting a close friend, who fell ill to pneumonia, was taken to the emergency room at San Francisco General Hospital. It was obvious that economic factors play a enormous role in the status of how one is treated. To better understand the concept of healthcare costs, one can locate and visit the local hospitals or medical centers within where he/she resides. It does not take long for one to quickly observe the huge difference between one from the other.

The healthcare system is in dire need of major overhaul and this includes creating transparency

in the relationship between representatives at Capitol Hill and executives of the health insurance

and pharmaceutical corporations. Sadly, many of these people who selfishly benefit off the misery

of millions blasphemously call themselves God-fearing philanthropists and church-going Christians. I judge no one for God

will fulfill that duty but I will be a witness in testifying in behalf the millions of those who suffered and died in the

presence of their greedy brethren. The life of a Child of God is precious and priceless. Man seems to forget the basic

teachings of God: Love thy neighbor because he/she is after all created in the image of God.

Peace and Blessings unto all. Amen.

Psalm to Mother Moon

2009-07-30T16:25:00.000-07:00

Psalm to Mother Moon

40 years, 4 decades, 40 seasons later

Apollo 11 violated your feminine serene space with Mother Earth sons' thick masculine musk

You did not unleash your wrath on the children of Mother Earth

You control the tides of the Oceans and Seas on Mother Earth; and most Earthlings know it

Amazingly, we Earthlings prefer to seek Life outside Earth's sphere than within its Soul

How many light years will it take to travel to into the heart and soul of Neil Armstrong?

Imagine travellers from Mother Moon planting a flag on top of Mount Rushmore

You have guided Our night travel through the Open Seas by illuminating night's darkness

You have assisted Our Mothers and Sisters in their renewal of Life's Cycle

You have been too kind to Our Sons than the Sun

In Your honor, We name the first day of the working week after You: Lifetime of Labor

Have mercy and grace on Us for Our senseless acts of selfishness and deplorable ignorance

I look forward to seeing You tonight since I the very first night set my eyes on You

Psalm of Cabin Biscuit and Sea Breeze Blues

2009-07-20T00:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I feel selfishly guilty to think and compose a poem honouring myself.

My first couple of attempts in composing a poem about Myself resulted in the countless times of my index finger pressing the computer's delete button. So I decided to read about how several famous, and not so famous, like Myself, poets and writers emphasized the importance of writing down single words which are more significant and heartfelt to me; and then constructing sentences with those very same words.

The main reason I decided to write a poem for Myself: My Life is filled with Cabin Biscuit and Butter Blues. In the month of June 2009, I experienced the painful loss of my 7 year-old marriage to my former companion and once "Love of My Life and Fo'i Pa'ongo". I truly miss and love her so much. We both were born on a Thursday during the cool winter season in Tonga. Ironically, we met in the month of June 2002. Within the first 48 hours of my marriage seperation, I was filled with overwhelming denial, anger, betrayal, and hatred toward my former companion.

However, I have slowly found peace and comfort through the powerful act of forgiving. It's a very difficult act but greatly essential to one's life just as the air the we breathe. My process of retaining my sanity and sense of spiriuality include seeing a professional therapist, praying and meditating, and, importantly, forgiving myself and asking for forgiveness from those I've offended. I know at times my anger and frustration overrides my decisions in telling people the reasons for the breakup of my marriage in an honest and compassionate manner. After all, there are always 2 sides to a why a marriage ended; and this is mine.

Psalm of Cabin Biscuit and Sea Breeze Blues

Numerous exhanges of emails and hundreds of hours phone calls seem not enough

Like distant lovers sending love notes enclosed tin cans floating in the open South Pacific Seas Joyous laughter and soft-spoken words vitalize the two souls as a Dove flaps her wings to fly

Do I/You believe in Love and its Destiny?

You remind me of my Past

And You are my Past

Image of the full moon floats on the Pacific Sea

Let's take a risk just as a Poker player eyes each card in his hands

We are Old Spirits with familiarities and similiarities

But deeply cautious as a butterfly would fly off the edge of the seacliffs of Eu'a Island

Marriage: Do you take Her/His this and that to be yours until Death

What if we cheated Death? What then?

The first fruits of the old coconut tree share the same soil but grow indifferently

Forewarned, a Pacific storm uproots the young coconut trees from their fertile ground

But the same young coconut trees find new soils to grow again

This time in the Garden: East of Eden

A dove and a megapod bird enjoy the company of the young coconut trees

A hungry hunter seeks its prey: the two game birds

Both birds know their roles in survival

Dove descends up and away into the white, heavenly clouds

Megapod bird hides away into the thick shrubs in shadows of the old Banyan tree

Hungry hunter steals the eggs of the dove but accidently steps on the Megapod's nest

Megapod and dove exchange cries

If you ever heard a dove cry, Look in the sky and you will find a rainbow

This is my Cabin Biscuit and Sea Breeze Blues

Psalm for Eddy Zheng

2009-05-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

On the evening of Saturday, May 23, 2009, I had the priviledge, as a guest, to attend a special birthday party for Eddy Zheng at Laney College in Oakland. I personally do not know Eddy and this was only the second time we have met but I know alot of fellow human beings who are just like Eddy. Eddy was incarcerated since he was 16 years-old for over the last 20 years at San Quentin for committing a crime of robbery. Eddy has a website that has more information on his struggles: http://www.eddyzheng.com/index.html

It is no surprise that Asians and Pacific Islanders have one of the fastest growing rate of incarceration among males between ages 15-35 years old over the past decade. Several years ago, The U.S. Department of Justice's annual report substantiated this sad and alarming fact. The signs are clear like a powerful Pacific Ocean Tsunami where one can be in total denial and suffer the catastrophic consequences or acknowledge and examine the growing problems by initiating strategies and long-term resolutions that benefit the community as a whole. It is like the old Pacific proverb "it takes a Reef to raise a Fish...etc."

Many of the incarcerated Pacific Islanders are either first or second-generation Americans who experience living in the twilight zone comprising of both the Old and New Worlds which become a prison itself. These young men and women usually have 2 identities: one at home and the other outside their home. The one at home consist of an old, extremely conservative, and traditional rules that favor boys over girls. In contrast, outside their home the lack of resources, such as after-school and youth programs, puts them at high risk of joining gangs to fill the void.

It was empowering to hear Eddy talk about his struggles during his youth assimilating into this new country as an immigrant. His experiences with racism and poverty created so much anger and loneliness. Like many American youth, he fell into the temptations of the streets like being caught in the middle of the powerful undertow; and became involved with the crowd his parents always warned him to stay away from. We all make unwise decisions in our Youth which sometimes haunt Us for the rest of lives.

Eddy's poor and immigrant background did not help in his trial. Jail sentences given to defendants in courts are based on 2 important factors: ethnic and economic backgrounds. Just imagine if Eddy was a Hearst or a Forbes, I would not have the opportunity to be a guest at his birthday party and have a great time watching Eddy and his friends entertain and, yes, a slice or two of his birthday cake.

Eddy you are exactly what your name means in Old English: "happy or prosperous" and "guard". You not only survived but you have given Society prosperity in terms of hope and strength with your ability to be a great role model. You were the brave canary, covered with layers of dirt and coal all over your beautiful coat of feathers, who returned from the cold, dark, and desolate coal mine to warn us about the hidden danger ahead. Was not Paul the Apostle in the New Testament once was Saul the Executioner? Can there be Redemptiom and Forgiveness? People can change; and Eddy is a great example.

Psalm for Eddy

A flock of Seagulls flies above the walls of San Quentin State Prison

In a fenced yard, a group of Prisoners wave endlessly toward the open skies

Seagull and Prisoner are contemplating and wishful thinking of each other's fates

Seagulls and Prisoners wear the same colors everyday

Everday they exchange stories about each other's struggles

A Prisoner imagines himself as a Seagull flying far away

A Seagull complains why he cuts himself on the razor sharp wires atop the walls

A flock of Albatrosses flies over the white cumulus clouds

For a moment, Seagulls and Prisoners imagine themselves as Albatrosses

An Air China Airlines creates a long streak of white Contrails above the blue skies

Seagull asks Prisoner a familiar question "why are they so much alike?"

After pondering for a few seconds, Prisoner answers "Because no One wants Us"

Seagull replies back to Prisoner "No, your wrong. We both have each other, Forever"

Loud cries of Seagull Chicks echoes the outer walls of SQ

A busload of new Prisoners cross the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

Final destination: SQ

A busload of former Prisoners cross the Golden Gate Bridge

With Good Hope, final destination: Anywhere but SQ

Psalm for 2009 May Day Rally in Oakland

2009-05-07T21:44:00.000-07:00

What is May Day? Why celebrate it?

I was fortunate enough to attend this year's May Day Rally in Oakland, even though it was a cold and rainy Friday evening. As I rode the AC Transit bus route #19 from Berkeley to Oakland around 4:30 p.m., I quickly observed my other fellow bus passengers: 2 Latino day laborers, in dirt stained and wet clothes, who appeared tired and restless after a long day's of manual labor, an African-American elderly retired couple, perhaps in the their early 70's, who sat next to each other with their several bags of shopping on their laps, a disabled Caucasian man in his late 50's with a U.S. Army jacket and a cap that says "I'm a proud U.S. Vietnam War Veteran", and an Asian mother and her young child riding home after picking her up from school. Interestingly enough, the AC transit bus I rode on was called the Van Hool and was imported from Belgium. As the bus meandered through the streets of West Oakland, I slowly tasted the salty and warm tears from my brown eyes as they flowed down my brown cheeks, in juxtuposition with the light stream of rain drops flowing down the clear-glass windows of this Belgian-made bus. The tears represented my joy and optimism of better Today and brighter Tomorrow; and it dawned on me how DIVERSITY is the core of America.

I arrived in downtown Oakland, at Broadway and 11th Streets, around 5 p.m. I felt a little discouraged by the heavy rain and strong wind but I had to remind myself that many hard working people have to deal with these unforgiving weather conditions on a daily basis; and being at the mercy of the cold and wet rain or in the relentless heat of the Sun. The chaotic scene on Broadway Street reminded me of the late great filmmaker Fritz Lang's 20th-century "Metropolis" where countless people passed each other, resembling the American River meandering through the valleys of Northern California and fighting its way into the San Francisco Bay then onto the mighty Pacific, with desolate and hopeless stares as though they were robots. The few groups, made up of individuals with similiar interests, seemed to create their own invisible barrier comprised of their loud and offensive talking or their silent and intimidating stares.

There were hundreds of supporters and various community and immigration activists and workers' rights groups, including the menacing and intimidating presence of the Oakland police, at the rally. I met some of the community organizers and various rally supporters; and we all embraced and saluted each other by honoring ourselves and all the workers of the world.

Ironically, people always relate wealth to blessings. Oh how I wished the Leaders of Organized Religions, would openly support and honor May Day because of its great significance to its members: working-class people who dedicate their hard earned money and limitless time to their churches. I realized how proud I am in my choice to be a proxy for the voiceless; and to continue the great work and legacy of those in the Past, including the countless names of people, reminds me of the stars affixed on the Southern Pacific skies during a warm summer night, who sacrificed their lives to improve the working conditions of future generations.

I am very blessed to know that hundreds of thousands of dedicated people in the past and present have sacrificed to allow me to live a lot more comfortable than majority of most working class people. Sometimes I take things for granted; and I have to remind myself at times of what are the main components of living a complete and fulfilling life: by building and sharing communities.

A short history of May Day begins on May 1st commemorating, and recognizing, the historic and neverending struggle of working, poor class. However, Canada, the United States, and South Africa. Ironically, this important holiday began in the United States around the turn of the late 19th century in the workers' battle for an 8-hour work day instead of being forced to work 10 to 14-hour day.

On May 1, 1886, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, in collaboration with the International Working People's Association, began to empower, educate, and unite the workers in their battle against the great injustices and oppressive tactics of their greedy and selfish employers. The historical Haymarket Square Workers' Rally of May 4, 1886 in Chicago which later eventually became known as the Haymarket Riot was the result of the solidarity among workers demanding 8-hour workdays and fair and decent wages from their filthy rich and wealthy employers. Sadly, many lives were lost at this workers' rally. However, it launched the labor U.S. movement which in turn has slowly shrunk over the last 2 decades.

America, many times, has quickly forgotten its rich labor history. In the 19th century, many of the newly arrived immigrants and laborers were English, Irish, German, Polish, Italians, and other European countries; and a few decades later, China. America must always acknowledge its dark past of her involvement in the African Slave Labor Trade. The Civil Rights Movement is an integral part of May Day. In the 21st century, Latinos and Southeast Asians, including Pacific Islanders, are the new immigrants who seeking the same opportunity as the immigrants of the past. Many are exploited by their employers. They are going through the same problems as the first wave of immigrants encountered in the 18th century. Instead of celebrating Labor Day on May 1st, the U.S. celebrates it in September in defiance of acknowledging the great historical significance of its own Labor movement. It is simply like celebrating the 4th of July in October: "We don't want to offend England".

My 20-plus years experience in being involved in several unions and other grassroots organizations is that have noticed 2 main concerns of the general membership: a high rate of loss among its members over the last couple of decades and a growing disappointment and dissent against the Leadership. Over the years, I have been very fortunate and blessed to have great mentors who took the time to share with me their experiences, which have opened my eyes to a world beyond my imagination.

Being raised and growing up in a Christian home, and having been taught the important teachings and values of the Lord Jesus Christ, I make goals and accept new challenges everyday in empowering myself by making sacrifices, and struggles, that are painful and uncomfortable. I can imagine Jesus' great Sermon on the Mount as one of the earliest May Day rally. I always take in heart the words of Jesus Christ when He sincerely proclaimed:

"I was hungred and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.... Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:35-40).

I always ask myself "What would Jesus Do?" The truth of the matter is that I had to find time to be honest with myself by shredding the layers of racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia within me. I had to love and forgive myself in order to love the people and work I am involved with. Everyday is a learning experience that I take with great pride in learning, respecting, and honoring other cultures and peoples' traditions and religions. WORKERS UNITE! Peace and Blessings to you.

Psalm for The Remora

2009-03-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

The Remora or suckerfish is a long but narrow, brown fish that can grow from 1 to 3 feet in length and are found in warm tropical seas. They are found attached to the most powerful and biggest sea creatures in the world's oceans: sharks, whales, turtles, tunas, swordfish, and manta rays. Interestingly enough, the remora is the only fish in the ocean that swims around the man-eating great white and tiger sharks without being ever attacked. However, when the large sea creatures leave for the deeper and colder depths of the ocean, the remoras understand it's a mutual but a temporary working relationship.

Today, I walked past a group of Latino day laborers who were waiting for anyone to pick them up so they can perform any, large or small, physical task in return for a lowly amount of wages. I thought about the Pacific Islander temporary or seasonal farm workers in Aotearoa (now called New Zealand) and Australia. Just like the Remora, the general public view the seasonal workers' lives as expendable and a great public nuisance. Ironically, the loud noise of construction workers' pounding thousands of nails with their hammers into wood and steel workers grinding steel beams heavy as a infant gray whale echoes from a construction project down the street. The construction project is surrounded by a chain link fence and several signs displaying the main general contractor, the financiers, and two signs: "NO HIRING ON SITE" and "NO TRESPASSING".

Psalm for the Remora

To My Great Friends of the Sea which whom I have served and cared for...

Great White Shark why do you leave me stranded in a foreign place like Stinson Beach

Great Blue Whale why do you leave me after we migrated together throughout the warm Pacific seas for the cold Antarctic waters

Great Manta Ray why did you take a deeper dive into the cold and dark abyss without telling Me, your traveling companion

Great Sea Turtle why do you leave me alone in the sea for the white sandy beaches of Mexico

What is my value?

I am not a prized exotic tropical fish that you would find in pet stores

I am not worthy to be displayed on the menus of the world's finest seafood restaurants

And not even a cheap sushi buffet would dare have me on their menu

I am not a Mahimahi, a Pacific yellow-fin tuna, Maine lobster, or Atlantic swordfish

I am envious you miss puffer fish and mister skate

I was blamed for the great Roman Marcus Antonius' defeat at the Battle of Actium

I am cursed for reasons unknown to Me...

But I must remind myself...

I am a Remora!

I am a Seasonal Worker!

I am a Remora!

Psalm for A Plumeria in a Dark Cave

2009-01-15T22:11:00.000-08:00

Today, I recall an event several years ago when I joined a group of young male friends on a "Guys Night Out" in the City of San Francisco. After wasting the first couple of hours cruising around the Tenderloin and Mission Districts, we agreed to go visit North Beach's Gentlemen's Clubs. Ironically, we parked in front of the world famous City Lights Bookstore, on the corner of Columbus and Broadway Streets. For those who don't know this area of San Francisco, it is an area on top of a hill, about the equivalence of 4 blocks, sandwiched between Chinatown and North Beach's Little Italy with over 6 Gentlemen's Clubs. We divided our group into three subgroups and parted ways. My group of adventurers were reluctant to enter the doors of a well-known Gentlemen's Club. I decided to volunteer to go inside and scout the establishment myself while the rest of the crew waited outside.

The club was packed as a can of Palm Corned Beef. Inside the club, the combination of alcohol, cigarette smoke, and the thick scent of men's hormonal musk almost made me vomit. Loud music competed with the howling and chants of the club's patrons. The bar was opposite of the main stage where a nude woman entertainer was making sexual and acrobatic dance moves to the applause of the audience. She reminded me of the main character "Maximus" in the blockbuster movie "Gladiator" in how her life was expendable and at the mercy of the cruel audience. As I navigated my way further in the club, I found myself in a hallway with a small stage surrounded by glass. Just as I was beginning to walk back to the front entrance of this establishment, I notice the shadowy figure behind the glass preparing to begin Her act as the host proudly introduces Her as "The Gorgeous Polynesian Princess."

I was shocked but curious to see who she was. Do I know Her? Does She know Me? Her skin was golden brown and she had long curly black hair. She was physically fit and Her body was well-proportioned. She wore a lava lava sarong around her waist and a tight yellow t-shirt. Within minutes, she stripped off her clothes as her audience erupted with a loud applause and sexually-explicit comments. One of the drunk bar patrons offended me by asking me", if she is my Sister." I looked him in the eye and answered", yes, she is my Sister." He replied", Your people are the Most Beautiful in the world; and I wish my wife was Polynesian." I peacefully ignored the drunk bar patron and walked toward the exit. I also decided to tip my Polynesian sister $20 as I left the establishment. Once outside, the rest of my crew inquired if they should go inside the club. I replied to them it was not worth their money and time. Ironically, several Missing Persons fliers are pasted on several of the streetlight poles along Broadway and Columbus.

Psalm for a Plumeria

Why do men want to be entertained?

Why do women entertain?

In a dark room full of men's thick and heavy musk

The lonely sweet scent of Plumeria cuts through it like a ray of Sun penetrating murky water

Aliases, Superficiality, and anonymity are the House rules

No real names, no real conversations exchanged

This is a Fantasy. Fantasy Island. Fantasy Islanders.

The nude bodies entertain; and the audience respond by throwing Dead Presidents at Them.

"In God We Trust" is written on the other side of the Dead Presidents' portraits

I hope God does not think I am a Perverted perSon

A mariner is surprised by a sleeping South Pacific wave

A young woman from the South Pacific makes her grand entrance to the main stage

Her eyes are dark brown as kukui nut, Her skin brown as a kiwi fruit, Her lips sweet as mango

The sweet scent of plumeria oil overwhelms Her body

It's just another night for her in a room full strangers. Strange Men. Strange Acts.

Same old, tired pickup lines and empty promises lavish Her as a colony of jellyfish

Her 15 minute dance set seems like a summer December day in Tonga: humid, hot, and long

She climbs the sleek stainless pole on the stage as though she's climbing a frangipani tree

Her audience's Emotions explode like the blowholes of Houma

Fantasies fulfilled. Money and Time well spent

Men give each other high fives as though they won the Super Bowl or World Cup

She disappeared into the darkness just as she came. She prepares for the next audience.

A streetlight pole outside the club has several missing persons fliers

I often wonder if someone does miss Her. Does she miss her family? Friends?

Why do men and women entertain?

Why do women and men want to be entertained?

Psalm for a Tongan brother of Market Street

2009-01-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

I recall meeting a homeless Tongan man on Market Street in San Francisco. I would like to call him "Joshua" just to respect and honor his wish of remaining anonymous. Joshua told me he has been living on the streets of San Francisco for over a decade. Furthermore, he also told me of his experience of meeting other homeless Tongans and Pacific Islanders over the years. I invited Joshua if he wanted to join me for lunch. He refused the offer but instead he asked for some spare change. I gave him my used handbag and all the money in my wallet and on me: $23.00. I also asked him if he would not mind waiting for a couple minutes so I can go find an ATM and give him another $40. He kindly refused the offer and we gave each other a hug. Then he slowly walked away and disappeared into the sea of people on Market Street.

Psalm for Market Street's Tongan brother

Market Street runs parallel with Mission Street in the City of St. Francis

Through fate, two Tongans meet on the corner of Sixth and Market Streets

Our eyes synchronously meet like two waves from opposite directions in the open Pacific Sea

We gather words to exchange to each other

just as One would gather seashells on a Oholei beach to give as gifts

The foot traffic on Market Street is sometimes like a strong Pacific Ocean current

A wise and experienced sailor has learned to master the crossing from past mistakes

Crossing Market Street reminds Us of old Tongan sailors on a small "popao" (canoe) would attempt to land on the rugged shores of Tafahi

It's a Treacherous Crossing

A giant billboard of the luxurious Fairmont Hotel's Tonga Room invites everyone

Except Us

He greets Me as a long-lost kin: "Toko'ua" (Brother) how are You?

His long, grayish unkept beard and curly hair frightens Strangers passing by

He tries His best not to look like He's Homeless (Tukuhausia) and Poor (Masiva)

He carries what he possesses in tHis world in a black trash bag and an old, red hiking bag

His hiking trail is along the City's concrete forest that cover the Earth's ground

Skyscrapers as tall as ancient California's Sequoia trees block the Sun's rays

Millions of Strangers have walked on Market Street over the last century

Strange stares. Strange voices. Strange emotions. Strange words.

Diverse Strangers who have the comforts of Life avoid the Living on Market Street

He quickly tells me a story of his upbringing in Tonga. He misses Tonga but loves America

Nearby on United Nations Plaza, Multi-national peoples sell nonu and Pacific red snapper

Reflections and memories of Nuku'alofa's Talamahu Market on a Saturday morning

He misses the smiling faces of the vendors at Talamahu Market.

How much does it cost to get a smile on Market Street?

The billboard on a passing taxicab says "Put a Smile on Her face: Buy her Tahitian pearls"

Do pearls exist in Tonga?

We imagine ourselves as two pearls in the hard shell of the City: What is our worth?

We embraced. We laughed. We Proudly and Loudly talked in Our native Tongue: Tongan.

We promised to meet again. At the same place. At a different time in the Future.

Old Market Street.

Psalm for a Caring Caregiver

2009-01-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

This Psalm is dedicated to the hardworking and low-wage earning Caregivers who worked tirelessly in caring for America's senior and disabled citizens. My earliest memory of Caregiving is when I was 8 years old. My father and I visited a relative who was a live-in Caregiver. She worked around the clock, seven days and nights a week, to care and nurse a weak but strong willed 80 year-old man. The old man's children and relatives rarely visited except on Holidays; and whenever it is their convenience. My aunt sometimes would bring him around to family events. He was treated as one of the Elders of our family.

Psalm for a Caregiver

Night and Day: two identical twins born days apart

Your aching hands, sore feet, and sleepless nights tells the Time

This a home, Not your Home, you clean and take care as though it is Yours

The hundreds of pictures and portraits around the Home does not have a single picture of You

A calendar of Tonga's Kalonikali News is hung on the expensive antique ironwood cabinet

Hundreds of images of your Home in Nuku'alofa enter your mind as You close your eyes

The sound of a bell rings louder and louder.

For a second it reminds Your Nuku'alofa government primary school teacher's bell

The fresh smell of Tongan coconut oil mixed with frangipani on your body

Someone calls Your name in the darkness of the night.

Sometimes, He reminds You of your late Father: sometimes verbally abusive

But You love him over time. And He knows it.

He cries. You cry. He tells You he misses His family. You tell Him you miss Your family, too.

You kneel down and pray next him and ask God to bless and comfort both of You.

Tongan Horoscope

2009-01-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

Over the last several decades, I have researched and interpreted yards of ancient scrolls found in a cave by an old Tongan fisherman in 1920. A descendant of this old fisherman entrusted me with these ancient scrolls. Her only wishes were for me to share these ancient scrolls with the rest of the world; and then return them to the cave before the year 2011. The texts on the ancient scrolls reveals the Tongan Astrology Signs.

The ancient Tongan Calendar used the Constellations of the Night Skies, ocean currents, migration of sea birds and ocean creatures, and directions of the Winds. To better understand this ancient Astrology chart, I have partially translated it so it can be easily read.

The Astrology Signs are based on the last number of the year of your date of birth.

Here's an example: If you were born in the month of September. Then you will use 9 as determining your Astrological sign.

The Astrology Signs are divided into 3 groups: water, land, and combination.

Water= Ocean, Lake, River, and Pond produce fluidity in Life.

Land= Mountain, Desert, Plains, Island, and Valley produce solidity in Life.

Combination= Access to both Elements.

Special Note*= I apologize that there are No Sky Signs. According to the ancient Tongan scrolls, the old Tongan authors explain that the Heavens and the Skies are valuable mediums which provide guidance and direction for Life's travelers. Until further notice, I will reveal more of the texts fron the ancient Tongan scrolls. Please read and enjoy your Sign.

2009 = The Year of the Shark ('Anga)

0= Sea Snake (Tukuhali): Creative and Graceful- "Sea Snakes are graceful and creative in accomplishing their goals. They are level-headed under extreme pressure but will defend their beliefs." Weaknesses: Sea Snakes are easily distracted and easily taken advantage of. They are also known for holding their anger for a long amount of time.

1= Flightless Megapode Bird (Malau-O-Vailahi): Determined and Trustworthy-"Megapodes from an early stage of their lives have the determination to succeed in their endeavors. Their reliance on their intuition and past experiences allow them to move forth in life. They are trustworthy when it comes to allegiance regardless of circumstances." Weaknesses: Megapodes are sometimes known for their selfishness and cold-heartedness.

2= Banded Iguana (Fokai): Independent but Evasive- "Iguanas take in their pride independence and self-sufficiency. They seem to find ways to evade difficult situations and bad people. They recover fast and heal well when injured by others." Weaknesses: Iguanas are known for the passive and aggressive attitude among their own circle of family and friends.

3= Octopus (Feke): Confident and Artistic- "Octopus has the confidence to enter any environment and succeed. Their ability to easily adapt to harsh attacks enable them to control their emotions. They will unselfishly defend themselves with only the facts and the truths of an argument. They have hidden artistic talents." Weakness: Octopuses are deceptive, superficial, and dishonest. They are well-known for making themselves look good around others with bad intentions.

4= Turtle (Fonu): Gentle and Compassionate-"Turtles are gentle and respectful to the people and the environment around them. They make others feel important and comfortable. However, they have sensitive feelings and tend to be easily wounded and offended. They are quick to forgive and forget. They make great lifetime friends." Weaknesses: Turtles are not known for being around people. They can be very jealous and envious.

5= Whale (Tofu'aa): Intellectual and Optimistic-"Whales are highly intellectual and charismatic. They are well-mannered and very aware of their surroundings. They tend to give great and positive advices to people around them." Weaknesses: Whales are sometimes egotistic and want all the attention from everyone. They are also loud and boisterous.

6= Dolphin (Pele): Intelligent but Overprotective-"Dolphins are wise, funny, and easy to get along with. They are known to empower and help the weak and the vulnerable. They are relentless in fighting for truth and justice." Weaknesses: Dolphins are very Overprotective and possessive. They also tend to hide their true feelings from others.

7= Flying Fox (Peka): Sharing and Idealistic-"Flying foxes are communally caring and loving. Their ability to unconditionally share their wealth, time, and space is their greatest characteristic. They tend to shy away or avoid publicity over good deeds they performed. They promote ideals that empower individuals and communities." Weaknesses: Flying Foxes are sometimes lazy and slothful. They are also known for distributing rumors and gossips around the community.

8= Coconut Beetle (Manu Kainiu): Adventurous and Wise-"Coconut Beetles enjoy the thrill of exploring and discovering new things. However, they have the wisdom to escape dangerous situations and bad relationships. They have great skills in finding spiritual and monetary wealth." Weaknesses: Coconut Beetles are very critical of themselves. They are also easy prey to wealth and fame.

9= Shark ('Anga): Creative and Spiritual-"Sharks are quick in comprehending and identifying danger from afar. Their unselfishness makes them great leaders. They are creative in building and sustaining long-term relationships." Weaknesses: Sharks sometimes indirectly scare away their allies because of their powerful presence. They are sometimes victimized by their own past history.

Psalm for My Fallen Friend

2009-01-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

Suicide is one of the most difficult topics to discuss around our Pacific Islander communities.

Anger, shame, hopelessness, insecurity, and embarrassment are a few of the feelings experienced by those who have had siblings, relatives, and close friends who have committed Suicide.

The act of Suicide is Old as Us humans. We have all known at least someone close to Us who have taken their own precious Life.

For the Living, families and close friends must seek counseling and support in order to cope with Tragedy. Perhaps, Suicide is a form of Accident that can be prevented. Depression is the top reason for Suicide. In this fast-paced Society We live in, high expectations set up by Our own Egos; and where We demand complete perfection and flawlessness from everyone, including Ourselves.

We perceive a World where there's absolutely No room or space for failures. Why do We let Society's high expectations control Our Lives? I guess it's just part of Human nature. I hope my Guess is wrong. Suicide rates are rising in a time of Economic recession. For those who have thought, attempted and survived Suicide, the question is how can We help each other prevent Ourselves from falling victim to Suicide.

Psalm for a Fallen Friend

Yesterday, we talked for hours all night until the Sunday morning sun

Yesterday, we revealed to each other answers for old secrets from our Past

Yesterday, we wished we met earlier in Life because maybe things would of been better

Yesterday, we fought over nothing but then became friends, Again

Yesterday, we wrote our names on the newly wet cement sidewalk near your Home

Today, I found on my bookshelf your favorite novel of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Today, You left me a copy of Robert Desnos' "If You Only Knew" and your driver's license and a long letter of why you have taken this path.

Today, I hear your voice and I beg and plea to God for just one last minute to be with You

Today, I lied down on the discolored cold and hard concrete sidewalk engraved with our names as the warm and bright Sunday afternoon sun shines above over me. I felt an overwhelming feeling of solace as I caught a glimpse of your shadow standing over me.

Today, I called your cell phone just to hear your crackling voice. And I left a message for You to call me back. Please call me back. Please. I'll try Again later.

Today, On the way to see my therapist for my monthly visit, I stopped by your home to water your favorite cactus plants. Oh my, they have grown.

Today, I openly admit that I get Depressed, too.

Today, I thank You for being my good friend. Thanks Again.

Psalm for Mele Kulaea Taiamoni

2009-01-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

In early December 2008, I attended a funeral service for my beloved and beautiful cousin Mele Kulaea Taiamoni who tragically was a victim to gun violence. Mele Kulaea was the city of Oakland's 113th homicide victim. I have met Mele Kulaea only twice before her death. My connection with her is through my mother and her father who are 2nd cousins. Her funeral service was attended by over several hundreds: which included her immediate and extended families, and close friends and peers from her church and community.

Psalm for Mele Kulaea

Life is a Pacific coral reef.

The beauty of the coral reef is only seen underwater below the surface.

It's Breath-taking.

Does Lake Merritt has a coral reef?

Oakland's skyscrapers are made in the same concept of a reef: beauty and strength.

Oakland is your home away from your Homeland Tonga

Brother Ta'ani arrived from Auckland just to see You.

International Boulevard. International Dateline. International Peoples.

You're proud of your family. Your family is proud of a daughter, a sister, and a Great friend.

Tupac's "Does Heaven have a Ghetto?" loudly blares from the sound system of a Chevy suburban.

A stencil of "Tongan Pride" covers the rear window of the American-made Chevy.

Oakland Raiders sticker on the rear bumper. Another losing season. Next year will be better.

A ship crashes into a coral reef in the middle of the warm and dark Pacific night.

Gun shots. Police sirens. Loud screams. Wailing and weeping.

You returned to Pulotu a week before Thanksgiving.

Is Plymouth Rock a coral reef? Someday, I will see it myself. Let's meet there!

Mele Kulaea, We honor and celebrate your life everyday as a Holiday.

Psalm for Utu Langi

2008-12-31T19:47:00.000-08:00

This is an amazing and inspirational story about how fate brought two strangers together. Through this encounter, it produced a monumental decision for a kind-hearted Tongan-American man to dedicate his life's journey in aiding the poor and the homeless. His name is Utu Langi. He was honored as one of the top 10 people who made a difference in Hawai'i. More importantly, he was honoree number 9 and President Barack Obama was the last finalist at number 10.

Read more about his story in the Honolulu Star Bulletin Newspaper.

Dated: December 28, 2008.

The Honolulu Advertiser Newspaper in 2006 also published a story of Utu's work.

Dated: January 26, 2006

Psalm for Utu Langi

A skilled tufunga with a compassionate heart, soul, and mind of a Good Tongan

Perhaps in the same realm of a fellow Good Samaritan

Names and faces of strangers come and go just the timetable of the Pacific Ocean's tides

From Kapiolani Park, You can see the luxurious and elegant Royal Hawaiian Hotel

From the balcony of Kamehameha Suite in the Royal Hawaiian, Kapiolani Park is a pleasurable place for a tourist to take a simple stroll or a morning run.

Tourists warning: Beware and Discard of Poverty around You, Do Not Interact At All Times!

Sun-baked tourists and Locals cross paths. No offense, Is it a Crime to be Poor?

Locals gather underneath the eulu of the Old Banyan Tree as a refuge from the Hot sun.

Great Memories of the Old Ovava Tree in Nuku'alofa uplifts Utu's spirit.

Just as the early Pacific Islander navigators bravely traveled on their canoes through the open seas.

Utu, you too, have braved and risked to make a sacrifice to share your spirit of Hope

You rescued many from drowning in the whirlpool of despair and Hopelessness

In a modern time of economic breakdown and Bailouts.

Do Pirates exist in the Pacific?

In a Ocean of plenty, there are No buckets left to Bailout the original peoples of Hawai'i

You reminded Them of their sense of self-worth and dignity as brothers and sisters of Mother Earth

Sometimes, many mistaken You as One of Them, the Untouchables

Your Godly act goes against the Rules of the Survival of the Fittest

Needless to say, some of them are true descendants of the old Royal Hawaiian Ali'i

Imagine a reflection of yester-years of unwritten but oral Pacific history

Utu, your ancestors were welcomed by the great Queen Liliu'okalani's ancestors when they landed here on one of their peaceful visits. They were Not Tourists. Not Developers.

The streets of Honolulu are littered with empty cheap TV dinner boxes, McDonald's Happy Meals wrappers, used condoms, cigarette butts, and broken King Cobra malt liquor bottles.

We meet again. Aloha and Alofa. My Ohana. My Ka'inga.

Utu, your determination and sacrifices to make a difference is a Blueprint for Happiness.

A master tufunga of building and amending Communities

Your Good works are Unseen but powerful as the Minerva Reef.

The Old proverb says the Sky is the limit. Do Angels exist in the Pacific? or Only in mainland America? or The Old World?

Remember, in the Pacific, the sun rises in Tonga and sets in Hawai'i.

A Psalm for Roland

2008-12-31T06:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas marks the Holiest Day for Christians world wide. For most people, Christians and non-Christians, they have anxiously awaited over the past 11 months to celebrate by shopping for gifts to give to their loved ones and friends. The Christmas celebration includes lavish feasts, daily church mass and services, and countless minutes spent on the phone and web exchanging words of how this year's Christmas is different from past years. As for many of the poor and homeless, the Holidays are indicated by two factors: winter's extremely cold weather and the loud footsteps of Christmas shoppers pounding the hard cold pavement.

On Christmas Eve, I decided to buy a decent bottle of white wine, a pack of Oscar Myer's ham slices, and a loaf of wheat bread to give my friend Roland, a strong-spirited and warm-hearted blind, homeless African-American man in his 60's. Roland lives under a bridge on Fourth Street also known as the "Rodeo Drive" of Berkeley and the East Bay. Ironically, expensive luxury cars are parked in front of the 60 square feet area Roland calls HOME. His home consists of a rusted shopping cart, layers of old blankets, several empty bottles and aluminum cans. I slowly pour wine into Roland's plastic cup and then mine and we toast to Christmas. Warm tears from my brown eyes slowly rolled down my dark brown-skinned cheeks BUT I struggle to avoid Roland from noticing my vulnerability as a human being. I have always been told real MEN don't cry and I quickly blame the cold winter winds blowing against my face as the catalyst for the tears rolling down my brown-skinned cheeks. We wished each other Merry Christmas and made plans to have a New Year's celebration together. Roland and I have been friends for the last 6 months.

A Psalm for Roland

Today I chant a psalm for You Roland

Your name's etymology perhaps is derived from the phrase "Roll with the Land"

Your HOME address is the corner of Fourth Street and University Ave

You respectfully greet strangers as though they were long lost friends

I saw strangers taking their pictures with Santa Claus at one of the expensive shops down on Fourth Street

For many that walk past you feel threatened by the site of your dark black skin and unwashed clothes you wear and dark black skin

Amtrak train's loud blaring horn signaling its arrival. And later its departure.

You tell me that you are happy for the people traveling. They will go and comeback to see You.

You could hear the echoes of their stories of the places they went to visit as though you were sitting next to them on the train.

Thousands of commuters have driven past you and avoided you like a pothole.

You create no Harm or Damage. You create harmony around You.

For You this LIFE is just a Highway to Heaven.

Here's a toast to the year's Last Days. And Happy Birthday Jesus.

Let's drink our cheap wine. And have some ham and wheat bread sandwiches; and no Mayo please.