Farewell, Until We Meet Again

This will be my final post. 

But nonetheless, I will cherish what we’ve shared— 

In ocean’s hush and island breeze, 

Where poems bloom like coral trees, 

We’ve shared our hearts in woven lines, 

And danced in rhythm, rich and fine. 

From Guam’s bright shores to lands afar, 

Your voices rose like evening stars— 

Each stanza, bold; each word, a flame, 

Lit from the soul, unbound by name. 

We wandered through the thoughts you shared, 

Each metaphor so gently bared, 

And found within your crafted art 

A place that warmed the searching heart. 

Though now we close this cherished page, 

The spirit lives in every stage— 

In whispered wind, in rain’s soft rhyme, 

In memories held beyond all time. 

So pen your truths and let them fly, 

Like seabirds soaring through the sky. 

Our island’s gift—a poet’s grace— 

Will find new homes in every place. 

To all who wrote, and all who read, 

To every word once softly said— 

Si Yu’os Ma’ase’, friends, from sea to sea, 

For sharing dreams so fearlessly. 

Farewell, but not the end, dear friends— 

For poetry, like tide, transcends, 

We'll meet again where muses roam, 

In every poem that feels like home. 

(c) mnrivera

United as One: A Tribute to District 14

Håfa Adai, Aloha, and Talofa! we say, 

As we greet the new quarter and light the way. 

With hearts full of purpose and hands to the task, 

We honor our mission — in service, we bask. 

From Emergency Management, vigilant eyes, 

Scanning the Pacific, where danger may rise. 

RFF ready, Everbridge alerts set, 

Your courage and planning we’ll never forget. 

We call on all members to sharpen their skill, 

ICS courses, a must to fulfill. 

For when FEMA calls or storms make their way, 

Our team stands ready, by night or by day. 

Operations charge forward, hands-on and strong, 

Training on islands, where we all belong. 

On Oahu, our crews meet each demand, 

Completing their ACM, firm as the land. 

Aviation Flotilla 10, soaring the skies, 

With five active wings, their mission flies high. 

Air operations with power and grace, 

Bringing support to each faraway place. 

Our Public Education and outreach extend, 

Where Boat America helps boaters defend 

Against risks at sea, with knowledge in hand, 

Keeping them safe on ocean and sand. 

And who brings joy to the youngest hearts? 

Coastie’s Story Time, where learning starts! 

With families gathered, online and near, 

Teaching water safety with laughter and cheer. 

So as we march to the future ahead, 

With readiness, training, and knowledge well-spread, 

We hold fast to our goal, to protect and to teach, 

And ensure that safety is always in reach. 

Si Yu’os Ma’åse’, Mahalo, Fa'afetai, 

To each of you walking this mission-highway. 

Remember this truth as onward we motion: 

"Individually, a drop; together, an ocean." 

Biba District 14! Semper Paratus! 

Forever prepared — for all that calls us.

(c) mnrivera