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Ka Loke Polena - Words & Music by Anthony K. Conjugacion


Kaulana i ka nani o ku‘u pua
He nani ‘i’o nö ia loke polena

Höli‘o kö maka me ka ‘ölinolino
He mino‘aka kou poina ‘ole ia

Ho‘ina i ka mana‘o häli‘ali‘a
Käwelu i ke ahe ahe a ka makani

Ke kani hone a nä manu o Lehua
Hü a‘e mai ke aloha i ke ahe eaea

He aheahe ka makani ‘o Wai‘öpua
Ke ‘ala onaona e moani nei

Neia ku‘u mele o ku‘u pua
Ka pua loke polena poina ‘ole ia

Famed is the beauty of my blossom
A true beauty is this yellow rose

Dazzling are your eyes that sparkle
And your smile so unforgettable

A fond recollection comes to me (of you)
Swaying gently amidst the gentle breeze

The sweet voices of the birds of Lehua
Swelling up with love, lilting on the air

Gentle as the Wai‘öpua breeze
Attractive is your sweet wafting scent

This my song of my beloved
The yellow rose, so unforgettable

Source: Tony C. - Mana‘o: Composed in honor of Victoria Keali‘ika‘apunihonua I‘i Rodrigues. The yellow rose was her favorite of all flowers. Adapted from an earlier version (1986) by the same composer, for his most formidable mentor. This version connotates specific metaphors. For example, Wai‘öpua is the name of the wind associated with Palolo, O‘ahu, where Mrs. Rodrigues resided. Lehua was the name of one of the famed female musical trios she founded. This mele was nominated for "Song of the Year" 2005 Nâ Hôkû Hanohano Awards, recorded by Raiatea Helm, "Sweet and Lovely"CD. Copyright 1986, revised 2004. Publishing 2004 Mountain Apple Co.