Poetry

Aloha! I'm excited to say that we have a special treat for all of you out there. Over the course of the next few blogs, we will be showcasing a few of our students and the poetry that they wrote in our classes here at the MLI.

But first, let's learn some new Pidgin! Here are a couple of words that can be used to describe something that you like a lot or that you think is great, like our students’ poetry! The word we will learn today is "mean." I bet that the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear the word "mean" is someone who is not nice. However, it can have another completely different meaning.

Mean - Awesome, great, fantastic, amazing.
1. John: How was da concert last night?
Mike: Ho, was mean!

Translation: John: How was the concert last night?
Mike: It was amazing!

2. John: Hey I just when cook this, try try um...hows?
Mike: Ho, the buggah is mean!

Translation: John: Hey I just cooked this, can you taste it for me? How is it?
Mike: Wow, it's fantastic!

Now on to some of our “mean” poetry! Our first poet hails from Japan. He recently completed our program here at the Maui Language Institute and will continue his education at a university on Oahu. So without further ado, here's Kazuya!


My sweet hometown
I smell the warm heart in Komobuchi.
"Hello" can be heard all around.
I smile in return.
"Good bye" can be heard all around.
I come back and say "I am home" in return.

Bright English
It's too bright to see.
Still I have a desire to grab it.
Always she escapes from me.
Knowing it's hard to get.
Someday I will catch up with her.


Ho that was mean, ah? We'll be back with more Pidgin English updates and great poets soon, so stay tuned. See ya for now. Peace!