Student reflections at the Arizona Memorial
Six Waipahu high school students explored history and poetry this semester at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. As part of the Poetry in the Parks workshop, they experienced a unique, quiet visit to the Arizona Memorial, away from the bustle of the usual crowds. Led by poet Jodie Hollander, the students used writing prompts to craft their own poems, inspired by the park’s profound history. Listen to Odessa G and Camrey B share their spoken word pieces below, and read three more poems from these talented young writers.
A Hero, An Armor Smith, An Ancestor
By Gracie Z.
He can hear it happen,
And yet there is nothing.
No bombs,
No screams,
Nothing.
Must be in the water-
Memories stuck even though time passed on.
Mother Nature tormenting, yet caring for this
Young, dead, sailor
Only time will tell.
“How long do we have left?” He cries.
But only the rippling of the water answers.
—-
He is alone, the poor first-class Armor Smith,
With only the fish for company,
Not a father, brother, or uncle to be seen-
Just fish.
Mother Nature is kind in her cruel way.
The silent whispers
By Kailee Rose K.
I see a ship once sailing like any other but this one has sunk under the water
It may have sunk but I see life from the corals and fish that live here
I feel drawn to it. Do you hear it too?
As the wind blows past me this feeling, It makes me hear whispers
They sound as if the sadness is pouring out of my heart
Though many have died, none have been forgotten
Thank you for everything you’ve all done for you are the reasons why we are able to live a good life
We live because of you
I thank you for giving us your everything and your lives
You hold a special place in our hearts
They are all forever in our hearts
May they rest in peace for our love and thanks is forever with them.
Breath Holding Spell
By Odessa G
Around me, I see only anguish —
Broken rusted tops peeking over the blue blanket,
Stillness rests here – not even the wind nor sea disturbs,
Bubbles of oil pittering up, a beating heart, refusing to die.
Brothers, all family at heart, now forever at peace,
The previous night, so jubilant and bright,
Now it plays a somber, eternal tune.
Families destroyed – brothers, fathers, nephews and sons,
What is there to say? Nothing there is.
It’s quiet, the sailors final breaths,
Forever holding still,
The breath holding spell is in place.
Today, nothing speaks – only the weight of all the fallen sailors,
Standing watch of their home.
The memorial full of remembrance and honor,
Silent tears and shuddered breaths,
Finding a family member’s name on the looming wall.
Here, destruction, anger, love and ache reside.
Under me now, below the quiet blue, the ocean cradles the fallen,
Comforting the buried, keeping the breath-holding spell in place,
Gone so quick, no mind can bear–
Sacrifices beyond measure, debts we cannot repay.
To you, I lower my cap and salute,
Sailors whose memories never fade,
Remembrance to be found.
