Child & Family Service: "Intentions" by Kealoha from Banzai Media, LLC on Vimeo.
Child & Family Service: “Intentions” by Kealoha from Banzai Media, LLC.
By Kealoha
Hawaii’s first poet laureate, Kealoha gave a voice to the 40,000 lives touched by Child & Family Service annually as he performed his poem, Intentions, a stirring and positive message about hope, help, healing, and family. This masterful work was inspired by the words of keiki, teens, kūpuna and families served by CFS.
we understand
that our intentions are critical
that more often than not progress is incremental
that each moment builds on the next
and if we want to affect change in the world it comes in baby steps
barely noticeable to the naked eye
but like the movement of the sun through the sky
it is ever present every second of every day
so make this one count
because there is good work to be done by good people
and when we combine our talents and resources we shine beautiful
our collective impact is real
when it reaches the depths of the family core and heals
and though we may not see how our singular efforts help directly
remember that in the grand scheme this whole dream is much bigger than you and me
113 years and counting
this is bigger than us
15,000 people supported annually
this is bigger than us
touching the lives of 40,000
this is bigger than us
because we understand
that our intentions are critical
that more often than not progress is incremental
that each moment builds on the next
and if we want to affect change in our lives it comes in baby steps
barely noticeable to the naked eye
but like the movement of the sun through the sky
it is ever present every second of every day
and if your circumstance ever hurls hurt and hate
when it seems the world is full of judgment and blame
and the shame keeps you silent like static in your throat
know that you’ve got a home here
that there are steady hands to hold you
guide you from free fall
a place where your trust is treated as sacred
break the cycle
he hit you and he hurt your kids
break the cycle
you’ve been taught that you’re stupid and useless
break the cycle
the fear is paralyzing your progress
break the cycle
just understand
that our intentions are critical
that more often than not progress is incremental
that each moment builds on the next
and if we want to affect change and keep it going it comes in baby steps
barely noticeable to the naked eye
but like the movement of the sun through the sky
it is ever present every second of every day
so be that change
be the parent that you never had, make lessons out of your mistakes
kiss the sky with your mind while you work, learn until your brain aches
graduate to your potential and push further
love your father your mother your sisters your brothers your children
listen to your compassion
be passionate
let your courage navigate you to new territories
support your loved ones dreams
this is family
receive help when you need it
this is family
give of yourself when needed
this is family
learn to trust and communicate with your heart
this is family…
and as each day passes
trace the incremental pattern of the sun through the sky
map out the path of your greatest intentions
and smile
© 2012 Kealoha
