The river is haunted

Its water churns

Raging and untamable 

Whitewash and small waves

Green leaves, dying leaves 

They flow in the direction of the river

I don't know where it leads

From my position on the rocks

I think it goes on forever

It goes by the name Kepaniwai

A haunting name from a dying language

"Damned Stream"

An appropriate title for its History

A long time ago,

Its water weren't as crystal clear as they are now

A long time ago,

Its waters ran red with the blood from its victims

Victims of a terrible war

Sacrifices needed in order to bring peace

The river is haunted

I heard from my father, from my friends, whispers from strangers besides me

However as I gaze into the clear water

As I plunge my hands into the ice cold depths and watch the fish flutter around me

I don't care that it's haunted

The site is a battleground 

It's history and culture and war and destruction

It's where my ancestors fought for what they believe in and died with pride

The river has my respect

And in turn, the river respects me