“The Tides and Ocean Sighs”

Born into poverty, I knew no other way

No vacations or respite, just work every day

Hawaii was a dream, an unattainable place

A paradise on earth, a world so full of grace

But still I longed to escape, to leave the strife behind

And dreamt of a sanctuary where peace I could find

On TV and in my mind's eye, I saw the ocean's blue

And hoped that one day, my dreams would come true

Tears cut grooves down my face,

Like rivers along the volcanic mountain's base

But deep inside, a fire burned, a hope I couldn't erase

For I knew that one day, Hawaii would fill my days

And then, by chance, the opportunity arose

To travel across the ocean, to Hawaii's shore

I stepped onto the land, and the world opened up

A world of wonder, of beauty, and love

The sun set over the water, painting the sky gold

The sand was so soft, the warm breeze a welcome hold

The palms rustled in the wind, and the waves sang in tune

And in that moment, I knew I'd found my home beneath the moon

It was all but a dream, but now it's real

Hawaii, the place where my heart and soul can heal

I found a sanctuary where the sun always shines

And every day is a gift, another chance to define

So now I stand here, on this island paradise

With my feet in the sand and my heart full of life

And I know that though my roots are humble and poor

I've found a place where I can dream, and so much more.